After three decades of making Filipinos laugh, Michael V admits that comedy has never been more challenging than it is now.
The multi-awarded comedian, affectionately known as Bitoy, marked his 30th year with GMA Network and 30 years of ‘Bubble Gang’ by renewing his contract with the Kapuso network on Monday. But amid the celebrations, he opened up about the changing landscape of comedy.
“Talagang mahirap na maging komedyante ngayon. Pinapatatahimik yung mga may utak para hindi ma-offend yung mga walang utak,” he quipped, reflecting on how cancel culture and sensitivities on social media have made satire and parody more complex to produce.
Bitoy stressed that while comedy should always find ways to touch on social and political realities, comedians must now be extra careful. “Once you do comedy, once you turn everything into comedy, supposedly okay lang yan. But we still hold ourselves responsible. Hindi kami basta-basta magsusulat ng alam naming makaka-offend. Meron kaming sariling censorship.”
Despite the difficulties, the 55-year-old star remains committed to pushing boundaries responsibly, saying the trick is to “find a fine line and touch it, but never cross it.”
The Kapuso Comedy Genius also teased upcoming projects, including a possible Mr. Assimo movie, a Pepito Manaloto film, and even a long-imagined Dolphy tribute project.
His reflections come as ‘Bubble Gang’ prepares for its 30th anniversary concert this October, dubbed ‘BG30: Batang Bubble Ako.’ The show will bring back former cast members and feature surprise guests in a full-blown celebration of the country’s longest-running gag show.
For Bitoy, comedy may be harder now, but the joy of making people laugh keeps him going. “My family, of course. And knowing that I’ve given everything I can for this industry that I love. When people appreciate it, when I read positive comments, that’s enough. I’m already happy.”
