Vice Ganda Defends Moviegoers Amid MMFF Ticket Price Backlash
VICE GANDA – Comedy superstar Vice Ganda offered a bold and thought-provoking take on the controversial MMFF ticket prices, shifting the focus from cost to the everyday struggles of Filipino moviegoers.
Comedy superstar Vice Ganda shared his thoughts on the rising ticket prices of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), stressing that the issue should not be viewed as the sole reason many Filipinos were unable to enjoy the annual movie season. Speaking on Wednesday, the actor-comedian emphasized that the problem runs deeper than pricing alone and is closely tied to broader economic realities faced by ordinary Filipinos.
According to Vice, the public discourse should shift toward the lack of stable livelihood and the weak purchasing power of many citizens, which make movie tickets feel unattainable. “Ang malaking halaga ng ticket ay hindi sanhi, kundi epekto ito ng kawalan ng kakayahan ng mga Pilipino upang gumasta dahil ang kanilang kinikita ay suwerte na lamang kung ito ay sasapat sa pangangailangan,” he said.
Vice, the 2025 MMFF Best Actor, made these remarks while serving as a guest during a simulated press conference for students and campus journalists at the 27th Inkblots journalism event held at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. When questioned about public concerns over MMFF ticket costs, he reiterated that the more pressing issue is why many Filipinos lack the means to afford them in the first place.
“Actually, hindi ‘yung presyo ng ticket ang dapat tanungin natin. Ang tanungin natin kung bakit mababa ang kakayahan ng Pilipino na bumili at gumasta,” he said, drawing applause from some attendees. He further explained, “Kahit isanlibo pa ang presyo ng tiket pang-isang tao, kung may higit na kakayahan na gumasta o higit na kakayahan sa pananalapi, hindi magiging kwestiyon ‘yan.”
Vice cited several contributing factors, including the weak value of the peso, insufficient living wages, and high unemployment rates, as reasons cinema-going has become a luxury for many. Data released on January 6 showed that MMFF sales were nearly P100 million lower than last year’s gross receipts, with high ticket prices widely seen as a factor behind the reduced turnout. In response, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which organizes the festival, said it would consider lowering prices for future editions.
As a consistent top-grosser in past MMFFs, Vice said filmmakers and artists have long pushed for more affordable ticket prices. “There was even a point na bago ako sumali [ng MMFF]… pinakiusapan ko sila na ‘Sige sasali na ako pero ibaba natin ang presyo ng ticket, na napagbigyan naman nila,’” he recalled.
He expressed disappointment that the practice was not continued in 2025, warning that failing to address affordability could further weaken the local film industry. “Kasi kung hindi, tuluyang mahihirapan ang manonood na bumalik sa sinehan… kung hindi siya panonoorin, tuluyan siyang mawawala.”
Vice concluded the session by encouraging campus journalists to stay inspired and committed to writing. The Inkblots’ annual conference brings together student journalists from across the nation for discussions on responsible journalism.
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