The Bubble will never burst

No virus can stop them from bursting your side with laughter. For more than 20 years, Bubble Gang has been turning your and my Fridays a roaring time. No virus can burst the “bubble.” Makes you wonder, doesn’t the show’s think tank Michael V ever run out of jokes?

Tonight, get ready to cap off the week with an all-new episode of GMA Network’s longest-running and multi-awarded gag show. Viewers are in for fresh comedy sketches and the most hilarious parody videos.

Various online skits will be showcased in: Zoom Gags, a series of rib-tickling gags about employer and employee meetings; Ranzoom, a kidnapping sketch via Zoom; Online Kasal, a comedic wedding done through video call; and The New Normal, a sketch about a family discussing the “new normal” way of living while in quarantine.

More good vibes are in store with Mang Tasyo, a monologue about popular acronyms since the quarantine; Inday Basher, a basher of Mr. Assimo; G.M.T. Beki Edition, an old sketch dubbed using popular gay lingo; and Mr. Matapobre, featuring “Flashback Friday” clips of previous sketches. Special guest is LJ Reyes.

Listen to five gangmates talk about how it is to be inside the Bubble...Paolo Contis, Archie Alemania, Sef Cadayona,Valeen Montenegro and Lovely Abella.

Lovely Abella: Lagi siya nandyan kung kailangan mo ng payo sa eksena,Archie Alemania: A good leader, a kuya to all of us and Paolo Contis: He taught me how to trust myself.

How has the pandemic affected your sense of humor?

Paolo: I guess it became more simple. I learned how to laugh about the simplest things.

Archie: Medyo naging sensitive na po sa mga bitaw ng punchlines. Ayaw naman po natin maka-offend kasi siyempre may pandemya at ang mga tao medyo sensitive pagdating sa jokes. So more careful siguro.

Sef: It made me a lot more sensitive to certain issues that have been happening around us.

Valeen: I’d like to believe it’s still there. This pandemic has been difficult for all of us, but like a true Filipino, I still find things to laugh about and lighten up the situation.

Lovely: Mas parang gumaling po ako sa pagpapatawa simula nung nagkaroon ng pandemic, kasi ‘yan lang po ang way ko para maibsan ang kalungkutan at depression ng ibang tao sa panahon ngayon.

Valeen Montenegro: He’s not madamot when it comes to his craft and Sef Cadayona: Make the scene itself, not yourself, funny.

What did you discover about yourself during the lockdown?

Paolo: I discovered that I can write scripts and host pretty well.

Archie: Kaya ko pala pumirmi sa bahay nang hindi naiinip. Mas may quality time para sa pamilya. Kasi ako po gusto kong lagi gumagalaw at nagta-trabaho.

Sef: I discovered that I actually like to cook.

Valeen: That I have unlocked so many skills including vlogging, editing, cooking, learning life hacks, painting, etc.

Lovely: Pwede po pala ako maging fitness trainer. Naging certified fitness trainer na ako and may members po ako na nagwu-workout every day. Magaling din pala ako mag-live selling, at naging CEO ako ng Lovely Cosmetics.

What do you think is the staying power ng show, kung bakit it is still going strong after more than 20 years?

Paolo: I think it’s the show’s ability to adapt to what’s new. The show is never scared to try new things.

Archie: Bubble Gang is a show that can adapt to the changing times kaya kahit anong trend or uso, kaya sabayan ng Bubble Gang para ma-enjoy pa rin ito ng viewers.

Sef: Because the show can ride the wave. It knows how to blend with current trends.

Valeen: I think it’s the goal of each and every cast member. ‘Yung buong creative team and staff, layunin ang magpatawa at maghatid ng saya sa kapwa Pilipino.

Lovely: ‘Yung pagkakaisa naming lahat, ‘yung na-e-excite kaming lahat sa mga ginagawa namin, ‘yung tulungan at suggestion ng bawat isa para mas mapaganda ang bawat episode.

Meron bang comedic tips na binigay sa inyo si Michael V.?

Paolo: Bitoy taught me to trust myself more when it comes to writing my own material.

Archie: Si Bitoy madaling lapitan kapag hihingi ka sa kanya ng payo kung paano atakihin ‘yung eksena or role mo. He’s the best leader. Hindi siya boss ng show but he’s a mentor and a kuya to all of us.

Sef: Play for truth. Do not make yourself funny, rather make the SCENE itself funny.

Valeen: Madami! And he shares it all in his vlogs, too. Hindi siya madamot when it comes to his craft.

Lovely: Yes po, marami. Lagi siyang nandiyan kapag kailangan namin ng payo sa mga eksena.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)