IT will be the same rib-tickling comedy from Vice Ganda in his Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “The Mall, The Merrier,” directed by Barry Gonzales.
At the press con of the movie, the comedian was emphatic when he defended the genre as an important part of cinema.
“Hindi puwedeng mawala sa buhay natin ang comedy. Hindi puwedeng mawala sa Pasko ang comedy. Can you imagine Christmas without comedy?” he said.
He also said he does not understand why comedy does not seem to get the same respect as, say drama.
“Comedy is a genre. It’s a legit genre. It’s as special as drama, adventure, action. Hindi ko lang maintindihan kung bakit parang ang baba ng tingin ng tao sa comedy, na hindi siya kasing-antas ng drama. Sa Pilipinas lang siguro,” said Vice.
In “The Mall, The Merrier,” Vice said he got very excited to work with his “It’s Showtime” co-host, Anne Curtis, who happened to be pregnant while they were shooting the movie.
Vice said Anne had no qualms about being deglamorized in the film, at one point entering a garbage bin.
“Hindi pa namin alam na buntis siya,” said the comedian, expressing his admiration for his co-star’s professionalism.
Aside from Anne, Vice admitted he enjoyed working with versatile actress Dimples Romana and was especially thrilled to be with his boyfriend, Ion Perez, on the set everyday.
“The Mall, The Merrier” also stars Chad Kinis, Brenda Mage, MC, Lassy, Elisse Joson,, Jameson Blake and Tony Labrusca.
