Michael V on Bubble Gang's longevity: It's a reflection of society
Despite the cancellation rumor earlier this year, “Bubble Gang” is still going strong. In fact, the show is celebrating its 16th anniversary this month. This makes “Bubble Gang” the longest-running network-produced show of GMA-7, along with the weekly showbiz talk show “Startalk TX.”
According to cast member Michael V., the secret of the long-running comedy sketch show is its relationship with the audience.
“Ano lang e, ito ang lagi kong definition sa 'Bubble Gang'--reflection of society. So kung may uso, nakikita niyo sa show namin. Kung ano ‘yung trend ngayon, andun sa show namin,” he told members of the press at the set of “Bubble Gang” last Monday, October 10.
Michael added, “Kung may mga bagong lumalabas na ganun, mga bago sa society, palagay ko may material kami.”
He used one of the show's latest hit sketches, Boy Pick-Up, as an example. Michael V said they decided to do the skit because pick-up jokes are currently popular. However, the "Pepito Manaloto" star shared he didn't get a positive response from the audience when he did a similar sketch for "Eat Bulaga."
“Dati hindi naman basta-basta kinakagat yung ganyun. Ang dami kong haters. Di nila ma-gets,” the comedian said of his earlier attempt to do a Boy Pick-Up-like act.
When “Bubble Gang” did the sketch, it became a hit.
“I would say na ang laki ng impluwesya na ginawa ni Ogie Alcasid, kasi siya yung nag-create ng character. Pag binasa mo sa script, it's just another person. Pero nung isinabuhay na ni Ogie, nabuhay na si Boy Pick-up. Kanya lahat ‘yun, yung itsura, yung salita, yung mannerism,” Michael shared.
Collective effort
Part of “Bubble Gang’s” appeal lies in the Michael V-Ogie Alcasid tandem. He credits their effectiveness as a comedic duo to their real-life friendship.
“Minsan nga pakiramdam ko mas nakakatawa pa kami off-cam kaysa sa on-cam pag nagkakasama kami,” he said. “Yung rapport na yun, hindi naman pinanganak ng kahapon lang e. Medyo it took a while para mag-click.”
But Michael added the success of their show does not merely lie on their shoulders. It's a group effort, he explained.
“Actually, yun nga ang maganda sa 'Bubble Gang' e. It's a gang,” the “Pepito Manaloto” star said. “Yun lagi ang basehan ng kakayanan nya. Hindi sya makakatayo kung wala lahat. Pero kung paisa-isa ang mawawala from time to time, pwede pa rin.”
“Bubble Gang” airs every Friday after “Inside Protege” on GMA-7.
