BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

“It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda once again has proven that she is the “Unkabogable Phenomenal Star!”

The entry of Vice Ganda in the popular “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas” challenge sung by Angeline Quinto, is trending because it’s not just about being cute and beautiful, but it’s also “socially relevant” as it tackles various timely social issues.

Some of the social issues seen in her challenge include the daily struggles of commuters due to heavy traffic, the issue of phasing out old passenger jeepneys due to the public utility vehicle modernization program, the construction of a resort within the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and the heated dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

At the end of the video, Vice said that even though fighting for the Philippines may be difficult, it is still her choice. “Kahit mahirap kang ipaglaban, pinipili pa rin kita Pilipinas (Even though it’s hard to fight for you, Philippines, I still choose you),” Vice said at the end of the video while waving the Philippine flag.

It quickly garnered millions of views on social media, especially on TikTok. It was also supported by fellow celebrities, influencers, and netizens because out of all those who participated in the challenge, Vice Ganda was said to have “finished the fight.”

Vice Ganda was praised by groups of jeepney drivers such as Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON), Manibela, as well as by the feminist group Gabriela.  “Salamat Meme Vice Ganda sa patuloy na pagtindig sa panawagan ng mga Pilipinong tsuper! ,” PISTON said in a Facebook post.

“Sa harap ng tumitinding krisis sa bansa dulot ng dayuhang panghihimasok, napapanahon ang mensahe ng bagong viral video ni Meme—PILIIN MO ANG PILIPINAS! ,” they added. 

“Maraming salamat sa malasakit Vice Ganda! Wala [nang] mas hihigit pa sa pagmamahal sa ating kultura! Wala [nang] mas hihigit pa sa malasakit sa kapwa Pilipino,” Manibela said. 

“Vice Ganda’s bold stance in raising awareness on social issues such as the traffic congestion and commuters’ struggle in the country, protests concerning the PUV modernization program, the infamous Torre de Manila that photobombs the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park, the resort that was built in the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and the water cannon assault by China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea is timely and commendable,” Gabriela said. 

“In times of crisis, it is crucial for influential figures like Vice Ganda to use their platform to uplift and empower Filipinos, instilling a sense of patriotism and solidarity in facing the challenges that confront our nation,” they added. 

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News after the video went viral, May 11, Vice Ganda stated that people need to be socially aware, especially with what’s happening nowadays.

“Contrast siya. ‘Yong Pilipinas kasi hindi lang siya puro maganda. Ang realidad ay meron ding hindi magandang sitwasyon, merong hindi magandang bahagi ang Pilipinas. Pero ano’t anoman ‘yan, pipiliin mo pa rin siya at ipaglalaban mo ang Pilipinas,” she said. 

“Bukod sa ipinagmamalaki natin ‘yong magagandang aspeto ng Pilipinas, dapat gising at aware din tayo sa katotohanan, sa hindi magandang katotohanan sa paligid natin. Hindi puwedeng ‘yong maganda lang ang alam natin. Maganda rin ‘yong alam natin ‘yong hindi magagandang bahagi nito,” she emphasized. 

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: Facebook (Vice Ganda)