Michael V. and the Bubble G Anthology

Michael V has just released Michael V.: The Bubble G Anthology, a compilation of songs and videos that he’s spoofed on the hit gag show. Text by Yvette U. Tan. Michael V. is what you could call a renaissance man. He’s a guy who has a lot of talent and who has mastered a lot of skills in different fields. He’s a comedian, a singer, a restaurateur, and with his new album, he’s ventured into production. Bitoy’s new album, called Michael V.: Bubble G Anthology, can be more accurately described as an audio-visual venture. “(It) is a compilation of the music videos I did for Bubble Gang, yung mga spoof na ginawa namin, plus yung “Joy my Heart” (and) “DJ Bumbay” na ni re-edit and “Hindi Ako Bakla,” (which) is a totally original song. “Hindi Ako Bakla” is totally not related to a song of the same name that became a hit a few years ago. “… Interestingly, I finished this (“Hindi Ako Bakla” nung) 2004 pa. Nauna ito (sa isa) pero I didn’t have the vessel para ma i-launch ang song until now,” Bitoy explains. Part of the reason he’s found the means to share the song with the public is the current abundance of technology at hand. “Na-discover ko na kung gaano kadali gumawa ng music video,” he shares, “Kasi before, kailangan ng maraming resources kung gagawa ka ng music videos pero ngayon, na-realize ko madali lang pala.” His interest in technology has led him to be very hands on in the making of this compilation. “Yung mga songs, nire-edit ko personally tapos we had to re- mix the audio kasi yung ni-release namin sa TV, mono -- sinandya namin kasi alam namin may magpa- pirate -- so eto yung benefits na bibili ka ng original kasi makukuha mo in full stereo,” he says with a mischievous grin. Bitoy says that his favorite song in the album would be “Hindi Ako Bakla.” “A close second (would be) “Mamao,” yung spoof ng Kamikazee’s “Narda,”” he says. Though most of the tunes have been taken from current hits, the lyrics are all Bitoy’s. The comedian says that he takes inspiration from everything that happens around him, as well as fun word play and puns. “Most of the time I capitalize on sound-a-likes,” he explains. “(For example), yung lyrics nung chorus, hahanapan ko ng katunog na words at doon nabubuo yung song.” Sometimes, his inspiration comes from the people he works with. “Yung “Mamaw,” naging inspiration ko dun si Diego – actually, marami akong song na si Diego yung nagiging inspiration,” he laughs. It’s no secret that Bitoy is somewhat of a genius when it comes to songwriting. He’s managed to carve himself a niche penning music that all Filipinos have a soft spot for – novelty songs. Bitoy shares his thoughts on why this genre never goes out of style. “Siguro dahil na rin sa dami ng problema,” he muses. “There isn’t a Filipino na kilala ko, lalo masa, na who can get over a crisis na hindi dinadaan sa tawa… ayaw talaga ng Pinoy ng problema and as long as magagawan ng paraan, they will most probably use humor to get it out of their system.” As mentioned in the beginning, Michael V. Bubble G Anthology marks Bitoy’s foray into production. Aside from working on technical aspects such as mastering the songs himself, he’s also tried his hand in directing. “Yung mga ginawa naming (videos) sa Bubble Gang were mostly directed by Uro de la Cruz pero yung “Joy In My Heart” atsaka “Hindi Ako Bakla,” ako na yung nag- direct nun,” he says. Bitoy plans to go into directing soon, and says that a movie is already being negotiated.