Michael V. turns 54
Manilyn Reynes took to her Instagram account to greet her Pepito Manaloto co-star, Michael V., as he turned a year older today, December 17.
The actress shared a photo of her, wearing an angel costume, with Bitoy cosplaying as Tony Stark to mark the latter's 54th birthday, alongside her message for the comedian.
Manilyn wrote, "Happy, Happy Birthday, @michaelbitoy… God bless you and your family always… Mula sa amin nila Aljohn, Kyle&Mickey, Kirk & Kael..."
Manilyn and Bitoy have built a good friendship over the years as they have been working together for Pepito Manaloto since 2010.
In the Kapuso sitcom, the pair play husband and wife as Elsa and Pitoy.
Pepito Manaloto airs Saturdays, 7:00 p.m. after Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko on GMA, Pinoy Hits, and Kapuso Stream.
HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MICHAEL V. AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S GREATEST COMEDIANS:
Family History
Michael V. has multiple roles in his film 'Family History.' Aside from directing a movie for the first time, he is also the writer, producer, and actor in the family drama movie.
Asian TV
Michael V has won thrice in the Asian TV awards, the 'Bubble Gang' star took home the award for Best Comedy Performance by an Actor in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
Tenement
Michael V came from humbling beginnings. He used to live in a tenement building in Taguig City.
Jessa Zaragoza
Michael V once bested Jessa Zaragoza in the Awit Awards. Bitoy's single "Sinaktan Mo Ang Pusko Ko" beat "Bakit Pa" as Song of the Year.
Drones
Michael V can operate a drone.
Brianna Bunagan
Michael V's daughter, Brianna Bunagan, is extremely talented as well. She can sing, paint, and play several musical instruments.
Instrument
Bitoy can play the saxophone.
Creative Director
Book Author
Ogie Alcasid
In a newspaper interview in 2012, Michael V joined a rap contest where Ogie Alcasid was a judge. The latter gave Bitoy a low score that made him lose the competition.
Tattoo
When Michael V's best friend Francis M died of leukemia, he got a tattoo of the “3 stars and a sun” symbol.
Show
Michael V's first ever show is 'Ready, Get Set, Go!' He did rap intros for to all the segments of the show with Eric Quizon, Patrick Guzman, Maila Gumila, Eula Valdez, Eagle Riggs, Danny Pansalin and (later on) Carmina Villaroel and G. Toengi as hosts.
GMA Records
Michael V's 'The Bubble G Anthology' was a resounding success after it received a National Sales Breakout Award in December 2006. It sold over 15,000 units in less than two weeks.
YouTube
Michael V. is one of the top celebrity YouTube creators in the Philippines. His channel has over 1.3 million subscribers as of writing.
COVID-19
The creative genius is battling one of his biggest fights in his life, after Bitoy confirmed on his vlog this on July 20 that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Survivor
Unfortunately during the pandemic, Michael V. was one of the local celebrities who have been tested positive for COVID-19. But the comedian-director remained strong and became one of the COVID-19 survivors, too!
Gold Play Button
Providing informative and quality content on YouTube, Michael V. has received his Gold Play Button award for reaching more than 1 million subscribers on his channel.
Endorser
Michael V. is a bankable endorser, too. He has been a long-time celebrity ambassador for a dishwashing liquid brand and was tapped to endorse a global fast-food chain here in the Philippines
Teano International
Wondering why Michael V. is knowledgeable about toys made of resin? Fun fact! He revealed on his Bitoy Story vlog last February 9 that he used to work for an exporting company and he made Christmas and Halloween decors.
Direk Bitoy shared, “Dati akong nagtrabaho sa Teaño International Export as a product designer--Teaño is an exporting company sa Navotas na nagma-manufacture ng seasonal decorative items.
“Kilalang-kilala 'yan doon nung '80s hanggang '90s…. Kung meroon kayong mga angels or 'yung mga Santa Claus na nilalagay sa mga Christmas tree n'yo noong mga panahon na 'yun malamang ako ang nag-design nun”
Barkada
On his Instagram account, the Kapuso comedy star flexed his cover feature on 'Barkada' magazine in June 1991.
FDCP 2023
Direk Michael V. was recognized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines in September 2023 for his “invaluable contributions” to Philippine Comedy.
The awarding was held at the Acacia Hotel Manila last September 29. The Kapuso comedian joins the “elite list” of comedy superstars honored by the FDCP which includes Aiai Delas Alas, Eugene Domingo, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and the comedy legend Dolphy. The latter passed away at the age of 83 in July 2012.
