Kapamilya TV host and comedian Vice Ganda and Kapuso actress Shuvee Etrata addressed rumors of tension between them during the Grand Media Day for their Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) movie Call Me Mother on Thursday, December 4.
Shuvee described Vice as a mentor and guiding figure in the industry.
“Marami akong hindi alam and Meme help me pave the way for me to learn, be accountable, and actually, you know, grow sa industry,” she said.
She added, “He was like the lighting torch. Nagging guidance ko po ikaw Meme para malaman kung saan ako dapat lulugar. Alam ko kung saan ako pupunta. Parang, in a way, siya po ang naging mother ko sa industry.”
Vice, in turn, expressed gratitude for Shuvee’s openness to guidance and honest communication.
“Thank you din kay Shuvee kasi ina-allow niya akong ganoon. Pinapayagan niya akong kausapin ko siya, puwede ko siyang pagalitan, puwede ko siyang pagsabihan. Ang dami na nga nating pinagdaanan, ang dami na naming pinag-usapan, ang dami na naming nasabi sa isa’t isa,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of mutual understanding amid external noise: “Love ko ‘yang si Shuvee. Kaya ang sabi ko, ‘wag tayong malulunod sa ingay. Kailangang tayong dalawa, magkakaintindihan tayo at nagkakaintindihan kaming dalawa ni Shuvee,” Vice added.
Shuvee became emotional and expressed gratitude for Vice’s impact on her life and career: “Meme is Meme so I’m happy to be given this chance na maka-breath same air as Meme. talaga pong si Meme ay hindi lang basta talaga siya si Meme, marami na po siyang nabagong buhay ang binago niya ang buhay ko,” she said.
The clarification comes after netizens speculated about a supposed rift between the two during the filming of Call Me Mother.