Vice Ganda not pressured by MMFF Box Office, aims for P1B for ‘Fantastica’

“Fantastica” stars Dingdong Dantes, Vice Ganda and Loisa Andalio

UNKABOGABLE Star Vice Ganda’s films have topped the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for the past years.

As he headlines another entry this year, the box-office superstar said he does not entertain the pressure in terms of gross sales.

“Seriously, ‘yung pressure, hindi ko na ini-entertain. Ini-enjoy ko na lang siya,” he told the members of Cebu’s Entertainment Group.

Vice Ganda with co-stars Dingdong Dantes and Loisa Andalio were in SM Seaside City Cebu last December 16 to promote their MMFF 2018 entry, “Fantastica.” Directed by Barry Gonzales, the film also stars Jaclyn Jose, Bela Padilla, Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Kisses Delavin, Donny Pangilinan, Ronnie Alonte, and Ryan Bang.

“Every year, hindi ko na naramdaman. Natural na siya sa akin. Kasi nasa sistema ko na siya tuwing Pasko. Kaya ‘yung pressure, hindi masyado,” he said.

In 2017, Vice Ganda topbilled “The Revenger Squad” with Daniel Padilla and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

The film led the MMFF 2017 box office, earning P700 million at the tills.

With the presence of his leading men Dantes and Richard Gutierrez, Vice Ganda believes that “Fantastica” can reach the P1 billion mark this year.

“Sobra akong kampante at mataas ang kompyansa ko sa project na ito,” he said.

Vice Ganda said he personally requested for Gutierrez and Dantes to be his leading men in the movie.

For him, “Fantastica” is a dream come true as some of the country’s biggest stars are able to work together despite belonging to different networks.

Gutierrez was a prized talent of GMA Network before he transferred to ABS-CBN in 2017. Dantes remains as a top Kapuso star, as well as the network’s Primetime King.

Asked why he chose Gutierrez and Dantes, Vice Ganda answered, “Eh, parang yung ibang kasama ko sa ABS-CBN, madali na lang ‘yun eh. Siyempre, pag kung sino mas mahirap doon ako sa mas mahirap. Para kung hindi ma achieve, doon tayo sa madaling makasama. Feeling ko kasi suntok sa buwan na makasama ko si Dingdong tapos kasama ko si Richard.”

Vice Ganda also dismissed reports that there was silent rivalry between Dantes and Gutierrez.

In fact, the two got along very well during filming.

“Ako din na surprise kasi sa inaakala ko parang hindi sila okey. Diyos ko day, sila magkasama araw araw at sila ‘yung chikahan nang chikahan. Pag nag pull out ako to go to “It’s Showtime,” iiwanan ko sila nag chi-chikahan. Pagbalik ko sila pa rin magka-usap,” he said.

“Fantastica” opens on Dec. 25.

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