Michael V. reveals 5 things you didn't know about 'Bubble Gang'

GMA-7's "Bubble Gang" has been bringing laughter to viewers all over the country for more than two decades now.

As it celebrates its 24th anniversary this month, original cast member, writer, and director Michael V. revealed some little-known facts about the country's longest-running gag show.

1. Myka's name isn't really Myka

The well-loved, dark-skinned cast member was once known as Marissa.

"Galing 'yung pangalan niya sa doon sa pagtatanong niya lagi sa direktor namin...kung 'May kailangan po ba kayo?'," Bitoy explained.

"Ang nagbinyag sa kanya niyan ay si Chito Francisco na head writer ng Bubble Gang," he added.

2. The trick behind the Gloria Arroyo sketch

According to Michael V., a lot of people think he had to get on his knees to achieve former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's short stature for a sketch.

"Just to refute, 'nung ginagawa ko 'yung character ni GMA, akala nu'ng iba nakaluhod ako, pero hindi," Bitoy admitted. "Hindi ako nakaluhod — naka-squat lang ako."

3. Junie Lee's secret

Michael V has breathed life into lots of characters, but one of his most memorable roles was Junie Lee, a perpetually unprepared interviewer-slash-host.

However, according to Bitoy, Junie only seems like he doesn't have a clue what's going on.

"Si Junie Lee ay isang character na mostly hindi niya alam ang ginagawa niya, pero it's 90 percent scripted, so alam ni Junilee ang ginagawa niya," he said.

4. The origins of Muchas Grasas

Do you remember "Muchas Grasas"?

Who could forget Bubble Gang's golden sketch about a group of "taong grasa" regarded as a "high-class" family talking in English while the rich people, in contrast, are "low-class" and filthy.

But did you know that the idea came from comedian Rex Navarrette's famous, grammatically incorrect line: "What's up for you?"

"Parang du'n kami nag-capitalize: Anong pwedeng scenario na puwedeng paggamitan nitong linya na 'to — so taong grasa na nagpipilit na mag-English," Bitoy said.

5. After 24 years, Bubble Gang still has 3 original cast members

Three cast members, who've been with the show since the very beginning, are very happy to still be bringing laughter to viewers on "Bubble Gang" after all these years.

Michael V. said these are: "Diego, ako at saka si Antonio Aquitania."

And now, for the show's 24th anniversary, the award-winning cast is cooking up something extra special: a  two-part tele-movie called "The ScAvengers."

So don't miss "Bubble Gang" on November 15 and 22, right after "One of the Baes" on GMA Telebabad.

—JCB, GMA News