There are so many things that we can say to describe the one and only Michael V., but there is one thing that stands out and that is, he is a creative force.
He has reinvented himself, from being a talent of a show to a being a creative director in his comedy shows.
He also ventured into the world of film directing via the 2019 movie 'Family History' and dipped his toes into the world of content creation by establishing his own YouTube channel “Michael V. #BitoyStory.”
In 2023, Bitoy was recognized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) as one of the “comedy icons” of Philippine show business.
But who is Michael V. beyond the camera?
Find out more about this talented genius and what he has accomplished in his illustrious career in this gallery.
Michael V. has multiple roles in his film 'Family History.' Aside from directing a movie for the first time, he is also the writer, producer, and actor in the family drama movie.
Michael V has won thrice in the Asian TV awards, the 'Bubble Gang' star took home the award for Best Comedy Performance by an Actor in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
Michael V came from humbling beginnings. He used to live in a tenement building in Taguig City.
Michael V once bested Jessa Zaragoza in the Awit Awards. Bitoy's single "Sinaktan Mo Ang Pusko Ko" beat "Bakit Pa" as Song of the Year.
Michael V can operate a drone.
Michael V's daughter, Brianna Bunagan, is extremely talented as well. She can sing, paint, and play several musical instruments.
Bitoy can play the saxophone.
In a newspaper interview in 2012, Michael V joined a rap contest where Ogie Alcasid was a judge. The latter gave Bitoy a low score that made him lose the competition.
In 2017, Michael V tried dog sledding during his Canada trip with the family.
When Michael V's best friend Francis M died of leukemia, he got a tattoo of the “3 stars and a sun” symbol.
Bitoy has four children with wife Carolina Bunagan. They are Milo, Yanni, Migo, and Maypaul.
Michael V's first ever show is 'Ready, Get Set, Go!' He did rap intros for to all the segments of the show with Eric Quizon, Patrick Guzman, Maila Gumila, Eula Valdez, Eagle Riggs, Danny Pansalin and (later on) Carmina Villaroel and G. Toengi as hosts.
Michael V's 'The Bubble G Anthology' was a resounding success after it received a National Sales Breakout Award in December 2006. It sold over 15,000 units in less than two weeks.
Michael V. is one of the top celebrity YouTube creators in the Philippines. His channel has over 1.3 million subscribers as of writing.
The creative genius is battling one of his biggest fights in his life, after Bitoy confirmed on his vlog this on July 20 that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Unfortunately during the pandemic, Michael V. was one of the local celebrities who have been tested positive for COVID-19. But the comedian-director remained strong and became one of the COVID-19 survivors, too!
Providing informative and quality content on YouTube, Michael V. has received his Gold Play Button award for reaching more than 1 million subscribers on his channel.
Michael V. is a bankable endorser, too. He has been a long-time celebrity ambassador for a dishwashing liquid brand and was tapped to endorse a global fast-food chain here in the Philippines
Wondering why Michael V. is knowledgeable about toys made of resin? Fun fact! He revealed on his Bitoy Story vlog last February 9 that he used to work for an exporting company and he made Christmas and Halloween decors.
Direk Bitoy shared, “Dati akong nagtrabaho sa Teaño International Export as a product designer--Teaño is an exporting company sa Navotas na nagma-manufacture ng seasonal decorative items.
“Kilalang-kilala 'yan doon nung '80s hanggang '90s…. Kung meroon kayong mga angels or 'yung mga Santa Claus na nilalagay sa mga Christmas tree n'yo noong mga panahon na 'yun malamang ako ang nag-design nun”
On his Instagram account, the Kapuso comedy star flexed his cover feature on 'Barkada' magazine in June 1991.
Michael V. first married his wife, Carolina Bunagan, in a civil wedding ceremony in April 1994. Four years later, the Bunagan couple had their church wedding in February 1998.
The year 2023 was a huge milestone in their married life. They held another church wedding to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Direk Michael V. was recognized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines in September 2023 for his “invaluable contributions” to Philippine Comedy.
The awarding was held at the Acacia Hotel Manila last September 29. The Kapuso comedian joins the “elite list” of comedy superstars honored by the FDCP which includes Aiai Delas Alas, Eugene Domingo, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and the comedy legend Dolphy. The latter passed away at the age of 83 in July 2012.
Direk Michael's commitment to give superior entertainment to our Kapuso will continue after he renewed his contract with GMA-7 on March 11.
The ace comedian has been with the Kapuso Network for 28 years and counting and according to him, he sees himself staying with the network until the final days of his entertainment career.
“Wala na ako planong umalis pa dahil ito na talaga 'yung [tahanan ko]. Parang sinabi ni Sir. Gozon: home-grown, so yeah, this is definitely my home,” Michael said.