Comedian host appears unannounced at “WRten By” show, reflects on mentoring Ross through doubts and near exit from industry.
Vice Ganda, considered one of his industry mentors, made a surprise appearance at the second night of Wilbert Ross’ concert, “WRten By,” at the New Frontier Theater on Sunday, and revealed that there were periods in Wilbert’s career that he almost wanted to give up but she was there to encourage him to continue.
The unexpected appearance of Vice Ganda quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments, as the “It’s Showtime” host took the stage to celebrate Ross’ milestone and reflect on his journey in the industry.
“Congratulations. I’m very, very, proud of you,” Vice told the crowd, acknowledging the packed venue on the concert’s second night.
Ross, visibly emotional, credited Vice—whom he affectionately calls “Mother Dear”—for believing in him even before others did. The singer-dancer recalled overhearing her praise him in private, a moment that stayed with him through the years.
“She didn’t know that I was listening… she was bragging to her friends, ‘Wilbert is really good. He has a great singing voice. He dances. He also writes songs,’” Ross shared. “I can’t forget that. Ever since, she’s been really proud of me.”
The performer also revealed that Vice played a key role in opening opportunities for him, including giving him a spot on “It’s Showtime.”
“She supports me… she’s the only reason,” he said. “I never messaged her about my career. I never said, ‘Ma, please help me.’ Because I want everything to be genuine. She’s like my mother here in Manila.”
Vice, for her part, said she initially planned to attend the show simply as an audience member. But at the last minute, she coordinated with the production team to surprise Ross onstage—without compensation.
“I just really want to watch, I don’t want to be a guest… Wala namang bayad,” she quipped. “So it’s still like that. There’s still no pay. For the love of Wilbert. Abunado pa sa hair spray at pandikit ng wig.”
Beyond the humor, the TV host turned reflective as she spoke about Ross’ persistence, revealing that he once considered stepping away from his career.
“He always wanted to go back to Davao. I told him, ‘mas open na ngayon. Gumawa ka lang ng gumawa ng kanta.’ …mayroong makakapansin ng mga kanta niya,” she said. “Now, his songs are already a hit.”
Vice added: “He has been waiting for this moment. And he truly deserves this moment. ‘Wag kang susuko,’ I told him. He’s always like that—very patient.”
The lighthearted exchange continued as the two revisited Ross’ time with the all-male dance group Hashtags, with Vice jokingly calling him the “kindest” among the group.
“Sa lahat ng Hashtags siya ang pinaka mabait,” she said, drawing laughs from the audience. When Ross teased her about who the “meanest” was, Vice fired back, “Ikaw ang pinakamabait kasi wala naman sila dito.”
She also poked fun at the group’s past performances, saying: “We trained them sa ‘Showtime’ para wag magsabay-sabay… tingnan natin kung sino unang madidisband. So, congratulations to Girl Trends, nauna kayo.”
Ending on a more heartfelt note, Vice underscored the significance of the sold-out concert for Ross, whose two-night show marked a major career milestone.
“Panapanahon talaga ang lahat,” she said. “Ito ang panahon na hinihintay mo.”
READ:
Wilbert Ross marks 10 years in showbiz with sold-out, high-energy concert
Kiko Escuadro
July 26, 2026
‘WRten by Wilbert Ross’ achieves two-night sold-out milestone
radar Entertainment
May 2, 2026
Wilbert Ross thanks fans as Araneta transforms into a sea of support for concert day
Top Dagohoy
July 25, 2026
