Michael V. on family, food and being funny

MICHAEL V. with wife Carol and kids Migo, Maypaul, Yanni and Milo, enjoying a relaxing afternoon at home

Beethoven del Valle Bunagan, or Michael V. to all of us, is a man of many faces – literally.

An epitome of versatility, Michael V. aka Bitoy, has made a career out of impersonating celebrities, politicians and other famous personalities, as well as creating his own characters that capture pop culture references.

The talented actor-singer is also a favorite endorser of family-friendly brands including local snack food giant Rebisco, specifically for their Rebisco Crackers brand, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

According to Bitoy, he genuinely enjoys Rebisco Crackers and while he is delighted over its new variants, especially the healthier wheat choices, he still goes back to the original flavor.

“’Yung original kahit saan mo talaga isabak, e. Parang ako,” he quipped in jest.

The funny man has his own style when it comes to enjoying his Rebisco Crackers. “Gusto ko ‘yung lengthwise ang paghati ng crackers. Mas maganda kasi i-dip sa coffee.”

As a kid, he fondly remembers snacking on Marie Biscuits. “Staple yan. Kahit ‘yung mga kids namin nu’ng nagsisimula nang mag-ngipin, Marie lang. ‘Yun ang nakagawian na namin, bata pa sila ‘yun na agad ang first step into eating and chewing,” he shared.

As an endorser of the company’s flagship brand, the funny man’s “trademark brand of wit, humor and mass appeal have helped the company maintain its status as a household name in the snack food industry,” according to Rey de los Reyes, senior vice president for marketing. “Michael V. has made significant contributions to the brand in terms of sales, and distinct and positive brand recall. He’s the total entertainer and an ideal role model,” he added.

Family man

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

During a visit to the couple’s home in Quezon City, Bitoy shared, “We love watching movies kaya most of the time we go to the movies. Pero kapag sinumpong ng marathon, dito na lang kami sa bahay nanonood. Nood ng TV, ng movies. Playing music together. ‘Yun ang favorite bonding moment namin.”

Like most Filipino families, Bitoy values the importance of eating together. It is an opportunity, according to him, to “speak your heart out.”

“Madalas may mga lumilitaw na topics na hindi mo naman inaasahan. ‘Yun ‘yung madalas na gusto kong naririnig,” he said.

As a father, Bitoy also makes sure to be actively involved in his children’s school work. “Hindi pwedeng hindi. We make it a point na ‘pag kailangan ng parents, either sa school or sa bahay for their studies, ginagawa namin.”

Tireless artist

Bubble Gang, the longest running comedy sketch gag show on Philippine television, recently celebrated its 18th anniversary. Bitoy, who is one of the show’s pioneers and mainstays, explained that the show will continue to reinvent to cater to its diverse audience.

How does he stay creative and relevant in a competitive industry?

Among other things, he listens to his peers and to his audience. “Humihingi ako ng opinions at suggestions sa friends at family. Minsan sa fans din. Kasi importante ang audience. Ginagawa mo ‘yung end product mo, sila ang nagko-consume. So, dapat ibigay mo ‘yung magugustuhan nila,” he explained.

To this day, despite his track record of success, Bitoy ensures that he “watches himself” so he can assess the quality of his work. “Pina-preview ko muna para tignan kung may revision na gagawin. Gusto kong panoorin ‘yung sarili ko na may mga kasama para makita ko ‘yung reaksyon nila, kung natatawa sila o hindi.”

When it comes to advising his children on achieving career success, Bitoy goes back to the basics—do what you love.

He said, “Inihahalintulad ko sa karanasan ko. I keep on telling them to find something that they like doing best. Tapos, ‘yun ang maging foundation ng pag-aaral at pagtatrabaho later on in life. Kasi kapag ginawa mo ‘yun, may ginusto kang gawin tapos pinag-aralan mo how to make yourself better, eventually parang hindi ka nagtatrabaho. Ginagawa mo ‘yung hobby mo and then at the same time, kumikita ka.”

The same principle applies to his continued partnership with Rebisco. “Bukod sa kumakain talaga ako ng Rebisco products, masayang ka-trabaho ‘yung mga tao. They really appreciate the work that I do. Sana mag-tuloy tuloy pa ito kasi may shared advocacy kami nu’ng brand which is promoting family togetherness and to make people happy.”

Michael V. on family, food and being funny

Source: Mb.com.ph (December 07, 2013 at 05:12PM)

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