'Bubble Gang' goes musical for their 29th anniversary this November

The country’s longest-running gag show, “Bubble Gang,” celebrates 29 years of bringing joy and laughter to audiences around the globe via a two-part anniversary special airing this November 17 and 24.

Giving the viewers a weekly dose of good vibes is the powerhouse cast led by award-winning Kapuso comedian and “Bubble Gang” pioneer Michael V. a.k.a. Bitoy, together with Kababol mainstays Paolo Contis, Betong Sumaya, Chariz Solomon, Analyn Barro, EA Guzman, Buboy Villar, Matt Lozano, Cheska Fausto, and Kokoy de Santos.

Joining them in the special anniversary celebration are guests Rabiya Mateo, Angel Guardian, Michael Sager, Rita Daniela, XOXO, and Pinky Amador.

With this year’s theme, “BaliSong Bente Nuebe,” all sketches are made more amusing with popular folk songs, nursery rhymes, and familiar melodies.

Kapuso comedian Michael V. shares his inspiration for Bubble Gang’s 29th anniversary skit, "Bubble Gang and music have always been a great combination. Most of our anniversary offerings would feature a musical number or two. There are even a few na musical ‘yung buong episode! The only thing different about this one is that there’s always a song mentioned in every sketch. Minsan seryoso, minsan naman medyo “bali”. That’s the reason why this year’s anniversary is called “Bali-Song," alluding to the fact that the songs were tweaked and also to the Filipino weapon (butterfly knife), which is typically 29 centimeters (for our 29 years) when fully opened.”

Some of the cast members share their favorite roles and dream skits for the show. According to Paolo, “Gusto ko ring makagawa ng parody. I'm in awe of Kuya Bitoy kung paano niya nagagawa ang parodies niya from lyrics to concept, kaya dream kong makagawa rin ng ganun.”

For Betong, exploring more musical comedy will be a great gimmick, “Pinakapaborito kong character si Antonietta kasi nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na maka-eksena at masampal ng mga premyado at bigating kontrabida. In terms of dream role, halos lahat ay nagampanan na namin, but siguro more on musical comedy sana since gusto ko talaga yung may sayaw at kanta.”

Chariz is also open to try something unique like silent comedy, “Favorite sketches ko, Balitang Ina, Lala Ytera, and Mr. & Mrs. Dream ko naman siguro ‘yung ala-Charlie Chaplin na sketch. Lagi kasing loud ang characters ko, so siguro para maiba naman, ‘yung sketch naman na walang talk [laughs].”

Analyn, on the other hand, has a deeper take on her dream role, “I think everyone can relate to my newest character, Lulu Delulu, and it’s really funny for me. Dream role? To be anything and anyone. Siguro ‘dream’ ko lagi is magampanan ang kahit na anong ‘role’ na ibibigay nila sakin.”

Meanwhile, Kokoy and Buboy highlight the fun relationship of the whole gang. “Solidong samahan po, yun ang meron kami. To the point na nilo-look forward ko palagi yung taping dahil sa bonding namin. Nakaka-excite pa rin kasi every taping, ibang sketches na naman ang gagawin,” says Kokoy.

“Lahat ng cast members masayang kasama lalo na kapag magkakasama kami nila Betong pakiramdam ko walang katapusang bardagulan talaga. Salamat din sa mga kasamahan ko na open sila at nagbibigayan ng idea kung paano pa mapapaganda ang mga eksena,” Buboy adds.

“Bubble Gang” is not only a source of laughter but also a place for the cast to grow. Moreover, some already have a list of celebrities they would want to make a special skit with.

According to Matt, “Nung una talagang na-challenge at nahirapan ako dahil nakakatakot magpatawa. Pero dahil din sa husay ng OG cast talagang madadala ka eh. Soon, sana makasama ko ang OG cast (90s, early, and late 2000s) sa isang classic na sketches na ginagawa dati.”

Cheska adds, “I took it as a challenge as an actor kasi mahirap magpatawa kaysa umiyak. I try to learn from the OG cast and I’m super happy kasi lagi silang open to teach me. Dream kong mag-guest sa show si Ms. Marian Rivera kasi bukod sa iniidolo ko siya, I know na she has that funny side which I would love to witness.”

“I learn from them para makasabay ako sa OG cast kasi mas matagal na sila sa pagpapatawa. Ine-enjoy ko rin every taping namin kaya mas nagiging komportable ako sa comedy. Ang gusto ko namang makasama sa isang sketch ay si Vice Ganda. Perfect siya sa Super Mamshie skit ko,” EA mentions.

Don’t miss the two-part anniversary special of “Bubble Gang” on November 17 and 24 at 6:10 p.m. on GMA Network and GTV.

The gag show is also being live-streamed on Kapuso Stream and YouLOL’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Global Pinoys can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.