Michael V on comedians who offend celebs they impersonate
Michael V
Michael V ought to give a crash course on staying power. After more than two decades, the gag show of Bitoy (Michael’s moniker) on GMA 7, “Bubble Gang” (BG), still sizzles. The letter V in the ace comedian’s initials could very well stand for “Victorious.”
In celebration of “BG’s” 22nd anniversary, it presents a musical show titled “Parokya Bente Dos: A Laugh Story.” Part two will be telecast on Nov. 24 after “My Korean Jagiya.”
The story revolves around simple guy Bulong (Michael V), the die-hard fan of an actress, Birdie Aguilar (Kim Domingo), and the countless adventures he experiences to fulfill his life-long dream of becoming her leading man, both onscreen and off.
The extravaganza features the songs of Parokya ni Edgar. At the rate Bitoy and his gang are going, it certainly looks like the bubble will never burst.
Here’s my chat with Bitoy:
After 22 years, what still excites you about doing “Bubble Gang?” After coming up with recurring characters and sketches, I still get a high when we encounter characters and segments that are potential hits. The last successful ones to date are, to name a few, “Ikaw at Ang Ina,” “Mr. Assimo,” “Antonietta” and “Balitang Ina.”
What keeps your creative juices flowing? It’s the passion for comedy and love for our audience. I want to give them what they deserve.
What do you think of stand-up comedians whose punchlines may offend the celebs they impersonate? They’re probably just trying to make a living any way they can. Celebrities should be flattered, one way or another, when they are impersonated—but they don’t have to watch what they don’t want to see. The best comebacks are the ones that don’t need words.
How do you handle problems on the set? I used to get stressed about it. Now I’ve learned to share the problems with Direk Bert de Leon, head writer Caesar Cosme, executive producer Roy San Luis and my costars. They help fix scripts that are half-baked, which are almost always the cause of our so-called “problems.”
What are your dos and don’ts during taping? When you’re in the script, be on the set. When you’re on the set, be in the script. Otherwise, just get out of the studio. You’re probably in the wrong job.
What don’t people know about Michael V? Some people seem to think that I am irreplaceable. I’m not. I can be replaced by someone who’s probably five times funnier and 10 times better-looking.
What’s next in line for “BG” after 22 years? Reacting and adapting to change as it comes and discovering something new as we go along. The show lives in the moment.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done? I came up with the crazy idea of mounting a full musical-theater production called “Parokya Bente Dos” for the gang’s anniversary. The crazier thing is, we actually pulled it off!
If your life story was adapted into a movie, what would the title be and who would portray you? “Bitoy Story,” portrayed by a comic who is five times funnier and 10 times better-looking. Oh wait, if it’s for the big screen, then he has to be 20 times better-looking.
***
Globe Live (GL) and 9Works Theatricals are bringing Menken and Ahren’s “A Christmas Carol,” featuring Miguel Faustmann as Scrooge, back onstage from Dec. 7 to 27 at the Globe Iconic Stage, BGC Amphitheater. GL supports the Hero Foundation, which raises funds for military orphans. So, let’s have fun while raising funds. That’s a “ChristMust.”
