Vice Ganda’s London Budgeting Turns Into a Fiery Rant About Taxes and Corruption

When Filipino superstar Vice Ganda packed his bags for London, fans expected glitz, glamour, and laughter ahead of his ASAP in England performance at the BP Pulse Arena in Birmingham on August 30, 2025. What no one expected was that a simple Instagram Story about leftover adobo would spiral into a viral commentary on the painful reality of taxes and corruption in the Philippines.

Vice, whose real name is Jose Marie Viceral, has always been known for his sharp humor, fearless honesty, and the ability to turn mundane experiences into headline-worthy moments. But his latest outburst has struck a chord with Filipinos both at home and abroad, many of whom find themselves nodding in agreement with his frustrations.

The Glamorous Comedian on a Budget

It all began with an Instagram Story. Instead of showing off a lavish spread of fine dining in London, Vice shared something shockingly ordinary: a pot of leftover adobo, a staple Filipino dish.

“Super tipid ako dito sa London kasi ang mahal,” Vice confessed. “Kaya namalengke na lang kami nung first day at nagluto dito sa Airbnb.”

For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and travelers, Vice’s admission felt relatable. London, after all, is infamous for its high prices. Groceries, transportation, and meals out can quickly drain the wallet—even for celebrities. Instead of splurging, Vice and his companions chose the practical route: cooking at their rented apartment.

He went on to reveal that by their third day in London, they were still reheating the same dish. “Pangatlong araw na naming iniinit tong natirang adobo,” he said with a mix of pride and comic exasperation.

Fans laughed, shared, and reposted. But Vice wasn’t done.

From Adobo to Aray: The Tax Rant Heard Around the Philippines

What started as a lighthearted budgeting anecdote suddenly took a sharp turn. In the next clip, Vice dropped a bombshell thought that resonated with millions:

“Tapos bigla kong naalala ung milyon milyon kong tax na pinaghahati-hatian ng mga garapal na magnanakaw. Aray koooo!!!!”

The line was both hilarious and heartbreaking. It highlighted a truth many Filipinos feel but rarely say so publicly: paying taxes is painful when citizens believe their hard-earned money ends up in the pockets of corrupt officials.

To drive the emotion home, Vice set his story to the song “Aray” by Mae Rivera, a tongue-in-cheek but telling choice. Within minutes, fans flooded social media with comments like:

“Vice said what we’re all thinking.”

“Even millionaires feel the pain of corruption.”

“Adobo + taxes = national mood.”

A Star Who Speaks the People’s Language

Vice Ganda is not new to making bold statements. As a comedian, he thrives on pushing boundaries, poking fun at authority, and turning sensitive topics into moments of reflection. But this rant carried a weight far beyond entertainment.

In a country where corruption scandals have plagued politics for decades, Vice’s words hit differently. They came not from a political figure, but from a beloved entertainer whose influence extends from Manila to the global Filipino diaspora.

That authenticity is precisely what makes Vice such a powerful cultural force. He doesn’t pretend to be above ordinary struggles. Instead, he aligns himself with the people, whether by sharing a plate of reheated adobo or expressing the same frustration that millions feel every tax season.

Life Beyond the Stage

While this viral moment has dominated headlines, Vice’s trip to the UK is about more than Instagram stories. He is gearing up for ASAP in England, a massive event bringing together some of the biggest Filipino performers for a night of music, comedy, and cultural pride.

Vice has built a career not only on television and film but also on live performances, where his quick wit and magnetic stage presence shine brightest. Audiences in Birmingham are expected to be treated to his trademark mix of comedy, glamour, and heartfelt connection.

Behind the curtain, however, Vice’s personal life has also captured public fascination. He remains happily committed to Ion Perez, his long-time partner. The couple held a symbolic commitment ceremony in Las Vegas in October 2021, a milestone that inspired many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Recently, Vice and Ion were spotted abroad enjoying sweet moments together—shopping at luxury boutiques, sharing chocolates, and vacationing in style. While their love story continues to inspire fans, Vice’s candid rant shows that even amid comfort and success, he is not detached from the struggles of ordinary Filipinos.

The Bigger Picture: Why Vice’s Words Matter

Vice Ganda’s comment about taxes could easily have been dismissed as a joke, but the online reaction proves it struck a deeper nerve. His frustration reflects a wider sentiment: the gap between the sacrifices of taxpayers and the visible misuse of government funds.

Every Filipino knows the reality: whether it’s potholes on major roads, underfunded public hospitals, or the endless string of corruption scandals, it often feels like taxes don’t translate into tangible improvements. For OFWs sending remittances, or for hardworking citizens barely making ends meet, this frustration is magnified.

Vice, standing in London reheating adobo, inadvertently became a voice for that collective discontent. His status as a multimillionaire makes the irony even sharper: if someone of his stature feels cheated by corruption, what more for ordinary workers?

Humor as Resistance

It’s worth noting that Vice did not deliver his rant as a formal political statement. Instead, he packaged it in comedy, seasoning the bitterness with laughter. This is his trademark—and arguably, his greatest contribution to Filipino culture.

By cloaking criticism in humor, Vice makes it accessible. People laugh, share memes, and repeat his lines—but the truth lingers. It’s a form of resistance that disarms the powerful and empowers the masses.

As one netizen tweeted:
“Vice Ganda just cooked adobo and exposed corruption at the same time. Iconic.”

What’s Next for Vice Ganda?

With ASAP in England just days away, Vice is expected to put his frustrations aside and focus on entertaining fans. Yet the viral rant has already done its work. It reminded Filipinos that no matter where they are—whether in London, Manila, or abroad—corruption remains a shared wound.

Fans now wonder if Vice will slip similar commentary into his live performance. Knowing his style, it wouldn’t be surprising if he turns his London budgeting woes into a full-blown comedy set on stage.

For now, the image of Vice, reheating adobo for the third day in a row, while lamenting millions in taxes, remains one of the most powerful—and relatable—snapshots of 2025.

Conclusion

Vice Ganda’s London story is more than just celebrity gossip. It’s a mirror reflecting the everyday struggles of Filipinos at home and abroad. In a single Instagram Story, he captured the absurdity of paying millions in taxes, only to feel shortchanged by corruption.

Whether intentional or not, his rant has sparked a national conversation—proving once again that comedy, when wielded by the right person, can be sharper than any political speech.

Vice Ganda may have been talking about adobo, but what he really served up was a truth that Filipinos are hungry to hear.