Michael V. on why he stayed with 'Bubble Gang' through the years: 'Loyalty is a 2-way street'

There's no doubt that Michael V. is one of the reasons why "Bubble Gang" has been on air for 25 years and running. But even when the rest of the original cast members left, what made him stay?

In an episode of "The Howie Severino Podcast," the Kapuso comedy genius said it's all about loyalty and passion.

"Loyalty is a two-way street," he said. "Basta mahal n'yo yung ginagawa ninyo at basta you care about each other, like ako with the network and 'yung audience namin, hindi mo pipiliin na umalis pa eh."

["As long as you love what you do and you care about each other, like I do with the network and our audience, you won't choose to leave."]

"Dito ka na lang kasi kumbaga sa mga tao, you found your home. And I think that's the biggest factor kung bakit hanggang ngayon (ay) nandito pa rin kami," he added.

["You will stay because as a person, you found your home. And I think that's the biggest factor why until now we are still here."]

Also known as Bitoy, the comedian said that it was also in "Bubble Gang" where he was able to have creative freedom to a "great length."

"Bubble Gang" writer-director Caesar Cosme is one of his avid believers.

"Fan ako ni Bitoy," Caesar said. "Sobrang bilib ako sa kanya as a comedy actor. 'Yon naman 'yung dream ng mga nagsusulat, 'di ba? 'Pag nagbigay ka ng materyal kay Bitoy, i-improve niya 'yon," he said.

["I am a fan of Bitoy. I am in awe of him as a comedy actor. That's the dream of the writer, right? When you give Bitoy material, he will improve it."]

"Naamoy ko kaagad na baliw din 'to eh. S'yempre malaki ang edad ko sa kanya pero alam mo 'yon, iba. Ni-respeto ko siya from the start. Iba si Bitoy. Iba si Bitoy," he added.

["I smelled right away that he is also wacky. Of course, I am much older than him, but it felt different. I respected him from the start. He is different. He is different."]

After over two decades behind and in front of the "Bubble Gang" cameras, Michael V. is determined to show more as they mark their 25th anniversary.

Aside from his loved ones and colleagues in the industry, he takes inspiration from those who are most important for the show—its audience.

"Ang driving force ko ngayon is to make people happy," he said. "'Yung secret formula ng 'Bubble Gang' staying power [is its] relevance and 'yung humor."

["My driving force right now is to make people happy. The secret formula of 'Bubble Gang' staying power is its relevance and the humor."]

"Basta maging relevant ka ro'n sa mga pagpapatawa mo, I'm pretty sure maa-appreciate ng mga taong nanonood sa 'yo."

["As long as you are relevant with your jokes, I'm pretty sure your audience will appreciate it."]

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News