Stela Marie Eve Militante

Vice Ganda always shine brightly. She is undeniably an unkabogable star that captivate millions with her witty comedies and larger-than-life personality.  


With her latest comeback movie, And The Breadwinner Is…, she offers something refreshingly different as Bambi — deeply meaningful, but with a profound emotional weight that lingers far beyond the laughter.

The film offers a narrative that wraps its viewers in a tender embrace, compelling them to confront painful truths and realizations while undoubtedly being moved to tears that come not just from humor but from something deeper.

At first, And The Breadwinner Is… centers around the pursuit of ten million pesos — a hefty sum that the family desperately needs. But beneath the surface, the true essence of the film lies in its reflection on the millions of sacrifices, dreams, and heartaches of breadwinners. This is a story not just about financial survival, but the emotional and psychological toll that comes with being the one who provides.

One of the simplest yet most striking moments in the film is the mention of “kabog” bread, a recipe Bambi’s character recalls, one she was never taught but is expected to know. This seemingly minor detail resonates with an unspoken truth; the experience of a breadwinner is often a journey of trial and error, of learning by doing. You’re expected to rise to the occasion without a clear roadmap or instruction, to meet the expectations of others even when you’re uncertain of how to do so. Much like baking bread, the role of the provider requires you to step into a process you’re not fully prepared for, trusting that it will somehow work out in the end.

This detail is a powerful metaphor for the breadwinner’s quiet, relentless struggle. The sacrifices that go unnoticed, the mistakes that go unrecognized, and the weight of failure that is carried in solitude, all of this is reflected in the everyday, often invisible, burdens of providing. 

The breadwinner continues to push forward, driven by an unwavering love for family, even when success feels far out of reach. It’s this raw, uncelebrated perseverance that elevates the film from mere comedy to a story of what it means to love and sacrifice for others.

The cinematography of the film also plays a pivotal role in amplifying its emotional depth. Departing from Vice Ganda’s usual vibrant and colorful style, this movie adopts a more muted color palette that mirrors the weight carried by the characters. 

While humor still finds its way into the narrative, it’s often delicately layered with a melancholic undertone, underscoring the quieter struggles beneath the laughter. 

Even the smallest, seemingly insignificant details like ice cubes clinking in a glass or a child’s forgotten toy, are imbued with a deeper meaning, reflecting the silent burdens that go unnoticed by the world.

The soundtrack further enhances the emotional journey, with SB19’s “Mapa” perfectly complemented the film’s theme of quiet sacrifice. The song’s gentle tone mirrors the nuances of family love — the kind of love that isn’t always celebrated or seen, but is felt deeply in the small, everyday acts of care. These are the moments that give life meaning, even when no one is looking

Moreover, Eugene Domingo’s performance in this film is nothing short of extraordinary. She effortlessly balances drama and humor, offering a glimpse into the complexities of being a provider, where the struggle to meet impossible demands becomes both a source of personal conflict and an act of love. Her portrayal serves as the perfect complement to Vice Ganda’s character.

And the Breadwinner is…  is a story of resilience, reflecting on the often unseen truths of everyday life. It shines a light on the things that matter most — love, sacrifice, and family — yet are so frequently overlooked. 

Because after all, Bambi is right when she said… “Bakit ba isa lang ang kailangang maging breadwinner?”