Much-missed Ogie-Michael V tandem deserves a reunion

BITOY and Ogie are noted for the variety and versatility of their multifarious characterizations.

The “Missing Ogie and Michael V” item in last week’s Saturday Special was only an itty-bitty note, but it was “second-the-motioned” by quite a number of readers.

This indicates that the popularity of the comedy tandem of Ogie Alcasid and Michael V has survived its breakup at GMA 7, and deserves to be revived, if only for frustrated viewers’ sake.

But, the reality is that Ogie has been the exclusive property of another studio, while Michael is still a loyal GMA 7 “baby,” so their longed-for reunion appears to be an improbable “remarriage” to manage to pull off at this time.

We wonder, however, if the exclusivity of their respective TV contracts includes all media? Can’t they get together outside of a TV show?

If so, we are in talks with Ogie for possible theater productions, so we would be only too happy (we’re Ogie-Michael V loyalists, as well) to costar them in a stage reunion!

If even that isn’t allowed by stringent contractual prohibitions and inhibitions, it should be noted that competing producers do sometimes make special exceptions, by way of one studio “borrowing” or “renting” a rival’s star, or two studios coproducing a big film topbilling a mix of their biggest draws. —Now, that sounds more like it for the Michael-Ogie reunion project.

While we’re at it, let’s recall, for the benefit of young viewers or those who have the memory of fruit flies, why the Michael V and Ogie comedy duo developed such a loyal fan base in the first place:

Variety and versatility

A key factor is the comedic “chemistry” they exude when they perform together. Unlike other tandems (Dolphy-Panchito, etc.) with a designated “straight man” (Panchito) and joke “disher-outer” (Dolphy), the “O-M” comics perform both functions interchangeably—which adds to the variety and versatility of their multifarious characterizations and repertoire of comic styles.

They were also younger than Dolphy-Panchito, so they were able to play kids (of both genders), making their comedy more winsome and winning.

Finally, they sometimes came up with their own comedic material, so their routines felt less slick and more naturally plugged-in.

Their old show, “Bubble Gang,” had a host of other funnymen and women, but Ogie and Michael were clearly its top bananas and “first fiddles.” Indeed, after Ogie left the popular program, he left a “pothole” that has yet to be filled and patched up.

These days, the show’s credits list these regular rib-ticklers: Michael V, Sam Pinto, Jackie Rice, Max Collins, Andrea Torres, Gwen Zamora, Chariz Solomon, Antonio Aquitania, Sef Cadayona, Betong Sumaya, Mikael Daez, Boy 2 Quizon, Paolo Contis, Moymoy Palaboy, Valeen Montenegro, Kim Domingo, etc.

Sef, Betong and Moymoy Palaboy are making waves on the show, but Ogie’s stellar replacement still has to fully emerge.