Imagine this, my friends: the sparkle of the Dusit Thani Makati ballroom on December 27, 2025. Lights are flashing, hearts are racing, and then suddenly, Vice Ganda’s name booms through as Best Actor for Call Me Mother at the MMFF 2025 Gabi ng Parangal. Tears flow, voice trembling yet filled with sass, as Vice proclaimed, “It’s 2025. It’s about damn time,” totally commanding the stage in a gown that radiated unapologetic queer power. This wasn’t just any triumph; it was a powerful statement for every bakla, trans, and queer individual who’s ever been told their stories don’t deserve the spotlight.
A Night of Milestones and Revelations
Vice’s portrayal of Twinkle, a determined gay father raising his son Angelo on his own, struck a chord with its authenticity. Inquirer.net reported the emotion, highlighting how Call Me Mother secured 3rd Best Picture and a Gender Sensitivity Award, while I’m Perfect, starring Krystel Go, who has Down syndrome, won Best Picture and earned her a Best Actress nod. It’s a powerful moment of inclusivity, showing that Filipino cinema is now embracing narratives beyond the usual clichés.
During his heartfelt speech, broadcasted live for everyone to experience, Vice shared a candid moment: “Hindi yung takot na maaaring hindi kami maaaring… kundi yung takot namin na baka hindi kami payagan.” This clip from PRIDE Partners captures him expressing gratitude to his son Lucas, ABS-CBN Star Cinema, and Diva Films, before stating, “A person in gown can be a best actor.” With sass and sincerity, the audience erupted in applause.
Igniting the Flame of Queer Visibility
But darling, not everyone’s cracking open the bubbly. While jurors like Johnny Amante viewed these wins as proof of cinema’s progress, “acknowledging excellence regardless of age, gender identity, or traditional norms,” according to Philstar, online debates are buzzing. Is this the pinnacle of progress or just ticking off boxes to look good? Some celebrate the breaking of barriers (Vice’s first after nominations in Beauty and the Breadwinner), while others quietly question if the MMFF’s “inclusive” transformation is genuine, especially amidst ongoing queer challenges like discrimination and being overlooked.
Vice embraced it all in La Union, exclaiming “Ako nga, at last,” savoring the moment like a long-awaited reunion. And ARTISTA NEWS footage captures his nervous quips about the all-male jury (“Bakit puro lalaki yung jurors, tapos may pari?”), turning anxiety into victory.
This victory? It’s a reflection of our endurance. To every queer Pinoy with big dreams, Vice’s tears echo: Your time will come. Laugh, cry, celebrate, because in 2025, we’re not just being seen; we’re conquering.
