Michael V on comedy and the pandemic: Everything happens for a reason

Laughter is the best medicine, indeed. Pardon the cliché. But it’s so apt for these turbulent times when we need a good laugh just to lighten things a bit. So, for a daily dose of GV (good vibes) to somehow combat your CV (COVID) fears, subscribe to GMA Entertainment’s Comedy Channel on YouTube, YouLoL (www.youtube.com/YouLOLGMA).

Since its launch last month, the channel has already over 50 thousand subscribers and counting.

Watch the hilarious Pinoy comedians, trendy original videos, plus curated funny content from random people on the web.

One of its segments is “Brgy. Bubble,” where subscribers can make “challenge” requests for the “Bubble Gang” (BG) cast to take on. The hit comedy show is on its new timeslot, 10 p.m. every Friday on the Kapuso network.

YouLOL also features Michael V.’s hit parody music videos, funny gags, comical sketches and games.

Allow me to share a bit of trivia: Bitoy (Michael V’s nickname) and I both have an extensive collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia. As the message of MJ’s fave song, “Smile,” goes, “We just have to smile through our fear and sorrow. Smile and maybe tomorrow, the sun will come shining through …”

Let Bitoy and company remind us that even if we are losing all our senses amid the pandemic, we must keep our sense of humor intact.

Michael V.

Here’s my chat with Michael V:

How will your shows BG and “Pepito Manoloto” stay relevant in the time of COVID-19?

The best way to stay relevant is to reflect what’s going on in our society. “Pepito Manaloto” is, perhaps, going to be more difficult because of the setup, the location, the roles of the actors, etc. With the quarantine, we’re really having a problem with the continuity of the story. We do have ideas, but we’ll just have to wait and see how the audience is going to react to them.

What makes YouLOL Channel worth watching?

A lot of the stuff that we curate and post there could have been missed by the audience when they originally aired. There are also original materials you’ll find there exclusively.

Do you think that it’s harder to make the audience laugh than cry?

From my experience, I’d say yes. I’m not saying that drama or making people cry as a format is easy. I just know that there are more elements to make comedy work. Sometimes, not even proven formula works! So, you really have to be meticulous when you’re creating your material.

As a comedian, how will you lighten things a bit for your audience without taking the pandemic lightly? That’s a difficult balancing act.

I agree. The “high and mighty, all-knowing netizens” aren’t helping much. What’s funny to someone could be offensive to others, and we acknowledge that. But as a comic, you also have to commit to what you believe is more important. Most of the time, humor wins.

What did you discover about yourself during quarantine?

I discovered that I can actually adapt. It all boils down to knowing what is universally right and good … and the rest will follow.

What COVID-19-related story impacted you the most?

The death and suffering of fellow celebrities is an eye-opener. Everything becomes real when something that serious hits close to home.

What’s your mantra as you face the new normal?

“Everything happens for a reason.” You may not like what’s happening now, but you’d probably love what’s going to happen next.

What’s the best and toughest part of being Michael V?

Despite what I do, I feel like I’m taking life too seriously. I’m not as flexible or spontaneous as others see me. I’m too “prepared and structured” to a fault, and my family can attest to that. But with the help of the pandemic, I’ve been able to sort things out myself. “Everything happens for a reason,” after all.