Laughter, loyalty, and love: Inside Vice Ganda’s comedy circle

Behind every punchline is a story—and behind every laugh is a bond forged through time, trust, and trials. For comedians Iyah Mina and Tonton Soriano, being part of Vice Ganda’s inner circle isn’t just about the glitz of performing; it’s about belonging to a family that understands the unique rhythm of comedy—and the pressure that comes with it.

Appearing recently on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Iyah and Tonton opened up about the deep sense of camaraderie that binds their community—a vibrant and dynamic circle that includes the Beks Squad, Beks Friends, and Beks Battalion. Many of them trace their roots to the legendary Punchline and Laffline days, when comedy clubs were the playgrounds of aspiring entertainers, and where loyalty was often formed over late-night gigs and backstage struggles.

“Punchline, Laffline days pa lang, magkakasama na kami,” recalled Iyah.

“Solid po ‘yung grupo namin,” Tonton added.

“Walang kompetisyon. Nagsusuportahan lang,” Iyah emphasized.

A community, not a contest

When Boy asked whether closeness to Vice Ganda ever caused jealousy, Tonton answered with humility and perspective. “Hindi ako nagseselos kasi alam kong nauna kayong friends. Nang naging close na kami ni Meme, I was just happy. Idol ko po siya,” he shared.

While the Unkabogable Star is their friend, he is also their boss at Vice Comedy Club, where expectations are as high as the laughter is loud. And rightly so—Vice Ganda has long been known for redefining comedy on television and beyond, setting standards that those around him strive to meet.

“Napakataas ng standards ni Vice,” said Tonton. “Kahit hindi ka pa sa Vice Comedy Club, kailangan mo nang galingan.”

Iyah echoed the sentiment: “Laging may baon, may bago. Kung may mangyayaring sitwasyon, dapat agad mong maiiba. Dapat handa ka.”

The pressure isn’t without mentorship. Iyah shared that there were times Vice watched her perform four nights in a row, giving constructive feedback after each show. “Sabi ko, ‘Nambu-bwisit ka na, Meme.’ Pero ang sagot niya, ‘Hindi, kaya mo.’ At pagkatapos, sasabihin niya, ‘Wow, ang galing mo.’ Ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”

Of misunderstandings and maturing friendships

Like any barkada, misunderstandings come and go. And when asked if they take sides when conflict arises, Iyah responded candidly, “Hindi ako gano’n. Pero sila noon, nung kaaway nila ako, sabay-sabay, hindi ako pinapansin. Pero ako, kapag may tampuhan, hindi ako nakikialam. Sabi ko lang, ‘Kung handa ka na magsalita, magsabi ka.’”

Tonton, on the other hand, spoke about a past rift with fellow comedian MC Muah, rooted in personal matters. “Tito Boy, pinili ko po manahimik. Kasi kung may masabi ako, baka lumala pa. Mahirap po ‘yung ate mo, kaaway mo.”

The conflict has since been resolved, and their friendship, Tonton said, emerged stronger. “Para ko na siyang kapatid. Nung naghiwalay kami ng bahay ng kapatid ko, si ate MC na ‘yung pumalit sa role niya.”

Behind the curtain

Beyond the applause and the spotlights, there is a story of chosen family—of finding safe spaces in each other. Theirs is a world where laughter is both a craft and a coping mechanism, where vulnerability is part of the performance, and where the truest measure of success isn’t fame, but the friends who cheer you on—and call you out—along the way.

In the world of Vice Ganda and his comedy circle, the jokes may be quick, but the relationships are deep. As Iyah, Tonton, and the rest of their community continue to make audiences laugh, they carry with them the quiet but powerful truth: that in comedy—as in life—support, sincerity, and second chances matter just as much as the punchline.