Michael V. Image: Courtesy of GMA Corporate Communications
Michael V. himself shot down rumors that the hit GMA comedy series “Pepito Manaloto” has been given the ax and that the show is already airing its final episodes.
The actor-comedian cleared the reports during the April 20 broadcast of 24 Oras Weekend.
“Diretsahang sagot. Hindi (Straight up answer. No),” he said. “‘Yung photo naman na lumabas, ‘yung group hug na ‘yun, actually ‘yung photo na ‘yun is ang nire-represent nu’n is ‘yung remembrance, appreciation.”
(The photo that came out, where we’re seen sharing a group hug, it’s actually a representation of our remembrance and appreciation.)
Michael V. said the cast was just happy that their on- and off-screen bond is still going strong despite the horrors of the pandemic. He also said in the report that a “summer special” filmed in Nueva Ecija is coming soon.
“Natutuwa lang kami na after all these years na after ng pandemic magkakasama pa rin kami (We’re happy that after all these years in the pandemic, we’re still together),” he said.
Meanwhile, his costar Manilyn Reynes said she’s thankful that the show is still supported by the public after 14 years.
“Naiiyak kami kasi hindi po namin maisip na hanggang ngayon sa tinagal ng ‘Pepito Manaloto,’ 14 years na kami, talagang nandyan sila simula’t simula. Nakakataba ng puso,” she said.
(It makes me emotional knowing that “Pepito Manaloto” lasted for 14 years, and we’ve been here for each other since then. It makes my heart warm.)
Rumors of the show airing its final episode made rounds after the cast shared photos of themselves sharing a group hug on social media. This led to some netizens appealing to the show to keep on going.