MANILA, Philippines — People usually associate Michael V. or Bitoy with the iconic and longest-running GMA shows, “BBL Gang” and “Pepito Manaloto.” That’s why it’s refreshing to see the actor-comedian-and-director as the guest host of “Family Feud.” The latter’s regular host, Dingdong Dantes, temporarily took a break to focus on the hit primetime action-drama show, “The Master Cutter,” also airing on Netflix.
“Yes. So, na-miss ko kasi pag-ho-host, eh (I also missed hosting),” said Michael V. when this paper asked about whether doing “Family Feud” is a breather from his weekend gag and sitcom programs in a recent group interview. “Hindi naman bago sa inyo dati (na nag-host ako sa) ‘Eat, Bulaga’ (it’s not new to you that I hosted ‘Eat, Bulaga’) for the longest time. I hosted there from 2003. So, it was a good training ground for me. Then, I also had other shows (on GMA, where I was the host).”
Available online information about his body of work tells one that he had hosting stints in programs such as “Ready Txt Go,” “Bitoy’s World,” “Bitoy’s Funniest Videos” and “Hole in the Wall.”
He also shared during the chat that Dingdong was very glad that he was tapped to host “Family Feud.” “The Master Cutter” lead actor also went on set, and before finalizing Michael V’s stint, Dingdong congratulated and sent him a message from the US. “Parang nauna pa siyang nakasagap nung chismis (it was like he was the first one who got wind of the gossip),” kidded Michael V. “Ako natutuwa rin dahil masaya siya na ako yung napiling mag-guest host (I’m happy because he’s happy for me). Talagang maganda ‘tong show na ito, napakalapit sa puso ng mga Pilipino (It’s really a nice show and very close to Pinoys’ heart).”
The STAR also inquired if it was an easy yes to him when the chance to host “Family Feud” landed in his lap.
“Hindi naman ako nag-yes agad (I didn’t say yes right away), pero yung sinabi ko, yung schedule kailangan ayusin (but what I did was to tell them about the schedules),” recalled he.
The people behind “Family Feud,” “BBL Gang” and “Pepito Manaloto” found a way to work things out, as one could glean from his answers.
Given the once- or twice-a-week taping for his regular shows, it seemed that Michael V. was meant to do “Family Feud,” and doing the latter is a welcome change to him.
Although hosting is a familiar territory, he also made the necessary adjustments and preparations.
“Meron, palagi (there is always preparation),” said he. “Kung napapansin nyo, meron akong kung ano-anong jokes sa umpisa (if you’ve noticed, I would joke in the beginning) na binabagay namin dun sa mga guests (that we make suitable for the guests). There’s also a bit of research. Minsan, yung iba basta-basta na lang lumalabas (sometimes the jokes come out easily), but more often than not, especially when I’m on the podium, medyo may baon na talaga (I already have jokes).”
He added that initially he was shy, finding his way in presenting the show and figuring out the time considerations in delivering jokes.
“Kasi baka masyado na makatagal (it might take a lot of time). Hindi naman pala kasi pwede namang i-edit daw for airing (it’s OK since it can be edited before broadcast),” shared he. “Tapos yung mga jokes na hindi na napapanood sa airing, napapalabas pala sa social media (those that don’t make the broadcast can be shown on social media).”
During the group interview, he said that one of his dream match-ups in “Family Feud” is seeing his family and the Danteses. It’s going to be fun and a nice way to welcome Dingdong again as the regular host and culminate Michael V.’s stint as the guest host.
Does he consider hosting “Family Feud” an unexpected twist or blessing that he has received so far this year?
“It is,” said he to that question from this paper. “Totoo (it’s true) for this year. Parang ano ‘to, highlight ito ng taon (it’s like a career highlight). Itong hosting gig na ‘to, yung pag-gu-guest host ko, it’s something na, parang, pinangarap ko rin, eh (this guest hosting is something I’ve dreamed of before).”
“Every time I was watching it, parang, sabi (ko), ‘Ang sarap sigurong mag-host nitong ‘Family Feud’’ (I would think that it’s perhaps fun doing the show),” added he, “even back then, when Goma (Richard Gomez for GMA), Ogie (Alcasid for ABC 5), Edu Manzano (for GMA) and Luis Manzano (for ABS-CBN) were hosting the show.”
With this career development, it’s safe to say that the comedy icon has ticked off another item on his wish list.
Airing weekdays at 5:35 p.m. on GMA, “Family Feud” is also available on Kapuso Stream.