Award-winning director Jun Robles Lana had nothing but praises for Kapamilya star Vice Ganda whom he directed in the comedy drama film And the Breadwinner Is.

During the film’s grand media conference, Direk Jun described Vice Ganda as a brilliant actor.

"Meme is a brilliant actor, he just hasn't realized it, he just hasn't embraced it yet," he said.

Direk Jun also shared that one of the biggest challenges for him was helping Vice fully embrace his character, Bambi, a breadwinner, while making him feel comfortable despite his insecurities.

“It’s definitely challenging because we are telling a story that is going to reflect the situation of so many Filipino families but at the same time we wanted to be entertaining and at the same time siguro more than anything my concern was how do I help Meme embrace the character in a way that she’s also going to feel comfortable,” the director expressed.

Jun also added that Vice admitted to him that he had initial fears about working with dramatic co-stars.

“(Vice) confessed this to me and I know from the very beginning na mayroon siyang hesitation, mayroon siyang fears that he’s going to be working with these brilliant cast of dramatic actors and he’s going to be involved in a lot of intensely dramatic scenes,” he added.

Jun also compared Vice’s talent to the late King of Philippine Comedy, Dolphy, who was known for effortlessly switching between comedy and drama. He then praised Vice for having the same ability.

“I also believe that when you witness a comedian cry is also the time that you witness true devastation. When a comedian cries and you cry there, you are devastated,” he explained.

“Si Meme has possessed that same kind of power and as Bambi, he’s funny, he’s delightful but at the same time he’s also heartbreaking and affecting. To be able to balance those extreme emotions, it’s no joke. Hindi madali iyon.”

Jun emphasized, “I can honestly say na Vice Ganda delivers and accomplishes it with absolute mastery.”

For Vice, he also admitted that he made a special request to the director to prepare himself for a different story and genre.

"I was scared to not deliver. It's okay to step out (of my comfort zone). What I was afraid of was that I wouldn't be able to deliver and stand up for myself, so I had to make sure that I could deliver and stand up for myself. So instead of my fear, I made a request to Sir Jun," he said.

READ: For Vice Ganda, new MMFF movie was therapy

To help with his preparation, Vice requested a one-on-one workshop with Direk Jun and co-star Malou de Guzman. 

"I said I couldn't face these talented actors without anything, just carrying my pride. I was so insecure and I thought it was okay. I acknowledge my insecurity and I know that there is something lacking in me," he expressed.

"The drama, this is something new so I need to start understanding it, I need to learn something. I need to prepare myself so that when I get there I won't just be carrying around all my pride. It was a humbling experience," he described.

READ: Vice Ganda opens up about undergoing mental health therapy: ‘Yeah, nag-therapy ako and I am proud of it’