Seasoned actor-comedian Michael V., on Monday, May 16, admitted that the longest-running Kapuso gag show Bubble Gang has to make changes to keep its longevity.
In the virtual media conference of the show, Bitoy said that the TV program having a revamp was sort of a “celebration,” given that it reached its 27th year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s inevitable naman ano. Kasi lahat naman dinamdam ang pandemic. It’s a celebration as well dahil—well hindi naman namin sinasabi na tapos na ang pandemic—pero we have more freedom na gawin ang mga dating nagagawa. Albeit mas cautious na kami ngayon.”
The comedian pointed out that the new Bubble Gang, with its new format and added segments, proves that the show continues to grow and adapt based on viewers’ demands.
“I think yung pagpapalit ng cast at tsaka yung paglalagay ng mga bagong segments, ito yung much needed na improvement sa show eh. Hindi kasi p’wedeng maging stagnant ang Bubble Gang. It has to grow, it has to expand. I think this is the best way para gawin iyon,” explained Bitoy.
He added, “Yung platform kailangang intindihin natin eh. Hindi p’wedeng TV show na lang tayo eh. Ang dami nang platform sa social media.
“So I think since trying to stay relevant yung show, siguro pati yung platform na pinaglalabasan niya dapat maging relevant din.
“So hindi na lang TV ang ini-infiltrate natin ngayon kundi pati social media na rin. At the same time, pabalik na rin. Yung sa social media, p’wede natin ilagay dito sa TV show. So maganda ang working relationship ng TV show at ng audience.”
Meanwhile, the new edition of the show will feature a smaller cast. Mikoy Morales, Denise Barbacena, Liezel Lopez, Arra San Agustin, Lovely Abella, Ashley Rivera, Diego Llorico, Myka Flores, and pioneer Antonio Aquitania will no longer appear in Bubble Gang.
According to Bitoy, fewer artists mean more spotlights. It also motivates the remaining cast to hone their acting skills.
“Tama ka, makaka-focus ang mga tao sa cast,” he stated. “On top of that, yung mga cast, mayroon ding, I won’t call it pressure but motivation siguro to improve their craft and yung output nila. So it’s a good exercise, a good training ground for the cast to improve their craft hindi lang sa comedy kundi sa acting as well.”
However, the comedian could not hide that he was pained to see some of his co-actors go. But with 31 years of experience, he knew that showbusiness is showbusiness.
“Siyempre palaging may kirot kapag mayroon kang isang cast member na magpapaalam or mawawala. Pero lahat naman ng pumasok dito sa industriya, dito sa show, alam naman ang kalakaran ng showbusiness; na palaging may panahon na andito ka sa show, minsan wala.”
He also did not exclude himself that someday, he may no longer be part of the show.
“Even myself is…hindi naman ako abswelto sa ganiyan. Kahit ko p’wedeng mawala sa show na ito eh.”
Bitoy also assures that the Bubble Gang will never close its doors to its former cast.
“Hindi naman katapusan para sa mga cast na nawala dito. Palaging may paraan para makabalik sila. It’s not just up to the network, it’s actually up to them. Kung babalik sila or hindi.”
In the meantime, Chariz Solomon, Betong Sumaya, Sef Cadayona, Valeen Montenegro, Archie Alemania, Analyn Barro, Faye Lorenzo, Kokoy de Santos, and Paolo Contis remain as part of the show, with Tuesday Vargas, Faith Da Silva, Dasuri Choi, and Kim de Leon added to the mix.
Frasco Mortiz now directs Bubble Gang.
