They say that laughter is the best medicine, and surely, “Bubble Gang” has provided a weekly dose of joy to several Kapuso viewers for the past 28 years! To celebrate this milestone, “Bubble Gang” brings a two-part anniversary special on November 19 and 26.
Bringing unlimited laughter and good vibes with the theme “Bente O-Chew” is the powerhouse cast led by award-winning Kapuso comedian and Bubble Gang pioneer Michael V. a.k.a. Bitoy, together with Kababol mainstays Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, Chariz Solomon, Analyn Barro, EA Guzman, Buboy Villar, Matt Lozano, Cheska Fausto, and Kokoy de Santos.
Making the anniversary episodes even more exciting is the first-ever guest appearance of the King of Talk Boy Abunda, Kuya ng Bayan Kim Atienza, and Star of the New Gen Jillian Ward.
Also joining them in the fun celebration are Herlene Budol, Isko Moreno, and the comedic duo of Cookie and Belli, played by Pekto and John Feir.
Completing the “Bente O-Chew” special are the viral parodies of Michael V. as Bubble Gang’s very own Ninong Cry meets content creator Ninong Ry. Viewers must also watch out for Lolo Kanor and Hilaw in a never-before-seen collaboration with the phenomenal OPM bands Lola Amour and Dilaw.
When the comedy show reinvented itself with a new format and time slot last July, Michael V. admits that it is somewhat different in flavor. According to him, “For the longest time, I was also the creative director of Bubble Gang, and so for the longest time, I knew the flavor of the show. But this time around, nagbago ng konti. That, for me, is the biggest change.”
Since then, the program has been more open to collaborations not only with celebrities but also with online influencers. Bitoy explains, “Social media is a big part of mainstream television and entertainment. If it’s a gem, talagang dapat you have to do something about it. Pero hindi mo dapat gayahin. You have to do something better and improve.”
Paolo also highlights the added elements of the show, “Mas challenging siya ngayon because of the live audience and the earlier time slot. Medyo nakilala kasi ang ‘Bubble Gang’ sa naughty side. So now, mas maingat kami while making sure na mapapatawa pa rin namin ang mga tao.”
Betong, on the other hand, describes the new Bubble Gang as “a refreshing experience for everybody especially as we have new segments, live audience, and new cast members.” He added, “Iba ‘yung feeling kapag may audience na nanonood kasi nakikita ko agad kung ano ang kanilang reaksyon. Mas nakaka-inspire na gawin ang trabaho namin.”
Moreover, Chariz shares her dream for “Bubble Gang” in the coming years, “Ang pangarap ko talaga is to grow with the show, na tumagal pa kami, and makapag-breed ‘yung show ng tagapangalaga hindi lang sa on cam artists kundi pati sa creative side. I believe marami ang nagmamahal sa legacy na ito nila Kuya Bitoy kaya I know hindi mapapabayaan ‘yung pinaghirapan nila ng 28 years.”
Analyn also reveals that her vision for the program is “to create more relatable content. To inspire more people through laughter. And to prove that when we say comedy, we say Bubble Gang!”
For the relatively new cast members, it is definitely a dream come true to be part of the longest-running gag show in the Philippines.
According to EA, “Marami ang gustong maging part ng show na ‘to and I’m very lucky na isa ko sa mga bagong cast. Kaya nung nalaman ko na magiging regular ako, I’m very thankful sa lahat ng bumubuo ng Bubble Gang para sa trust na ibinigay nila sakin.”
Kokoy also expresses his gratitude for the opportunity and the family he found in this program, “Ang Bubble Gang hindi lang siya basta comedy or gag show. Noong bagong pasok ako sa pamilyang ito, never nilang pinaramdam sa akin na bago ako. Tinulungan ako ng mga kapatid ko dito na maipakita at mailabas ‘yung pagiging komedyante ko.”
Meanwhile, Buboy tells how he brings out his comedic side, “Nag-e-enjoy lang ako kasama ng co-actors ko. Ine-enjoy ko ‘yung istorya at scripts. Hindi naman ako comedian, sadyang nag-eenjoy lang ako at lumalabas ‘yung tunay kong kulit. Siguro ‘yun ang nagugustuhan ng ibang tao sakin.”
Cheska also exerts much effort to continue being funny to the audience, “I think that being funny also means being relatable to the people. And with this being said, kailangan ko sigurong mas palawakin pa ang experiences ko in the long run para mas maging relatable and funny sa kanila.”
Moreover, Matt asks for help and guidance from his fellow Kababols to even improve his wit, “Unang una po sa lahat, inalis ko po ang pagiging vain ko sa sarili. Mas nag-e-enjoy ako ngayon na maluwag lang ‘yung pakiramdam ng katawan ko para mas magawa ko nang maayos ‘yung mga sketch namin. Thankful din ako kasi tinutulungan nila ako. Dati nung bata ako nakasubaybay ako lagi sa show, tapos ngayon kasama ko na sila.”
Some of the special guests of the anniversary episodes also reminisced about their unforgettable experiences in “Bubble Gang.”
Tito Boy says, “I will always remember it because this is the first time I’ve done a gag show. And what an honor it is that my first gag show is Bubble Gang. Dumating ako sa set na sobrang tiwala na I was in good hands, I was in a happy and safe territory. Hindi rin naman lingid sa publiko ang paghanga ko kay Michael V. at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng programang ito.”
Kuya Kim also recalls how much he enjoyed their comedy skit, “I knew that Michael V is a genius and however I threw my lines, we would be able to pull it through so I just had to constantly remind myself to relax and enjoy every moment with Bitoy. I just had to repeat in my head to play and have fun.”
Moreover, Jillian is already looking forward to her next appearance in the iconic show, “Inaral ko po talaga nang mabuti ‘yung script since medyo kakaiba po siya. Kinabahan din po talaga ako, pero sobrang nag-enjoy lang po ako nung nasa set na ako. If given another chance, gusto ko po makausap si Tata Lino as Dra. Analyn. Hihingi po ako ng advice tungkol sa pang-aapi sakin nila Ma’am Moira at Zoey.”
