EXCLUSIVE: Jarren Garcia admires Vice Ganda’s principles, says it’s why they have a good friendship

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN at the Star Magic Spotlight press conference, the Filipino-British singer-actor talked about his friendship with the It’s Showtime host and how the views they share have brought them closer.

Asked whether being linked to Vice’s political views had influenced their friendship, Jarren said he admires what she believes in.

“Yeah, me and Vice, we have a great friendship. And I’d definitely say I look up to her and a lot of her views and a lot of the things she believes in, which is why I’d definitely say we have a good relationship,” he said.

Jarren, who was born in London and spent most of his life in the United Kingdom, also shared how growing up there shaped the way he looks at public services and how taxpayers’ money is spent.

“The patriotism comes from the luck of me being able to experience life in the UK. I’ve been able to see where taxpayers’ money goes, and I can see how it’s utilized. We have free healthcare. We have great public transportation,” he explained.

He added that being in the Philippines has made him compare the two countries.

“Coming from a country where I’ve experienced that most of my life, and then coming to the Philippines and seeing everything firsthand, it makes you think about everything that’s going on. And of course, how you would want taxpayers’ money to be utilized much better,” he said.

Jarren first caught the attention of Filipino viewers in 2024 as a housemate on Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11, where he was known as the “Charming Crooner ng London.” Since then, he has been building his career under Star Magic as a singer, actor and host. This is not the first time he has spoken about Vice. In early 2025, he also expressed his gratitude for their friendship.

His comments come as more Filipinos question how public funds are being spent. The issue took center stage in July 2025, when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called out anomalies in flood control projects during his State of the Nation Address. Senate hearings followed. The government also launched the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website, where citizens could report questionable projects, and created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate. Reports of ghost and substandard flood control projects sparked widespread public anger.

That anger spilled into the streets on September 21, 2025, the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. Thousands joined the Trillion Peso March at the EDSA People Power Monument and the Baha sa Luneta rally in Manila, and more protests followed in the months after.

Vice Ganda was among the celebrities who took the stage at the Trillion Peso March. Holding nothing back, she lashed out at corrupt officials for pocketing the taxes that ordinary Filipinos work hard to pay. Earlier that year, she had been recognized as one of the top taxpayers among the country’s media personalities.

The comedian has also used her platform on It’s Showtime to speak about issues beyond showbiz, from flood control corruption to family planning.

—By Jhiara Episioco, PUSH ABS-CBN Intern