Betong thankful to Michael V for giving him ‘Antonietta’

Betong Sumaya has been part of Bubble Gang for around two years but he still cannot believe he’s part of the longest-running gag show in the country.

Even more, his mind is blown by the idea that he gets to work so closely with ‘THE Michael V’.

Betong is all praises for his idol and is impressed with his work ethic, among others. For him, Michael V. does so well in balancing his seriousness in perfecting his craft and in joyfully exuding his passion.

“Sobrang professional (niya)… Naiisip ko, parang wala akong karapatang magreklamo na mapagod. Sila, eighteen years na sila, eh ako wala pa sa kalahati,” he said.

Betong also lauded how the comedy veteran’s passion is clearly expressed in each role he plays.

“Sobrang mahal na mahal niya ‘yung trabaho niya eh, kasi hindi lang siya artista. At the same time, part siya ng production, ng script. ‘Yung pagmamahal niya (for his job), nagre-reflect sa lahat ng ginagawa niya. Ang dami niyang character eh – si Tata Lino, Aling Mary, Ina. Ang dami,” Betong added.

The Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown champion is also impressed with how down-to-earth, generous and selfless his co-star is.

“Mabait siya. Ako, marami akong naririnig na horror stories (tungkol) sa iba(ng celebrities), pero siya, hindi eh. On and off camera, sobra siyang supportive at binibigyan niya ng chance yung iba na mag-shine,” Betong shared.

He noted that the cynical character of Antonietta was originally intended for Michael V., but the latter passed the role to him. “I think ‘yung Antonietta, talagang sa kanya ‘yun eh, kaya sobra akong thankful. Nung una, natakot ako, parang paano ko ba paninindigan ‘to, kaya sobrang thankful (ako),” he said.

The role that he bagged allows him to share scenes with more veterans like Chanda Romero, Roi Vinzon, Jaclyn Jose, and Celia Rodriguez. “I get to work with (them) and parang oh my, napapanood mo lang sila eh. Mga bigatin (sila, so) parang naku po, ang dami ko pang kanin na kakainin para maabot yung estado nila,” he humbly said.

Instead of being intimidated, he uses this to fuel his drive to make himself better. “Iniisip ko na lang, hindi (ka dapat kabahan), kailangan pagbutihin mo ‘to’,” he said.

Watch funny man Betong in Bubble Gang, every Friday night at 10 p.m.

 -- Text by Meryl Ligunas, Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com