Michael V graces Reader's Digest cover for September issue

Filipino comedian Beethoven del Valle Bunagan, popularly known as Michael V, was on cloud nine after landing on the front cover of Reader's Digest (RD) 5th Annual Humor Special. In an interview with GMA-7's Showbiz Central, Michael V said he was dumbfounded upon receiving the letter from RD informing him that he will be the cover of the magazine’s September issue. The comedian said he was so surprised because he thought the magazine would only write a feature story about his life. “Parang ‘di ako makapaniwala kasi may nagpadala ng sulat regarding the cover. Sabi pangalawang Pinoy palang daw ako na mag co-cover. ‘Yung una si [former President] Cory Aquino," he said. “So parang di ko alam gagawin ko talaga. Kasi alam ko lang may feature. ‘Di ko alam na mag co-cover pala." Michael V said that the recognition made him feel good. Asked what might have prompted RD to choose him for its next month's cover, he quipped: “Ang pinagbasehan nila siguro yung Asian TV awards. Kasi nanalo na ako ng 3 beses sa Asian TV awards as comedy actor." He said he was so flattered by this recognition as he admitted that he has yet to match the feat of other renowned Filipino comedians. “Nahihiya pa rin ako. Parang feeling ko ‘di ko pa nagagawa ‘yung mga nagawa nila and at the same time may honor na ganoon. So parang I’m really very flattered." The report said the magazine’s feature on him was no-laughing matter as it delved into Michael V’s life seriously. He said RD wanted to know how he got his distinguished sense of humor. “Tinanong nila ‘yung history ko as a person hindi lang talaga as komedyante, hindi as a professional. Inalam nila kung bakit nagkaroon ng gano'ng klaseng humor ang isang Michael V." On the possibility of joining the international acting arena, he said he has yet to see the project offers. At the same time, he stressed that his performance would primarily cater to Filipinos. “Sana. Pero hindi ko masasbi hangga’t walang offer. Hindi naman ako magju-jump [into conclusions] ka agad eh. I-try ko rin pero ang serbisyo ko para sa mga Pilipino first and foremost." Michael V is a mainstay of GMA-7’s gag show Bubblegang, which airs every Friday night. He is also hosting Bitoy’s Yari Ka – the Philippine counterpart of America’s funniest videos that airs every Saturday. - GMANews.TV