There are stars, there are legends, and then there’s Michael V. For thirty years, he hasn’t just played the game. He has rewritten the rules, raised the bar, and made millions of people laugh out loud. And today (August 18), he renews his commitment to GMA Network, the home where his genius has flourished for decades.
Joining Michael V. at the contract signing event were GMA Network President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Officer-in-Charge for the Entertainment Group and Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy. Also present was Bitoy’s wife and manager, Carolina Bunagan.
The ceremony was also attended by Vice President for Comedy, Infotainment, Game, and Reality Productions of the Entertainment Group Janine Piad-Nacar, Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions of the Entertainment Group Gigi Santiago-Lara, Vice President for Program Management Department Mitzi Garcia, Viewer Direct Marketing Senior Assistant Vice President Rosette Roa, Assistant Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions Ruth Mariñas, Assistant Vice President for Comedy, Infotainment, Game, and Reality Productions Enri T. Calaycay, and Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Jojo Aquio.
From the razor-sharp sketches of Bubble Gang to the heart and humor of Pepito Manaloto, Michael V. has proven time and again that he is a master of transformation. One moment he’s a lovable everyman, the next he’s a spot-on parody, and in between, he’s composing music, directing scenes, and crafting punchlines that hit with the precision of a poet and the timing of a magician.
Awards can measure recognition, but they can never truly measure the influence he’s had not just on television, but on the way Filipinos laugh, think, and see themselves.
Michael V. recalls his dream of being a Kapuso when he was young, “Hindi lang ako Batang Bubble, Batang GMA rin ako. Ever since bata ako, pangarap kong mapanood sa TV and I was watching GMA shows then, so this is a dream come true for me.”
The icon also looks back at the last three decades he shared with GMA, “Napaka-fruitful ng 30 years na ‘yun. It gave me the opportunity to learn from GMA and nakita ko rin ang growth ng Network. Magkatuwang talaga kami. Malaki ang naitulong ng GMA for my career and it gave me the freedom to spread my wings. Parang hindi enough ang 30 years, kailangan pang dagdagan.”
In return, GMA Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon expresses his gratitude for the continued partnership through a video message, “I want you to know that getting you to join Bubble Gang in 1995 was one of the best decisions that GMA Network has ever made. Your meticulous and passionate approach to comedy is an inspiration to many comedians, producers, directors, and writers.”
Meanwhile, Duavit proudly admits that he is a fan of Bitoy’ works, “Madalang akong magkaroon ng pagkakataon na makatabi ang isang living legend. One thing about Bitoy is that he is not just a comedy genius, but also a creative force. Since his entry to GMA up to this day, tayo ang nangungunang himpilan pagdating sa comedy at malaking bahagi niyan si Bitoy.”
Yalong also highlights the massive success of Michael V.’s shows, “Nagpalit-palit man ng timeslot ang Bubble Gang up to now, mas lalo pang dumami ang nanonood. Marami ring natututunan ang mga Kapuso sa Pepito Manaloto na creation talaga ni Bitoy. Kaya salamat for continuing to be with GMA. He is really a man of honor who stays loyal to the Network.”
Moreover, Ching-Sy recognizes the impact of Bitoy in the lives of every Filipino, “Staying a Kapuso means we are able to keep the brilliant mind behind shows that turn everyday life into a comedy classic. Kung may pambansang komedyante ngayon, I have no doubt na ikaw ‘yon. Here’s to more years of breaking the molds, raising the bar higher in comedy, and making history in the programs that we create.”
This renewal is more than ink on paper, it’s a promise that the icon, the legend, and the greatest of all is still in the game. Congratulations, Bitoy!
