Vice Ganda and director Jun Lana. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — From the success of their film "And the Breadwinner Is...", Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda and award-winning director Jun Robles Lana are teaming up once again for a new project titled "Call Me Mother" for Metro Manila Film Festival.
In an exclusive interview, the two creatives shared their excitement, the pressure, and the deeper themes they aim to explore in this highly anticipated follow-up.
“We’re thrilled for sure,” said Direk Jun. “I’m so grateful to have this chance again to work with Meme, who’s not just a muse to me parang kapatid ko na siya, To be able to tell another story together and take things even further than our last film is very exciting.”
Vice Ganda, who expressed heartfelt gratitude, said: “Ako, nagpapasalamat lang ako sa Panginoon at patuloy pa rin kami binibigyan ng pagkakataon… Maraming gustong sumali sa film fest, maraming gustong maging bahagi ng ganitong proyekto. So, we don’t take this for granted.”
‘It’s Showtime’ Family celebrates Vice Ganda’s MMFF 2025 film ‘Call Me Mother’
The comedy-drama stars Vice Ganda alongside Nadine Lustre and is set to explore the meaning of motherhood beyond biology, touching on themes of love, identity, and chosen families.
"Call Me Mother" film poster. ABS-CBN Studios
“Siguro pwede ko lang i-share, we’re going to be exploring kung ano ba yung definition natin sa pagiging isang ina. Hahamunin natin kung anong ibig sabihin ng pagiging isang ina na hindi lang basta sa dugo, kundi sa puso,” Vice teased.
Their last film became a hit on Netflix earlier this year, reigniting excitement about the possibility of another team-up.
But Lana clarified that this project isn’t about matching past success -- it’s about surpassing it.
“It’s not about pressure,” he explained. “What we’re thinking is that our audiences deserve more. We want to give them something better, something more meaningful.”
Vice Ganda, known primarily for comedy, shared how Lana challenged her to embrace uncomfortable roles particularly in dramatic scenes that push emotional boundaries.
“Direk Jun made me comfortable doing drama. He personally workshopped with me. At nung ginawa namin ‘yung 15-minute one-shot scene, akala ko ’yun na ang pinakahirap. Pero sabi niya, wala pa ‘yon,” Vice recalled with a laugh.
MMFF review: Jun Lana brings out the best in Vice Ganda in 'And the Breadwinner Is'
When asked if the upcoming film will deliver the same emotional punch as "And the Breadwinner Is...", Vice said: “Kung nag-enjoy sila, natuwa sila, napaiyak namin sila sa And the Breadwinner Is, dito sa pelikulang ito, sa Call Me Mother, gagawin po namin ‘yung lahat para higitan ‘yun. Deserve nila ‘yun.”
"Call Me Mother" is set to premiere as an official entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival and marks the duo’s return to the big screen. Vice says the faith she has in her team—Lana, the writers, and Star Cinema—keeps her grounded amid the pressure to top their last hit.
“I trust him so much. I trust Star Cinema so much. The writers, the creatives—I trust everyone so much,” Vice said.