‘SPG’ numbers in Vice Ganda’s Valentine concert

Vice Ganda —Facebook

Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda, who has found himself in hot water numerous times in the past, said he has learned to become “more cautious” through the years.

He no longer gets summoned by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) for violating its rules while he hosts the noontime program “It’s Showtime.” He has ceased to be the subject of negative comments by netizens for alleged offensive remarks, just like his controversial “rape joke” at a concert in 2013.

“In the beginning, I was only used to live performances in comedy bars. I didn’t filter what I’d say to my audience. I had to learn the ropes of TV hosting. I did commit several mistakes,” he said during a media gathering for “Pusuan Mo si Vice Ganda sa Araneta,” his Valentine show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

“Now, I’m more aware of what is acceptable to viewers. It also helped that their views, and also the MTRCB’s, as to what is offensive and what isn’t have changed through time. They have become more tolerant,” he pointed out.

Vice said his last concert, 2015’s “Vice: Gandang Ganda sa Sarili,” was the product of his effort not to ruffle his audience’s sensibilities. “It was the most ‘peaceful’ concert I’ve had. My network bosses requested for it. They said I should do away with comedy bar jokes, and that they wanted to see more production numbers like Madonna’s,” he recalled. “So that’s what I did. After the show, people said it was too tame and that they expected more.”

For his coming concert, Vice said he wanted “to go back to basics. As early as now, I’m already warning people that it will be SSSPG,” which was a play on the MTRCB television rating SPG or “strict parental guidance.”

“I have several acts that are not suitable for TV or the movies, but are effective when done live. I know my loyal audience. I know how to make them laugh. If, despite the warning, some of them would still get offended, then I’d say sorry,” he declared.

Vice’s special guests are McNeal “Awra” Briguela, Daniel Padilla, Maja Salvador, Daryl Ong, Michael Pangilinan and Kris Lawrence.

Being in show business has also taught Vice to be humble and accepting, especially when things don’t go as planned, as in the case of his film “The Super Parental Guardians,” his comedy film with Coco Martin that failed to make the cut in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival.

He added: “Coco and I will keep making films for the MMFF. It’s our goal to reach as many viewers as possible. We even posted comments in our social media accounts asking our followers to support the festival.”

In spite of his success, Vice admitted that he still had insecurities. “I have a lot of fears. I’m afraid time would pass by so quickly that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the pace.”

He said that even experienced stage performers get stage fright. “I get worried if I don’t feel nervous before a show starts. It’s normal for me to feel nervous. In fact, I was so tense in my last concert that I vomited on my costume, so we had to delay the opening number.”

Vice said he was involved in the conceptualization of “Pusuan Mo.” “I worked hand in hand with the crew. They would pitch an idea to me, then I’d ‘Vicefy’ it,” he said. “I’m excited! I will show to my audience a side of me they have yet to see, like delivering spoken word poetry.”