Michael V.
Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan (born December 17, 1969), known professionally as Michael V. and also known as Bitoy, is a Filipino actor, comedian, and recording artist, who appears in the GMA Network show Bubble Gang and Pepito Manaloto.
Michael V. | ||||||||||
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Michael V. on the set of Eat Bulaga! | ||||||||||
| Born | Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan December 17, 1969 Malate, Manila, Philippines | |||||||||
| Other names |
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| Alma mater | Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (BA) | |||||||||
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1991–present | |||||||||
| Spouse | Carol Bunagan (m. 1994) | |||||||||
| Children | 4 | |||||||||
| Musical career | ||||||||||
| Origin | Pandacan, Manila, Philippines | |||||||||
| Genres | ||||||||||
| Labels | ||||||||||
| Website | Michael V's Profile in GMANetwork.com | |||||||||
| YouTube information | ||||||||||
| Channels | Michael V. #BitoyStory | |||||||||
| Years active | 2013–present | |||||||||
| Genres |
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| Subscribers | 1.32 million | |||||||||
| Total views | 33.5 million | |||||||||
| Associated acts | ||||||||||
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Last updated: November 23, 2021 | ||||||||||
Known for his literal "translations" and parodies of popular Filipino and foreign songs. Michael V. has also made original songs, such as "Sinaktan Mo ang Puso Ko"[1] (English: "You Hurt My Heart") and "Hindi Ako Bakla"[2] (English: "I'm Not Gay").
Early life
Michael V. was born as Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan on December 17, 1969, at Clinica dela Rosa in Malate, Manila to Cesar Felix Bunagan and Melba Balonzo del Valle.[3] His father named him after German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, upon seeing a copy of Beethoven's LP in his boss' office, not knowing that "Beethoven" is a surname.[4]
The nickname "Bitoy" was taken from a kiddie TV character played by comedian Bentot. When Bentot, as Bitoy, guested in Iskul Bukol, then-high school student Beethoven saw it and began mimicking Bentot's voice in school. His classmates then called him "Bitoy", to which the nickname stuck to this day.[4] He finished his secondary education in Manila Science High School. Michael V. later earned a degree in mass communications from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. He joined a lot of contests on TV. In one contest in Eat Bulaga!,[5] judge Ogie Alcasid turned him down. Later, Michael V. became a co-host of Eat Bulaga! and Ogie Alcasid became one of his close friends and co-star in the long-running Bubble Gang and Tropang Trumpo.[6][7][5]
During the popularity of Andrew E., the song "Humanap Ka ng Panget" became wildly popular, to which the then unsigned Beethoven composed a reply song entitled "Maganda Ang Piliin (Ayoko Ng Panget)".[8] At that time, OctoArts was then inviting Michael V.'s female friend and rapping partner, Dianne, to submit a demo tape. In that demo tape, Michael V.'s "Maganda Ang Piliin" was accidentally included. He and Dianne got individual recording contracts. Michael V.'s song and its accompanying album became a hit.[8][4][9]
When he entered show business, he and his manager were deciding a stage name for his career as a rapper. Back then, the most popular Filipino rappers were Andrew E. and Francis M. so they opted for a similar stage name: "Michael V.", after Michael Jackson and Gary V., Michael V.'s favorite international and local artists respectively.[4]
Michael V.'s first feature film appearance was in Regal Films' comedy film, Banana Split top-billed by Joey Marquez. He eventually gained prominence when OctoArts Films started to include him alongside Vic Sotto, Ogie Alcasid, Francis Magalona, among others.[4][9]
Career
Television and film career
Michael V. has won the Asian Television Awards for Best Comedy Performance by an Actor for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. He joined MariMar as the voice of the eponymous character's pet dog Fulgoso.[10] After his voice-acting in MariMar, he played a supporting role in Codename: Asero. On August 23, 2008, Michael V., after winning Best Comedy Performance Award at the Asian Television Awards for three consecutive years—was officially informed that he will grace the front cover of Reader's Digest 5th Annual Humor Special, September issue. Making him the second Filipino whoever landed on the covers of Reader's Digest next to former President Cory Aquino.[11]
Michael V. also had a comedy movie with longtime friend Ogie Alcasid called Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie[12] produced by GMA Films and APT Productions, inspired from a segment of GMA 7's award-winning gag-show, Bubble Gang. He also hosted a game show on GMA, Hole in the Wall with Ogie Alcasid in 2009.[13]
Michael V. formerly hosted a comedy-talent show called Bitoy's SHOwwwTIME, which aired from 2009 to 2010 and also hosted Kap's Amazing Stories: Kids Edition, while original host Bong Revilla had left the show shortly for re-election as senator, but Bong Revilla won again as Senator a week later. Michael V. also won as a Celebrity Inductee to the Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Philippines in 2009. He had his first sitcom entitled Pepito Manaloto currently airing on GMA Network.[14]
In 2010, Michael V. became Nestle Philippines' Laki sa Gatas advocate for Bear Brand Milk. In the same year, He returned to drama via Jillian Namamasko Po! which he plays a Santa Claus which he created a doll and gives to a good little child. In 2011, He appeared in Bantatay which he returns to voice as a dog. It was his 4th GMA Telebabad after Marimar and Codename: Asero and Jillian Namamasko Po!. In 2016, he conceptualized Tsuperhero along with Caesar Cosme.[15] In the same year, Michael V. leaves Eat bulaga! as a co-host.[16]
Michael V. started his YouTube career in 2017.[17] In 2019, he returns to film and make also his directorial debut film Family History produced by GMA Pictures and Michael V.'s Mic Test Entertainment.[18] Following the passing of former director Bert de Leon in 2021, Michael V. temporarily took charge of the directorial duties for Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento in June 2022.[19]
Personal life
Michael V. and his wife Carol have 4 children. In August 2013, He was hospitalized[20] for dengue fever, according to a tweet from Ogie Alcasid. Both Ogie Alcasid and Michael V. solicited prayers and platelet donations[21] over the following days, promising to update fans once the situation gets better. Michael V. then later tweeted that he was recovering from his previous condition, thanking his fans for support.[22]
On July 20, 2020, Michael V. announced in a vlog that he had tested positive for COVID-19.[23] On August 11, Michael V. announced in another vlog that he had already recovered.[24]
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Home Along Da Riles | Unknown | ABS-CBN | — |
| 1993 | Haybol Rambol | Charlie | GMA Network | |
| 1994–1995 | Tropang Trumpo | Himself | ABC5 | |
| 1992-1995 | Ready, Get Set, Go! | ABS-CBN | ||
| 1995–present | Bubble Gang | Himself / Various roles | GMA Network | |
| 1996 | Bilibitornat | Himself / Host | ||
| 1997–2000 | Bitoy's Adventures in Bilibkaba! | |||
| 1999–2000 | Ooops! | Himself | Director | |
| 2001 | Bitoy's World | Etoy / Betong / Bebang | — | |
| 2002 | Ready, Text, Go! | Himself / Host | ||
| 2003–2004 | Celebrity Turns with Junee and Lani | Junee Lee | ||
| 2004–2009 | Bitoy's Funniest Videos | Himself / Host | ||
| 2004–2016; 2019; 2021 | Eat Bulaga! | |||
| 2007–2008 | Marimar | Fulgoso (Voice) | ||
| 2008 | Codename: Asero | Bodjie X | ||
| Nickelodeon Philippines kids' Choice Awards | Himself / Host | Nickelodeon | ||
| 2009–2010 | Hole in the Wall | Yaya and Bianca | GMA Network | |
| Bitoy's Showwwtime | Himself / Host | |||
| 2010 | Diz Iz It | Himself / Judge | ||
| 2010–2011 | Bantatay | Teacher (Voice) | ||
| 2010–present | Pepito Manaloto | Pepito Manaloto | ||
| 2012 | Pare & Pare | Himself / Host | ||
| 2013 | Killer Karaoke Pinoy Naman | TV5 | ||
| 2015 | Sabado Badoo | Himself | GMA Network | |
| 2017-2022 | Wowowin | |||
| 2018 | Sarap Diva | |||
| 2019 | Dear Uge |
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Banana Split | Unknown | — |
| 1992 | Ano Ba Yan | ||
| 1993 | Ano Ba Yan 2 | ||
| Mama's Boys | |||
| 1994 | O-Ha! Ako Pa! | Jack | |
| Biboy Banal: Pagganti ko, tapos kayo! | Ching | ||
| Manolo en Michelle | Unknown | ||
| 1995 | Isko Adventures in Animasia | ||
| 1996 | Rubberman | Bitoy | |
| 1997 | Halik ng Bampira | Unknown | |
| Bitoy Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin | Bitoy | ||
| 1998 | Anting-anting | Unknown | |
| Sinaktan Mo Ang Puso Ko | Miguel | ||
| 1999 | D' Sisters:Nuns of the Above | Michael | |
| 2002 | Kwentong Kayumanggi | Narrator | |
| Bestman: 4 Better, Not 4 Worse | Joey | ||
| 2003 | Lastikman | Junee Lee | |
| 2004 | Enteng Kabisote: Okay Ka Fairy Ko, The Legend | Itim | |
| 2006 | Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka Fairy Ko... The Legend Goes on and on and on | Unknown | |
| 2007 | Paraiso: Tatlong Kuwento ng Pag-asa | Didoy | |
| 2008 | Urduja | KutKut | |
| Dayo | Narsi | ||
| 2009 | Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie | Rosalinda "Yaya" Lucero | |
| 2012 | Boy Pick-Up: The Movie | MC Bits | |
| D' Kilabots Pogi Brothers Weh?! | Traffic Enforcer | ||
| 2019 | Family History | Alex Dela Cruz | Director |
| 2021 | Mang Jose | Kumander Andres |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Awards | Category | Nominated Work | Results | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Awit Awards | Song of the Year | "Sinaktan Mo Ang Puso Ko" | Won | |
| PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Comedy Actor | Won | |||
| 2000 | PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Comedy Actor | Bubble Gang | Won | [25] |
| 2001 | Awit Awards | Best Novelty Song | (Ilong with Bob M. Guzman & Larry Chua) | Won | |
| Asian Television Awards | Best Performance by an Actor | (Comedy) | Won | [26] | |
| 2003 | PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Comedy Actor (tied with Ogie Alcasid) | Won | ||
| 2005 | Malacañang | The Outstanding Young Man (TOYM) Award | Won | [27] | |
| 2006 | Asian Television Awards | Best Comedy Performance by an Actor | Won | ||
| Awit Awards | Best Novelty Recording | "Hindi Ako Bakla" | Nominated | ||
| Best Dance Recording | Nominated | [28] | |||
| 2007 | Asian Television Awards | Best Comedy Performance by an Actor | Nominated | ||
| MYX Music Awards | Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ | Won | |||
| Favorite Male Artist | Nominated | ||||
| 2008 | PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Comedy Actor | Nominated | ||
| 2009 | 1st MTRCB TV Awards | Best Actor | Bubble Gang | Won | [29] |
| Asian Television Awards | Best Comedy Performance by an Actor | Nominated | [30] | ||
| 2010 | Asian Television Awards | Best Comedy Performance by an Actor | Nominated | [31] | |
| Reader's Digest Asia | Reader's Digest "Philippines' Most Trusted Individuals of 2010 (Comedian and TV host category) | Included | [32] | ||
| 2011 | Asian Television Awards | Best Comedy Performance by an Actor | Pepito Manaloto | Nominated | [33] |
| FMTM Award | Top TV Series Senior Artists | Included | |||
| Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag or Comedy Program | Nominated | |||
| 2012 | Asian Television Awards | Best Comedy Performance by an Actor | Bubble Gang | Nominated | [34] |
| Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag or Comedy Program | Nominated | |||
| 26th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Comedy Actor | Nominated | |||
| 2013 | Asian Television Awards | Best Comedy Performance by an Actor | Nominated | [35] | |
| Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag or Comedy Program | Nominated | |||
| Pillars of Hope Awards | Eton Pillar of Hope for Entertainment TV | Won | [36] | ||
| 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Comedy Actor | Bubble Gang | Won | [37] | |
| 2014 | Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag / Comedy Program | Won | [38] | |
| 28th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Comedy Actor | Nominated | |||
| 2015 | Asian Television Awards | Best Comedy Performance by an Actor | Pepito Manaloto | Nominated | [39] |
| Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag / Comedy Program | Won | [40] | ||
| PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Comedy Actor | Nominated | [41] | ||
| 2020 | MYX Music Awards | MYX Celebrity VJ of the Year | Nominated | [42] |
References
- ^ Michael V. - Sinaktan Mo Ang Puso Ko, archived from the original on December 21, 2021, retrieved September 2, 2021
- ^ Michael V | Hindi Ako Bakla | Official Music Video, from the original on September 2, 2021, retrieved September 2, 2021
- ^ ""Philippines, Manila, Civil Registration, 1899-1984," database with images, FamilySearch". FamilySearch. from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Gonzalez, Bianca (March 25, 2012). "The funny accidents in the life of Michael V". The Philippine Star. from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
- ^ a b "Michael V previously joined 'Eat Bulaga' contest; got low mark from judge Ogie Alcasid | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
- ^ "WATCH: Michael V looks back on 'Bubble Gang's song parodies | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
- ^ "Michael V. posts throwback photo of '90s TV5 show with Ogie, Gelli, Carmina". PEP.ph. from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
- ^ a b "Kapamilya & Kapuso stars react to Michael V's "Maganda Ang Piliin" throwback post | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
- ^ a b "Michael V Is A Genius In Our Midst". GMA News Online. from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
- ^ "Michael V. will be the voice of canine Fulgoso in "Marimar"". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
- ^ gmanews.tv/story, Michael V graces Reader's Digest cover for September issue December 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, gmanews.tv; accessed November 4, 2015.
- ^ Inc, GMA New Media. "GMANetwork.com - Pictures - List of GMA Pictures Projects". www.gmanetwork.com. from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Hole in the Wall returns to GMA Telebabad | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
- ^ "Pepito Manaloto takes a break after 11 years on air". www.philstar.com. from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Derrick Monasterio ramdam ba ang pressure na maka-trabaho si Michael V sa 'Tsuperhero?' | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
- ^ "Michael V explains why he stopped being co-host in Eat Bulaga". PEP.ph. from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
- ^ Policarpio, Allan (April 2, 2018). "Multihyphenate Michael V now a vlogger, too". Retrieved April 17, 2022.
- ^ "Michael V. says 'Family History' sequel is possible". www.gmanetwork.com. from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
- ^ "Michael V. to direct 'Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kwento'". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
- ^ "Michael V.'s dengue worsens". Tempo. from the original on August 26, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
- ^ "Michael V. has dengue, needs platelet donations - Yahoo! OMG! Philippines". Yahoo!. from the original on August 20, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
- ^ "Michael V recovers from dengue". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. from the original on August 23, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
- ^ "Michael V. tests positive for COVID-19". GMA News. July 20, 2020. from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
- ^ Acar, Aedrianne (August 11, 2020). "Michael V., naka-recover na sa COVID-19!". GMA Network. from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
- ^ "Happy, triumphant faces at the 14th PMPC Star Awards for TV". The Philippine Star. October 9, 2000. from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
- ^ . Archived from the original on September 13, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
- ^ "Comedian Michael V, Escudero lead seven TOYM 2005 awardees". Philippine Star. December 2, 2005. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
- ^ "Blast From The Past - Michael V - Hindi Ako Bakla". from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
- ^ "MTRCB hands out its first TV Awards; Michael V and Bea Alonzo win acting trophies". Philippine Entertainment Portal. November 13, 2015. from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ . Archived from the original on November 14, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- ^ "Kapuso actors, shows nominated at the 15th Asian Television Awards". GMA News online. November 16, 2010. from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
- ^ "Reader's Digest "Philippines' Most Trusted Individuals of 2010"". Showbiznest. from the original on December 9, 2015. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
- ^ "ABS-CBN scored on 2011 Asian Television Awards for Philippines". The Rod Magaru Show. December 8, 2011. from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
- ^ "Complete List of Nominations from The Philippines to 2012 Asian Television Awards". November 13, 2012. from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
- ^ "GMA Network nominees highly commended at the Asian Television Awards 2013 - GMANetwork.com - Entertainment - Home of Kapuso shows and stars - Articles". from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
- ^ "2013 Eton Pillars of Hope". from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
- ^ "Marian Rivera, Coco Martin lead winners of 27th Star Awards for TV". The Philippine STAR. from the original on February 9, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
- ^ "ENPRESS 2014 Golden Screen Awards for TV Winners List". March 21, 2014. from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
- ^ "Michael V, nominated at the 2015 Asian Television Awards". GMA Network. November 13, 2015. from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ "2015 Golden Screen TV Awards full list of winners". Inquirer. November 13, 2015. from the original on October 15, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ "AlDub, Kapuso stars and programs nominated in 29th PMPC Star Awards for TV". GMA Network. November 13, 2015. from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ "MYX Awards 2020: Nominees named; virtual show to be held". ABS-CBN News. May 21, 2019. from the original on May 21, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
External links
- Michael V. at IMDb