Michael V headlines 2-part gag show musical

GMA Network’s “Bubble Gang,” the country’s longest-running and multi-awarded gag show, continues to offer non-stop entertainment to Filipino viewers as they celebrate their 22nd anniversary this November.

Because of their unique, amusing and extraordinary parodies, sketches and gags about television commercials, famous personalities and current events, the Kapuso program is still the Filipinos’ favorite comedy program.

For this year, the cast of the well-loved comedy show offers a two-part TV special this November 17 and 24 featuring a musical show entitled “Parokya Bente Dos: A Laugh Story.”

When asked why do a musical show, Michael V or Bitoy (the creative director of “Bubble Gang”) said, “We have done everything in our past anniversary shows but we have not done a musical. We want to give our audience something different from the usual fare we come out with every episode.”

“Parokya Bente Dos: A Laugh Story” is the story of a simple guy named Buloy (Michael V), a die-hard fan who has built his dreams around an actress, Birdie Agila (Kim Domingo) and the countless adventures he had to go through in order to fulfill his life-long dream to be her leading man on and off screen.

The show features songs from one of the country’s favorite OPM bands, Parokya ni Edgar. “We have a storyline but we weaved the songs into the story,” added Michael V who said he is confident the audience will love their musical special.

We had the chance to watch the live taping of “Parokya Bente Dos: A Laugh Story” last Tuesday night and we did have a good time. The “Bubble Gang” team was successful in their attempt to do a musical. The presentation is under the helm of esteemed stage director Rem Zamora, musical director and playwright Vincent de Jesus, musical arranger Myke Salomon and choreographer Dan Cabrera.

The entire cast composed of Kim Domingo, Chariz Solomon, Valeen Montenegro, Antonio Aquitania, Boy 2 Quizon, Paolo Contis, Jackie Rice, Denise Barbacena, Lovely Abella, Sef Cadayona, Betong Sumaya, Mikael Daez, Arra San Agustin, Jak Roberto, Archie Alemania, Ashley Rivera, Arny Ross, Mikoy Morales, Analyn Barro, Juancho Trivino, Jan Manual, James Macasero, Rodfil Obeso, Myka Flores and Diego Lorico, plus Michael V, portray multiple roles in the anniversary special.

All the cast members did well in their respective roles. “They were all very committed to the show and spent many hours for rehearsals,” said Ms. Bang Arespacochaga, the Senior Program Manager of GMA-7.  

“When I was told by Bitoy that they want to do a musical special, I said I can provide them the logistics and everything that they need but they have to commit themselves to the project. It is not easy to gather a big cast like this. They all have individual commitments. It took a lot of adjustments in schedules to find time for the rehearsals. But after watching the show tonight, I am very proud of my stars. They are not only comedians but they are also singers, dancers, real performers. It was worth all of the sacrifices,” said Ms. Arespacochaga.

Don’t miss the anniversary presentation of “Bubble Gang” on November 17 and 24 on GMA Telebabad.

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Ortigas East, Ortigas & Company’s mixed use development along C-5 shopping and family entertainment complex along C-5 road in Pasig City popular for Tiendesitas and its villages, is set to inspire awe and wonder this Christmas with the first ever Christmas Musical Street Light Tunnel along Frontera Drive.  

Holiday light tunnels are a big thing in different parts of the world, one of the most popular of which is the Kyoto Illumiere in Japan which people troop to in droves to watch. Also worth mentioning are the Lights at Lafarge in Vancouver, Canada where a Christmas light display circles around the entire lake, and the Tunnel of Light at Norwich in the United Kingdom.

For the first time, Ortigas & Company is bringing that tradition to the country to prove that Christmas Shines Bright at Ortigas Malls.  

“We at Ortigas & Company always strive to come up with unique and magical Christmas concepts. We want to light up the Christmas season,” says Arch. Renee Bacani, Ortigas & Company Vice President.

“Christmas brings people together and the Christmas Musical Street Light Tunnel is one spectacle that aims to gather families and friends together to enjoy and be delighted by the many possibilities and cheer that the season can bring.”

Experience the grandeur of a Christmas Musical Street Light Tunnel outfitted with music and bursting with lighting elements to make it more appealing for people to walk or drive through the brightly-lit passage.