Michael V. advises younger self: 'Kalma! It's going to be okay.'
Ace comedian and content creator Michael V., also known as Bitoy, started Bubble Gang in 1995 at age 27.
Fast forward to March 2024, the beloved comedian has already cemented his name in Philippine entertainment as one of the “icons” of comedy.
In an exclusive interview with Nelson Canlas for Chika Minute, Michael V was asked what advice he would give his younger self.
Direk Bitoy said, “Kalma! It's going to be okay. Basta never lose sight of your objective and persevere.”
The award-winning comedian then admitted, “Overthinker ako e, before, especially pagdating sa comedy. Kalma lang dahil your time will come."
Nelson Canlas and the rest of the GMA-7 press had a chance to interview Michael V. after his contract renewal yesterday morning, March 11.
Present during the event were the pillars of the network led by GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable.
Several GMA officers were also in attendance to show their support including Chief Marketing Officer Lizelle G. Maralag, Senior Vice President for Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, and First Vice President for GMA International Joseph Jerome T. Francia.
Vice President for Business Development Department II Janine Piad-Nacar, Vice President for Business Development Department III Gigi Santiago-Lara, and Assistant Vice President for Business Development Department II Enri T. Calaycay were also present.
Program Managers of the Comedy Department of the Entertainment Group, Cecille de Guzman, Ella Balana, and Comedy Creative Director Cesar Cosme also graced the occasion.
Michale V was represented by his manager and wife, Carolina Bunanga who is also the executive producer of Mic Test Entertainment.
RELATED CONTENT: CAREER HIGHLIGHTS OF DIREK BITOY
Atty. Gozon told 24 Oras that Michael V. has repeatedly proven that his programs are popular with our Filipino audiences. “Napatunayan na niya sa more than 28 years na lumalabas siya sa mga programa niya. Mero'n ka bang alam na programa hindi nag-rate si Bitoy? 'Yun ang dahilan, 'yun ang aking ebidensya.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Duavit personally shared that he is a long-time fan of the brilliant comedian saying, “If there is somebody na naitawid lahat ng audiences maging matanda, maging bata, lahat si Bitoy. So, matagal na ako tagahanga talaga.”
Mr. Yalong, on the other hand, told Nelson that Direk Bitoy has greatly contributed to the success of GMA-7, making the network “unbeatable” in the comedy genre.
“Salamat Bitoy again for signing up with GMA. Siya ay isa sa mga talent na talagang nakapag-contribute to the success of the network. Nasabi ko nga kanina, comedy is a genre walang makakatalo sa GMA.”
Here are more highlights from Direk Michael's contract renewal in the video below.
RELATED CONTENT: A-LIST CELEBRITIES CONGRATULATE BITOY WITH HIS CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH GMA-7
