Michael V., Caesar Cosme reveal challenges of doing ‘Bubble Gang’ amid pandemic: ‘Mahirap magpatawa ng naka-face shield’

Making thousands of people laugh for over 25 years isn’t as easy as it seems, especially during crises.

In an exclusive interview in The Howie Severino Podcast,” comedian Michael V. and writer-director Caesar Cosme revealed the challenges they experienced producing “Bubble Gang” during the pandemic.

“Mahirap magpatawa ng naka-face shield,” Caesar said.

[It’s hard to make people laugh when they’re wearing face shields.]

“Let’s do a way, reminding the people of presenting this material about COVID and the pandemic and let’s just have fun. How can you? Right into your faces, naka-face shield sila (they’re wearing face shields).”

Although it was vital to remain sensitive to the show’s audience, Caesar said he had a hard time grasping his audience because he couldn’t see them amid the pandemic and safety protocols.

“Ano ’yung nararamdaman nu’ng ini-imagine kong kinakusap sa TV screen? Dati kasi I practice riding the bus, public transpo, nagta-tricycle ka kahit once a month para sabi ko makita ko at maamoy ko ’yung aking mga kinakausap. Hindi ko siya magawa,” Caesar said.

[What is the audience I’m talking to on the TV screen feeling? Before, I practice riding the bus, public transportation, tricycle at least once a month so I can see and smell the people I’m talking to. I couldn’t do that.]

Michael V said that although there was a lot of material from the pandemic that could be turned into comedy, it could still be a sensitive issue.

“You have to be sensitive about, sensible about the sensitivities nu’ng audience mo. Mayroon pa ring fine line between nakakatawa at nakaka-offend. And as much as mahirap siyang ma-determine, it’s always best to just play it safe. Kung ipu-push mo man, make sure na malayo ka pa roon sa boundaries,” he said.

[You have to be sensitive about, sensible about the sensitivities of the audience. There is still a fine line between what is funny and what is offensive. And as much as it’s hard to determine, it’s always best to just play it safe. If you push it, make sure you’re still far from the boundaries.]

As Bubble Gang celebrates its 25th anniversary, becoming one of the longest-running television programs of GMA Network, Michael V shared his inspiration behind his content.

“Kasi nu’ng nagka-COVID nga ako, parang feeling ko mamamatay na ako, e. And I know a lot of people na nawala na and ’yung desire nila to stay longer pa sana kaya lang hindi na nga mangyari dahil du'n sa pandemya. So parang gusto ko na lang magpasaya ng tao kasi parang magiging masaya ako when I do that, e, when I make people smile, when I make them laugh,” the actor said.

[When I had COVID, I felt like I was going to die. And I know a lot of people who have passed and their desire to stay longer but it didn’t happen because of the pandemic. So I just wanted to make people happy because I’d be happy if I did that, when I make people smile, when I make people laugh.]

“Ang thrust ko talaga, ang driving force ko ngayon is to make people happy. So kagaya nu’ng sinabi ko kanina, ’yung secret formula ng Bubble Gang staying power—’yung relevance and ’yung humor. ’Yun na lang. Basta maging relevant ka ru’n sa mga pagpapatawa mo, I’m pretty sure ma-appreciate ng mga taong nanonood sa ’yo.”

[My thrust, my driving force right now is to make people happy. So like I said, the secret formula of Bubble Gang’s staying power—it’s the relevance and the humor. That’s it. As long as you’re relevant in how you make them laugh, I’m pretty sure the people watching you will appreciate it.] – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News