Vice Ganda

José Marie Borja-Viceral, popularly known as Vice Ganda, or Vice (born 31 March 1976) is aFilipino comedian, television presenter, and actor. Viceral is a regular host/judge on ABS-CBN’s noon time variety show It's Showtime and starred in films, one of which is considered thehighest-grossing film in Philippine cinema.

He is best known for his stand-up routines, for which he uses observational comedy, situational irony and sarcasm in pertaining to Filipino culture and human sexuality. He is also the first openly gay endorser for a major product (Globe Telecom).

Early life

The youngest of five children, Viceral grew up in the neighbourhood along José Abád Santos Street in Manuguit, Tondo, Manila. His father, abarangay captain, was murdered when he was young, prompting his mother to leave the children for work abroad as a caregiver. He readPolitical Science at Far Eastern University,and aged 19, had begun writing and performing stand-up comic routines in comedy bars inErmita, Manila.

Career

[edit]Stand-up comedy

Viceral launched his stand-up career in Punchline and The Library, whose owner Andrew de Real gave him the stage name “Vice Ganda”.

There he spent several years developing his materials in the comedy clubs. Vice’s career began to build after appearances on television and reviews from tabloid columns. He works alongside fellow comedians Chocoleit, Pooh, John Lapus and Rey Kilay.

Television

He appeared in several television series and sitcoms but his character in Dyosa under the direction of Wenn V. Deramas. Vice also had another supporting role in the drama series Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik. In 2009, he became part of Showtime, a talent search programme where he eventually gained his present role as a regular presenter-judge. His life story of being bullied as a young, closeted homosexual has also been featured in the drama anthology, Maalaala Mo Kaya. Aside from Showtime, he is currently hosting his own Sunday talk show, the consistently top rated Gandang Gabi, Vice!.Currently, he is under the management of ABS-CBN, and handling him is business unit head Deo Endrinal after being managed for four years by local entertainment columnist/host Ogie Diaz.

Film

Viceral starred in minor roles until in 2009 where he appeared alongside Vilma Santos and John Lloyd Cruz in the film In My Life. A year later he, starred in a remake of the comedy film, Petrang Kabayo.It proved to be a hit when it was released.

 The following year, Vice starred in Praybeyt Benjamin with Derek Ramsay directed by Wenn V. Deramas. The movie became the first local film to reach 300-million Pesos in ticket sales and proved to be an even greater box office success than Petrang Kabayo. He is presently under contract with Viva Films.

This Guy's In Love With U Mare! is a 2012 Filipino comedy film under Star Cinema and Viva Films. It stars Vice Ganda, Luis Manzano and Toni Gonzaga, and it is directed by Wenn V. Deramas. This Guy's in Love with U, Mare! is about an unlikely love triangle. After Lester (Vice Ganda) catches his boyfriend (Luis Manzano) proposing marriage to Gemma (Toni Gonzaga), it seems as if his whole world comes crashing down. He devises a brilliant plan to keep Gemma away from his ex by making her fall in love with him.

Music

On 15 June 2011, Vice released his first studio album, Vice Ganda: Lakas Tama under Vicor Records. It features mostly pop and novelty songs, including "Palong Palo" written by Callalily frontman Kean Cipriano. He is also included in the compilation album of Showtime released by Star Records.