Vice Ganda answers criticism against ‘Partners In Crime,’ new movie with Ivana Alawi
Vice Ganda directly took to Twitter to respond to some of the comments regarding her new movie with Ivana Alawi.
Vice Ganda, also called the Unkabogable Phenomenal Star, is a singer, actor, and comedian. She is most known for being a long-time host of the ABS-CBN’s afternoon variety program, It’s Showtime. Additionally, eight of her movies gained recognition as among the Philippines’ highest-grossing films.
On the other hand, Ivana Alawi is an actress and social media personality who started as a contestant in GMA’s Starstruck. Currently, she is starring in her first-ever TV series as a female lead in A Family Affair. On YouTube, the sexy celebrity is also a famous vlogger amassing 16M subscribers on her channel.
Last October 10, Star Cinema revealed the first teaser for a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry titled “Partners In Crime.” In this movie, Vice Ganda and Ivana will play the main characters in their pioneer pairing for the big screen. Before this, the two only interacted through TV guesting and a YouTube content collaboration.
Following the teaser release for Partners In Crime, netizens voiced their reactions and opinions. In particular, they expressed concern with Ivana’s curly morena look, which they fear might sideswipe issues on unfair beauty standards. Vice Ganda responded to these criticisms as she defended the show and her co-star.
One user spoke about the possibility of Ivana transforming into a cliche “beauty,” saying it would be a step backward toward defying norms.
“‘Pag ‘eto nagkamake-over tapos naging straight yung buhok… Lord, nagsstart pa lang ako makakita ng maraming tao na inaaccept yung curly hair nila. Step backwards na naman po ata ang magaganap.”
In response, Vice Ganda called out this “twisted” belief:
“Anong mali ‘pag ginusto at pinili ng isang taong kulot ang buhok na ipaunat ang buhok niya? Walang mali sa kulot. At wala ring mali kung gusto nyang ipaunat ito. Ang mali ay baluktot ang pananaw mo at nagpapanggap kang tuwid! Ang mali ay ‘yung ang nega nega nega mo!!!!!”
Another one raised the same point, emphasizing that a transformation would only leave Ivana having straight hair and a fairer complexion. This prospect is what they foresee as something problematic. But again, Vice Ganda answered:
“Have you watched the film yet? Girl, four (4) sequences pa lang nasho-shoot namin. (So), don’t stress yourself.”
In a separate comment, a netizen said they only expect Partners In Crime will not make fun of Ivana’s role as a curly-haired morena. Otherwise, they added, it will not only be an offensive act but a disappointing impression from Vice Ganda. As a reply, the TV host briefly assured, “Makakaasa kang walang ganon.”
Partners In Crime will premiere on December 25. It is one of Star Cinemas’ entries for MMFF 2022, slated to begin this Christmas while ending on January 7, 2023.
