(From left) Awra Briguela and Vice Ganda. Image: Instagram/@awrabriguela
Awra Briguela expressed her appreciation for her manager Vice Ganda for the “genuine love” shown during the difficult times,” referring to the “It’s Showtime” host as her “savior and protector.”
On her Instagram page on Tuesday, April 16, Briguela — whose real name is McNeal Briguela and who uses the pronouns she and her — greeted Vice Ganda on the sidelines of the latter’s 48th birthday party at the Highland Bali Villas Resort and Spa in Nueva Ecija.
“To my dearest mother, sister, mentor, savior, protector. I just wanna say thank you ‘cuz I won’t be here where I am right now if it’s not because of you. Thank you for being there when I needed you most, especially during difficult times,” she wrote.
Without mentioning anything in particular, Briguela said the “It’s Showtime” host “chose nothing but to trust, believe, and see the star.” She also vowed to make Vice Ganda proud.
“I’m very grateful for you being generous and for always giving me nothing but the genuine love, the genuine love that came from a genuine heart,” she said. “All that I truly wish for is for you to receive all the genuine love as well and happiness every single day because that is what you deserve.”
Briguela made headlines after she was arrested by the Makati City Police following a brawl at a bar in Barangay Poblacion in June 2023. She was freed on bail a few days later.
She was later on charged before the Makati Prosecutor’s Office for light threats, grave coercion and violation of the Safe Spaces Act or the “Bawal Bastos” law, but would subsequently file a counter-affidavit against the complaints made against her. Her case remained pending before the Makati Prosecutor’s Office
Meanwhile, Vice Ganda clarified in August 2023 that Briguela is still her talent, and he would be there to give “guidance” following her detention.