Michael V., aka Bitoy, is an award-winning comedian - thrice an Asian TV Awards honoree - who has been a solid Kapuso almost his entire television life. He will continue being one for the years to come as the quintessential comic genius renews his contract with GMA Network on March 11, 2024. 

BITOY REMAINS A KAPUSO

Bitoy’s journey has been nothing short of impressive. His high caliber comedic prowess and unlimited creativity has earned him a household name that is almost larger than life, being entrusted with two long-running, top-rating GMA offerings, “Bubble Gang” and “Pepito Manaloto.” 

“More projects, and more inspiration to come,” said Bitoy, born Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan in 1969, when asked what he’d like to tell himself after signing yet another contract with the Kapuso network. 

He has been with GMA for almost 29 years, spearheading sketch-comedy show “Bubble Gang” since its inception in 1995. 

Bitoy’s contract renewal was attended by GMA Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, and Senior Vice President for GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso. 

Carolina Bunagan, the comedian's wife and manager, also graced the momentous event.

Beethoven, whose screen name ‘MIchael V.’ is a playful sum of the names of his top two favorite entertainers (Michael Jackson and Gary V.), is grateful for a career that spans almost three decades as a Kapuso, as he commits to remaining as one until the end of his showbiz career.

KAPUSO THROUGH AND THROUGH

“I have been doing this, the entertainment industry, for more than 28 years, pero the bulk of my time is here with GMA at wala na akong planong umalis pa dahil ito na talaga eh,” claimed Bitoy, receiving a momentary applause from the crowd in attendance.

“Tama yung sinabi ni Sir (Felipe) Gozon eh, ‘homegrown,’ so this is definitely my home and it will be my home until the last days of my entertaining lives, so maraming-maraming salamat po sa pagsuporta ninyo sa aking mga project,” he added.

Bitoy is a marathon king, having been the mainman and the creative leader of two record-breaking shows in GMA Network - Philippines’ longest-running comedy show “Bubble Gang,” and the longest-running Saturday sitcom “Pepito Manaloto.”

The 54-year-old comedian transcends generational collisions in artistic style and humor, as he continues to evolve and finetune his body of work in order to ride the waves of trends while maintaining his unique brand of funny.