Posted by ReyFort Media
Michael V. is keeping Kapuso viewers entertained throughout the week. He has taken on new hosting duties while leading a milestone celebration for one of Philippine television’s longest-running comedy programs and continuing his Saturday sitcom.
The comedian hosts “Family Feud” on weekdays, stars in “Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento” on Saturdays and leads the cast of “Bubble Gang” on Sundays.
His expanded television presence comes as “Bubble Gang” marks its 31st anniversary with “Bubble Gang: TrenDta’y Uno,” a two-part special celebrating the program’s enduring place in Philippine comedy. The first installment aired Oct. 18, while the second is scheduled for Oct. 25 on GMA Network.
For Michael V., the opportunity to host “Family Feud” is a welcome return to a format he has missed. He previously hosted several programs, including “Eat Bulaga!” and other TV shows that trained him to interact with audiences.
“I missed hosting. It’s not new to me because I hosted ‘Eat Bulaga!’ for the longest time, starting in 2003. It was a good training ground for me. I also hosted ‘Ready, Get Set, Go!’ When this opportunity came, I realized how much I missed doing shows like this,” he said during a press conference.
Although he welcomed the offer, Michael V. said accepting it required careful consideration because of his existing commitments. The production teams behind “Family Feud,” “Bubble Gang” and “Pepito Manaloto” coordinated their schedules to make his additional assignment possible.
He also recalled the support he received from Dingdong Dantes, whom he temporarily replaced on “Family Feud” while the actor attends to tapings of “The Master Cutter.”
“Even before I was finalized as a guest host, he congratulated me. I’m happy because he’s happy that I was chosen to host the show,” Michael V. said.
Since taking over, the comedian has brought his signature wit to the program, adding playful twists to familiar segments and finding opportunities for punchlines in contestants’ answers and reactions. He said he enjoys meeting people, learning about their personalities and responding to the unexpected moments that arise during the game.
“What is exciting about hosting is interacting with people. The people I know, that’s a given. But with the people I don’t know, that’s when you get ideas from. It’s exciting for me,” he said.
Michael V. also appreciates how the program draws viewers into the competition, with audiences at home reacting to contestants’ answers and sharing their opinions on social media. He said the survey-based format provides opportunities for humor because answers can be unpredictable, giving him material to work with as the host.
“Sometimes, when I watched Family Feud, I would hear an answer that could lead to a punchline, and I would already think of what I would say if I were hosting. Now that I have the chance to host, that’s what I do. Every little thing I hear that I can play with, I’ll play with, because it’s all in the name of fun,” he said.
Meanwhile, “Bubble Gang’s” 31st anniversary titled “TrenDta’y Uno,” is a two-part special draws inspiration from social media trends, personalities and events that have shaped 2026. It features sketches about artificial intelligence, vertical dramas and other popular subjects, alongside appearances by returning performers and guest celebrities.
The anniversary episodes welcome back former cast members Assunta de Rossi and Gwen Zamora, while veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho makes a special appearance. International music icon Apl.de.Ap joins the Istambay segment, while other guests include Eric Fructuoso, Dasuri Choi, Sanya Lopez, Rayver Cruz and Gladys Reyes. P-Pop performers from Born to Shine, including Zephanie, Olive May, Naya Ambi, Gaea Mischa and Mitzi Josh, are also part of the celebration.
For Michael V., the anniversary is an opportunity to continue the show’s mission of entertaining Filipinos while finding new ways to make comedy relevant to audiences.
“We’re still not tired of offering happiness, laughter and joy to our viewers. That’s the reason we continue doing this,” he said.
He explained that the program continues to develop its material by observing what audiences respond to and finding creative ways to present familiar subjects. The process involves discussions among the creative team, the development of themes and the refining of sketches before they reach television.
As the show marks another year on air, he remains committed to exploring new ideas while preserving the humor that has helped it connect with generations of viewers.
“Bubble Gang: TrenDta’y Uno” airs its second installment on Oct. 25 at 6:20 p.m. on GMA Network. The special is also available through livestreams on the Bubble Gang and YouLOL Facebook pages and the YouLOL YouTube channel. “Family Feud” airs weekdays at 5:35 p.m., while “Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento” airs Saturdays, 7:15 p.m. (I. Iglesias/ Manila Times)
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