“It’s Showtime” host and comedian Vice Ganda once again proved that she is the “Unkabogable” queen of Philippine media with her entry for the “Piliin mo ang Pilipinas” trend.
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Donning on-brand “Meme Vice” looks and elegant Filipiniana gowns, she took the trend up a notch by bringing to light some of the country’s most pressing societal issues.
Issues raised
First, she glossed over traffic congestion and the plight of Filipino commuters. Based on a 2023 study, Metro Manila ranked first among metropolitan centers across the world with the worst traffic situation.
READ: Manila among top 10 cities with worst traffic in the world —report | ‘Not a czar’: Pinoys give suggestions to resolve Metro Manila traffic woes
The video also touched on the public utility vehicle (PUV) phaseout that groups oppose as the modernization program was deemed anti-poor.
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She then showed obstructive private development projects in culturally treasured sites, like the construction of a condominium building behind the Luneta Park and a resort within the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
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In a transition, Vice also raised awareness of the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggression toward Philippine ships in multiple water cannon attacks that further underscored the tension in the West Philippine Sea dispute.
READ: South China Sea: Why are China and Philippines tensions heating up? | Timeline: Rift deepens between the Philippines, China over South China Sea
Vice ended the video with a thought-provoking note “Kahit mahirap kang ipaglaban, pinipili pa rin kita, Pilipinas”.
On Facebook, Vice thanked “madlang people” for the 27 million views and 2.7 million likes that her entry has so far amassed across her social media accounts.
She also shared that she was overwhelmed by the support despite the sound being disabled on TikTok.
“1 million views agad agad on Tiktok kahit na-mute ang sound. Ok lang na walang music ang mahalaga marinig ang mensahe. Zenkyoooooow Madlang People!!!! #VGPiliinAngPilipinasChallenge”, Vice said.
‘Nag-iisa ka’
Fans and other personalities lauded Vice for using her platform for a meaningful cause.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), a fan account commented in praise of Vice’s wits.
grabe utak ni vice!!
napakalinaw ng mensahe, para sa hindi mapagtanggol ang ating kapwa pilipino, para sa inuuna ang mga personal na interes
utang na loob, piliin niyo naman ang pilipinas! https://t.co/qhB7q2I13Y #ViceGanda#PiliinMoAngPilipinas pic.twitter.com/L41cW7c2u2
— Reese (@ViFeelings) May 10, 2024
“It’s Showtime” co-host Kim Chiu also took to X to express her awe.
“Nag-iisa ka talaga!,” she posted, adding it got her teary-eyed.
Ang ganda ng entry ni mama @vicegandako ng #PiliinMoAngPilipinas 💯✔️✨👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 pero bakit nakaka teary eye yung dulo?.🥺 Ganda ma! Nag iisa ka talaga!💪🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— kim chiu (@prinsesachinita) May 10, 2024
Likewise, Kapuso actress Glaiza de Castro wrote a short but striking comment.
“Nakakaiyak kasi totoo,” she said.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela penned a heartfelt message thanking Vice on X.
“Ang West Philippine Sea ay parte ng Pilipinas, piliin nating tindigan ito para sa susunod na lahi ng kabataang Pilipino!” he shared, adding the Philippine flag emoji.
Maraming salamat, @vicegandako, sa patuloy na pagpili ng Pilipinas. Kahit mahirap siyang ipaglaban, sama sama tayong piliin ang Pilipinas! Ang West Philippine Sea ay parte ng Pilipinas, piliin nating tindigan ito para sa susunod na lahi ng kabataang Pilipino! 🇵🇭 https://t.co/YOKuzsQPQ6
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) May 10, 2024
Transport group PISTON was also among those who thanked Vice, extending their gratitude for Vice’s support.
“Salamat Meme @vicegandako sa patuloy na pagtindig sa panawagan ng mga Pilipinong tsuper!” they wrote.
THE UNKABOGABLE DOES IT AGAIN! 💃🏽🇵🇭
Salamat Meme @vicegandako sa patuloy na pagtindig sa panawagan ng mga Pilipinong tsuper! 🚌✊🏽
Sa harap ng tumitinding krisis sa bansa dulot ng dayuhang panghihimasok, napapanahon ang mensahe ng bagong viral video ni Meme—PILIIN MO ANG… pic.twitter.com/aTD4MWsAKz
— PISTON (@pistonph) May 10, 2024
“Napapanahon ang mensahe ng bagong viral video ni Meme—PILIIN MO ANG PILIPINAS!” the group added.
Last month, the transport group thanked Vice and “It’s Showtime” for choosing them as their beneficiary when they won during their “Family Feud Philippines” guesting.
READ: PISTON thanks ‘It’s Showtime’ hosts for choosing them as ‘Family Feud PH’ beneficiary
