Vice Ganda promises to give parol vendor her dream Noche Buena for her family
· Vice Ganda has highlighted the heartbreaking irony of a vendor who crafts colorful Christmas lanterns or parols for a living but cannot afford to hang a single one in her own home due to poverty
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· Upon hearing that the vendor, Jona, was planning to settle for spaghetti or barangay aid for Christmas, Vice Ganda stepped in to grant her ultimate wish
· The host and comedienne promised the parol vendor a whole roast pig (lechon) for her family’s Noche Buena
· Beyond the feast, Vice Ganda provided cash for the vendor to finally buy her own lantern and treated her family to see the upcoming MMFF 2025 entry, Call Me Mother
Christmas in the Philippines is synonymous with the parol—the star-shaped lantern that symbolizes hope and light.
Source: Instagram
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However, in a touching episode of It’s Showtime on Friday, December 13, the hosts were confronted with the harsh irony that those who weave this light often live in the darkest financial shadows.
During the "Laro Laro Pick" segment, host Vice Ganda sat down with Jona, a dedicated vendor who inherited the craft of making lanterns from recycled materials from her mother.
As the conversation unfolded, a heartbreaking reality surfaced: despite spending her days creating decorations that brighten the homes of others, Jona admitted she could not afford to hang a single lantern in her own house. Every peso earned was strictly for survival.
When the conversation turned to the upcoming holidays, Jona’s expectations were painfully modest.
She shared that her family would likely rely on the Christmas aid distributed by their local barangay. If they were lucky, they might share a simple plate of spaghetti.
However, when pressed about what her heart truly desired if money were no object, she shyly admitted that her dream Noche Buena centerpeice was a lechon (roast pig).
Visibly moved by Jona’s humility and the "irony of life," Vice Ganda wasted no time in changing the narrative. The "Unkabogable Star" immediately pledged to fulfill Jona’s wish, promising that a whole lechon would be on their table this Christmas Eve.
But the surprises didn't stop at food. Vice wanted to ensure Jona experienced the full joy of the season.
The host gifted the vendor with pocket money so her family could watch Call Me Mother, Vice’s collaboration movie with Nadine Lustre for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025.
Most symbolically, Vice gave Jona the funds to finally purchase a parol for her own home, ensuring her house would shine just as bright as her customers'.
The interaction transcended charity when Vice Ganda used the moment to impart a powerful message to the audience.
He lamented how accustomed Filipinos have become to scarcity, often accepting the bare minimum because they feel they don't deserve more.
"Masyado tayong sinanay na wala tayong standard, na, 'Okay na 'yang P500 sa Noche Buena, huwag ka nang maghangad','" Vice stated passionately. "Pero kung mataas ang standard mo, you will keep working hard."
He drew parallels to love and leadership, urging the public to recognize their worth. "Let's keep a standard, mga Pilipino. Hindi tayo laging nasa baba, aangat tayo kasi gusto natin. 'Pag naranasan natin, hindi tayo papayag. Kapag nakaranas ka ng poging boyfriend, hindi ka na papayag na lolokohin ka ng pangit... 'Pag nakaranas ka ng masarap na buhay, hindi ka na papayag na bumalik pa sa hindi masarap. 'Pag nakaranas tayo ng magandang gobyerno, hindi tayo papayag na pagnakawan pa tayo."
Jose Marie Borja Viceral, or more popularly known as Vice Ganda, has transcended the role of a mere comedian to become a defining cultural force in the Philippines. As the "Unkabogable Star," she is best recognized as the mainstay host of the long-running noontime variety show It’s Showtime and the box-office queen behind record-breaking films such as The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin and The Mall, The Merrier. Beyond the laughter, Vice has increasingly utilized her massive platform to champion social causes and LGBTQIA+ rights, blending sharp satire with genuine advocacy. Her evolution from a stand-up comic in comedy bars to a socially conscious multimedia mogul underscores her enduring influence on Filipino pop culture and public discourse.
Recently, Vice Ganda released a new vlog detailing a recent trip to Rome, Italy, which she took with her family and partner, Ion Perez. The celebrated television host became visibly emotional during her tour of the historic Vatican Museum, describing the experience as overwhelming. The group participated in a significant spiritual event by visiting all four Holy Doors, which are ritually opened only once every 25 years during a Jubilee Year. Vice Ganda characterized the entire pilgrimage as a "magical" and intensely personal spiritual journey that profoundly affected her.
Meanwhile, during the press conference for their upcoming MMFF film, Call Me Mother, Vice Ganda and co-star Shuvee Etrata exchanged heartfelt and affirmative messages. Shuvee Etrata used the occasion to express deep gratitude to Vice, crediting the comedian with fundamentally changing her life and teaching her crucial lessons on accountability and moving past errors. Vice Ganda reciprocated the affection, declaring his love for Shuvee and stating that despite external scrutiny and "outside noise," they share a profound mutual understanding. The public exchange of warm messages strongly indicates that the two stars have successfully resolved any past differences or issues they may have had.
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