Unkabogable phenomenal star Vice Ganda and award-winning actress-comedian Eugene Domingo reunite on the big screen for the much-awaited Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry "And the Breadwinner Is."
In an interview, the two stars opened up about working together again, their chemistry, and the emotional depth of their latest project.
When asked about collaborating again after over a decade, Vice joked, “Saks lang. Okay lang. For the money.”
Domingo joined in the playful banter, adding, “Walang choice. Tsaka for clout!”
But the tone quickly shifted to sincerity, with Vice expressing his joy: “Super happy. Bukod sa ang ganda ng pelikulang nagawa namin, lalo na-strengthen 'yung relationship namin.”
“Nanumbalik yung connection namin. After more than 10 years, this project felt perfect. It’s something I’ll never forget, and I’m so thankful to be part of Vice’s movie,” Domingo said.
While both are celebrated for their comedic prowess, this film marked a new chapter as it blended drama with humor. Eugene praised Vice’s dedication, saying, “He prepared, doubtful, but delivered 100 percent. Para sa akin, winner ka na.”
Vice admitted that stepping into a dramatic role was a challenge, saying it was difficult for him and that he attended workshops because he was working with award-winning actors.
He also credited his fellow actors for their support which led to the evolution of his character.
“Yung drama, mahirap siya sa akin kasi bago sa akin 'to. Kaya nag-workshop ako kasi ang kasama ko dito, mga award-winning actors—mga Urian, FAMAS awardees. Pero dahil sa alalay nila, napunta ako sa lugar na dapat kong puntahan bilang karakter,” he said.
Reflecting on their chemistry, Vice shared, “Dati, naglalaro lang kami. Ngayon, iba na. 'Yung bardagulan namin, timbugan habang nagpapatawa, tapos timbugan habang umiiyak. Iba 'yung experience.”
Eugene agreed, emphasizing how the film brought a new dynamic to their partnership and that it is "something fresh and exciting."
With the film set to premiere on December 25, both stars expressed their anticipation for its release.
“More than kaba, excitement yung nararamdaman ko,” Vice shared. “Gusto ko nang makita 'yung pelikula, pero wala pa akong napapanood, kaya malala 'yung anticipation.”
“It’s just that sinasabi ng staff ng lahat ng aming management na they’re very very happy sila kasi 'yung nakapanood. They’re very happy with the outcome and they’re congratulating us so excited kami as much as you are the audience na makikita natin ng sabay sa December 25,” Domingo added.
She also hopes the film inspires audiences to reflect on their family roles: “Tanggapin natin na sa pamilya, may kanya-kanya tayong papel, pero hindi pa huli ang lahat para magbago.”
Vice emphasized love as the central theme: “Maraming sakit, gulo, at dilim sa pamilya, pero dahil sa pagmamahal, maisasaayos lahat. Gusto ko sa dulo, love pa rin ang mararamdaman natin.”
And the Breadwinner Is, directed by Jun Lana, is one of the official entries for the MMFF 2024 showing on December 25.