MICHAEL V asserts that his ambition is to end the network war.
Even if Michael V has already arrived, his quest for new ways to keep his audience captivated continues.
Comedy is a never-ending journey for him as he takes his audiences from one laugh trip to another. His latest project on TV 5 is a musical game show, “Killer Karaoke: Pinoy Naman” (Saturdays, 8:30 p.m.). KK is fast becoming a weekend favorite because of its hilarious format.
The funnyman, who got a highly commended citation from the Asian TV Awards (for GMA 7’s “Bubble Gang”), turns serious and shares his musings with us:
What made KK click instantly?
There’s no denying the Filipinos’ love for karaoke. Top it with a dose of Pinoy love for hilarious or scary challenges and you’ve got something they can’t resist.
How is it different from other game shows centered on singing?
It is the only singing contest where the worst singer can actually beat the best in the country. It’s all a matter of performance.
You are one of the few artists who can work on GMA 7 and TV 5 shows. How do you manage that?
I take my cue from Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon. They were able to do it because they don’t have network contracts. It’s also my intention (or should I say “ambition”) to end the network war by sharing my so-called talent to a bigger audience. I don’t think it’s right to put boundaries on someone’s capabilities. It’s the audience’s right to experience something new from time to time.
How do you keep your creative juices flowing?
I don’t think I ever let a day go by without finding something funny somewhere. Keep looking at things from different perspectives. They’re bound to be funny from a certain point of view.
What don’t people know about Bitoy?
If there’s one thing, it’s that I don’t have a Facebook account. But there are lots of things that people don’t know about me, so follow me on Twitter (@michaelbitoygma) and Instagram (@michaelbitoy) if you want to find out more.
In your Instagram account, you posted, “Vanity kills comedy, comics not heartthrobs.” Please elaborate.
Some comedians discover how good-looking they are and suddenly forget about being funny! We already have a lot of heartthrobs. The world needs a good laugh, now more than
ever.
What makes you angry?
I think I’m borderline obsessive-compulsive so little things irritate me. But being in showbiz for 23 years, I have managed not to explode in front of people.
What’s your take on stand-up comics?
Stand-up comedy is a totally different animal. It takes a certain ability and grace to do that and still be liked by your audience. I never tried it because I already know a lot of people who can do it a lot better than I could. I have great respect for the art and the artists who are brave enough to do it.
They say comedians make good lovers because girls fall for guys who can make them laugh.
Francine Prieto
Making women laugh is one thing. Making them happy is entirely different. Although a good laugh every now and then wouldn’t hurt, make sure you are committed to making your partner happy for the rest of your life.
Among all your characters, which one is your favorite?
Junie Lee. He is the person I see in the mirror.
‘Bagong Umaga, Bagong Pag-asa’
Don’t miss “Bagong Umaga, Bagong Pag-asa,” a fundraising concert for “Yolanda” survivors, on Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at the Pagcor Theater in Casino Filipino, Parañaque. Hosted by Francine Prieto and Bob “Blues” Magoo, the show features Faith Cuneta, Arthur Manuntag, Henry Katindig, Jeannie Tiongco and many more. Have fun while raising funds!