How Tenement helped Michael V. hone his talent for comedy

Michael V. is one of the legends of Philippine comedy.

On Monday's episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," the Kapuso Comedy Genius opened up on how he developed his talents in making people laugh.

According to Bitoy, a large part of it was because of the environment he grew up in.

"Masasabi ko parang naimpluwensyahan ako ng maraming tao," he said. "I grew up in Tenement kasi, so dun palang sa parents ko, sa nanay ko na medyo mali-mali, at 'yung tatay ko na mahilig talaga magpatawa, parang dun palang na-expose na ako."

Tenement is a residential building in Taguig City known for its basketball court murals. For Bitoy, meeting a wide range of people in his home helped shape his comic abilities.

"Ang dami naming kapitbahay sa Tenement, biruin mo pitong floors 'yun tapos tatlong wings. Tapos may mga kaklase ka pa na galing sa ibang lugar near the place. 'Yung exposure to a lot of different characters dun nagsimula," he said.

Aside from observing that people from all walks of life, Bitoy said his comedy also developed from watching "Sesame Street," sitcoms, and gag shows.

As a comedian, Bitoy said he's more of an impressionist than an impersonator. He works by capturing the essence of a character, such as the nuance in how they talk, dress, and move.

"I think I was born to play characters naturally dahil may mga nakikita ako't nagagaya," he said.

Michael V. is one of the pillars of "Bubble Gang," the longest-running gag show in Philippine television. He is also behind the sitcom "Pepito Manaloto." 

—MGP, GMA Integrated News