Vice Ganda back on ‘It’s Showtime,’ treats audience to meal from brand he endorses

Vice Ganda has nothing but expression of gratitude as he returned to the stage of “It’s Showtime” after days of being absent.

The TV host, who had been busy with his “Super Divas” concert alongside Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, was warmly welcomed by his fellow hosts on Saturday, Aug. 16.

“I’m so happy to be back! Nakapagpahinga na ako,” he exclaimed. “Gumagalaw na ‘yung legs ko ulit. Humaba ‘yung tulog ko, nai-relax ko ‘yung legs ko, ‘yung tuhod ko lumambot na ulit, at ‘yung daliri ko sa paa gumagalaw na ulit.”

(I’m so happy to be back! I am now well-rested. My legs are moving again. My sleeps have been longer. My legs feel relaxed. My knees and toes are moving again.)

He thanked those who supported and prompted the success of his two-night concert while also speaking about another feat — his nomination for the FAMAS Best Actor award.

“Maraming salamat sa nag-uumapaw na pagmamahal ng Madlang People… I am really very happy,” he said. “Sa lahat ng mga tao na nagmamahal sa akin, araw-araw ko pong ipinagdiriwang ang pagmamahal niyo sa akin.”

(Thank you so much for your overflowing love, Madlang People. I am really very happy. To those who love me, I celebrate your love every day.)

The comedian-TV host then announced that he would treat all the studio audience to a meal at a fast-food chain he endorses.

This came on the heels of the brand’s new ad campaign featuring Heart Evangelista, which many of Vice Ganda’s critics perceived as the result of the backlash following his satirical portrayal of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s failed promise to ride a jetski on the West Philippine Sea, and his eventual incarceration at the Hague.

Vice Ganda at his recent concert earlier made headlines after his “jetski holiday” skit that made references to Duterte. The joke, while appreciated by critics of the former president, drew the ire of others, and supposedly prompted a one-million decline in the number of the comedian’s social media followers.

Meanwhile, others called to boycott the products that Vice Ganda is endorsing, among which was the fast-food chain. 

Vice Ganda has yet to publicly address this as of this writing. /ra/edv