Andrew de Real defends Vice Ganda over ICC joke: ‘Learn to laugh at your troubles’

Seasoned stage and TV writer-director Andrew de Real has spoken out on social media about the recent controversy surrounding Vice Ganda’s joke during a performance at the Araneta Coliseum.

In a Facebook post, De Real recalled being asked for his opinion about the act.

“Natawa ko ng sooobra,” he admitted. “I don’t see anything wrong or foul sa ginawa niya. Nagkalat na naman sa internet yung mga joke na ‘yan—meron sa Facebook, sa TikTok, me mga AI pa nga. Nagkataon lang na malaking pangalan si Vice kaya siya ang napansin.”

For De Real, the joke was a clear example of comedic craft.

“What he did is a parody, a spoof, a satire exaggerating the obvious para ma-deliver ang punchline—and it worked! You see, ‘Life is a comedy to those who think and a tragedy to those who feel.’”

The veteran comedy creator also pointed out that Vice has long been known for political humor, citing past jokes like “Hello Garci” and “I am sorry” references. He warned against over-sensitivity, saying it could lead back to an era when even lighthearted quips faced heavy repercussions.

“Ibang henerasyon na ‘to, move on na. Tumawa din pag me time, tanggal pa stress mo,” De Real wrote. “Learn to laugh at your troubles and you will never run out of things to laugh at. And I thank you!”

By framing the incident as satire rather than insult, De Real underscored comedy’s enduring role as both entertainment and social commentary—reminding audiences that sometimes, the best way to deal with life’s challenges is to laugh through them.