Michael V. on family, food & being funny

MANILA, Philippines - Michael V. (real name: Beethoven del Valle Bunagan) is a man of many faces — literally.

Michael V. (also known as Bitoy) has made a career out of impersonating famous personalities as well as creating his own characters that capture pop-culture sensibilities.

Bitoy is also a favorite endorser for family-friendly brands, including local snack food giant Rebisco, specifically for Rebisco Crackers, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

According to Bitoy, while he is delighted over Rebisco’s new variants, especially the healthier wheat choices, he still goes back to the original flavor. “’Yung original kahit saan mo talaga isabak. Parang ako,” he quipped in jest.

The funnyman also has his own style when it comes to enjoying his Rebisco Crackers: He likes it lengthwise so the easier to dip it into his coffee. As a kid, he also fondly remembers snacking on Marie Biscuits, calling it a staple, “ kahit ‘yung mga kids namin nu’ng nagsisimula nang mag-ngipin, Marie lang.” As an endorser of the company’s flagship brand, Bitoy’s “trademark brand of wit, humor and mass appeal has helped the company maintain its status as a household name in the snack food industry,” according to Rey de los Reyes, SVP for marketing.

At home and away from the spotlight, Bitoy is a loving husband to wife Carol and a doting father of four — Milo (the “gadget boy”), Yanni (the “musician”), Migo (the joker) and Maypaul (“Miss Showmanship”).

During a visit to the couple’s home in Quezon City, Bitoy shared, “We love watching movies and playing music together. That’s our favorite bonding moment.”

Like most Filipino families, Bitoy values the importance of eating together. It is an opportunity, according to him, to “speak your heart out.” Bitoy also makes sure to be actively involved in his children’s schoolwork.

One thing he is also proud of is Bubble Gang, the longest-running comedy sketch gag show on Philippine television, which recently celebrated its 18th anniversary. As one of the show’s pioneers and mainstays, he explained that the show continues to reinvent to cater to its diverse audience.

How? He said that he listens to his peers and audience, asking opinions and suggestions from friends, family and even fans. “Being the consumers of your end product, you have to give them what they want.”

To this day, in spite of his track record of success, Bitoy ensures that he “watches himself” so he can assess the quality of his work. He previews his work so he can make necessary revisions, and he does so in the company of others because he wants to see their reactions — whether they are amused or not.

When it comes to advising his children on achieving their own success, Bitoy goes back to the basics: Do what you love.

Citing his own experiences, Bitoy said,  “I keep on telling them to find something that they like doing best. It will be the foundation of their education and work later on in life. Kasi kapag may ginusto kang gawin tapos pinag-aralan mo how to make yourself better, eventually it wouldn’t feel like work.”