Bubble Gang turns 21
“It’s a wordplay on 21 gun salute, which is performed when we honor heroes,” replied Michael V.,
Bubble Gang creative director and lead comedian, when asked about this year’s theme of the Kapuso gag show: 21 Gang Salute. Debuted in 1995, Bubble Gang is local TV’s longest-running sketch comedy.
“We’re paying tribute to our heroes in comedy,” added Bitoy, the other name of Michael V. “We’re honoring the best 21 Filipino comedians in our book. We’re not saying na ito yung all-time na
pinaka magagaling. The list speaks of Bubble Gang’s choices of 21 best comedians in the Philippines.”
Perhaps belonging to the top tier of the list are Dolphy, Rene Requiestas, Vic Sotto, Redford White and Joey de Leon. It’s also interesting to know how many comediennes will complete the list, if the word comedian also means comedienne.
Questions: What signature works of the 21 best comedians will be recreated in the allotted segments for them? Will the show explain the contributions of the honorees? We will find out when the two-part TV special premieres on Nov. 25 and culminates on Dec. 2.
“We have made a shortlist,” said Michael V. “You will know the final list during the airing of the anniversary special.” Since Bubble
Gang has never failed to tickle the viewer’s funny bones, members of media were curious to find out the show’s secrets in eliciting laughs and guffaws. The stars generously shared their thoughts.
“We’re very serious with our comedy,” said Paolo Contis. “Hindi lang kami basta nang-gagaya, seryoso kami sa mga ginagawa namin.”
For Boy 2 Quizon, the answer was simple. “Lahat kami may sayad,” he said jokingly. “It feels like we’re just playing instead of working.”
This work attitude, as the stars would agree, boils down to their love for comedy as expressed by Chariz Solomon. “We love what we’re doing.” Betong Sumaya, with his funny accent, added, “It’s the burning passion to bring comedy
(to everyone.) It’s not just about money, although gusto din namin iyon.”
This and the family atmosphere on the set keep the mainstays as well as the creative team enthusiastic about what they do. It is the reason why they are always on their toes.
“I’m excited to go to work every Monday,” said Antonio Aquitania. “Alam kong masaya ang gagawin
naming taping.” The stars are one in their intention to share the happiness they experience inside the studio and wish to bring that to every
Kapuso watching Bubble Gang. “It’s fun to do and it’s fun to watch,” said Bert de Leon, who replaced direk Uro dela Cruz in helming the weekly gag show. “It’s a challenge because I have big shoes to fill… Ako yung pinakahuli sa mga pumasok dito. Hindi naman siya rocket science kasi may formula
na yan. We’re open. Everyone can make suggestions. Lahat pwedeng
mag- contribute. Walang monopoly sa creativity although the head is Bitoy. So what I do is try my best to present the comedy in a very tasteful (manner). I’ve done a lot of gag shows. With all our inputs combined, tulong, tulong lang. I listen to the staff (and ask them)
‘Paano dati ninyo ito ginagawa? Is there any room to improve whatever segments are on the script for that day?’ So it’s work but again it’s fun (to do).”
Michael V., meanwhile, pinned down the answers on how the show has stayed at par with comedy and kept its viewers engaged. “It’s evolution,” he said. “The stars, the writers need to evolve. Pati yung buong network minsan nakikievolve din. It’s how you make a fresh take on an old punchline, paano mo babaliin yung set-up or vice versa, or how to come up with an original material. (Success) does not rely only on one person. That’s why it’s a gang (Michael V. is referring to the show’s title Bubble Gang). Yung mga writers namin sila talaga yung hands-on. They are really the ones who go out on the streets, mingle with people to know what’s in and the trends now, at yun ang gagamitin naming materyal.”
Tweaking familiar jokes and coming up with new materials are the challenges any gag show deals with episode after episode. For the actors, however, translating comedy sketches on TV and acting them out are the battlegrounds.
“I think there are times when what we find funny doesn’t appear funny to the viewers,” said Paolo. “Ilang beses naming nakita na ang saya naming ginagawa pero nung pinanuod pangit. (As an actor,) your priority is to make the audience laugh not (putting) yourselves (in stitches) on the set.” “Gawing natural yung mga eksena, hindi pilit, hindi mukhang inaarte namin,” added Sef Cadayona. “The scenes should look real — that they do happen in real life and in any setting.” For the anniversary edition, Bubble Gang gifts viewers with such fresh segments and sketches as Patikim ni Kim ( headlined by Kim Domingo), Taran Taro, Dudera, Kaen ng Todo EngkangTodo and Buhay ng Bakla.
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