Michael V.

Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan (born December 17, 1969), known professionally as Michael V. and nicknamed Bitoy, is a Filipino actor, comedian, and recording artist. He is a regular cast member of the GMA Network show ''Bubble Gang'' (1995–present) and plays the lead role in '' Pepito Manaloto'' (2010–present). He remains an exclusive talent of GMA Network, having renewed his exclusive contract on March 11, 2024.

Known for his literal translations and parodies of popular Filipino and foreign songs. Michael V. has also made original comedy songs, such as "Sinaktan Mo ang Puso Ko" (English: "You Hurt My Heart") and "Hindi Ako Bakla" (English: "I'm Not Gay").

Early life

Michael V. was born as Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan on December 17, 1969, at Clinica dela Rosa in Malate, Manila to Cesar Felix Bunagan and Melba Balonzo del Valle. His father named him after German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, upon seeing a copy of Beethoven's LP in his boss' office, not knowing that "Beethoven" is a surname.

The nickname "Bitoy" was taken from a children's show character played by comedian Bentot. When Bentot, as Bitoy, guested in '' Iskul Bukol'', then-high school student Beethoven saw it and began mimicking Bentot's voice in school. His classmates then called him "Bitoy", to which the nickname stuck to this day. He finished his secondary education in Manila Science High School. Michael V. later earned a degree in mass communications from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. He joined a lot of contests on TV. In one contest in ''Eat Bulaga!'', judge Ogie Alcasid turned him down. Later, Michael V. became a co-host of ''Eat Bulaga!'' and Ogie Alcasid became one of his close friends and co-star in the long-running ''Bubble Gang'' and ''Tropang Trumpo''.

During the popularity of Andrew E., the song " Humanap Ka ng Panget" became wildly popular, the then-unsigned Beethoven composed a reply song entitled "Maganda Ang Piliin (Ayoko Ng Panget)". At that time, OctoArts was then inviting Michael V.'s female friend and rapping partner, Dianne, to submit a demo tape. In that demo tape, Michael V.'s "Maganda Ang Piliin" was accidentally included. He and Dianne got individual recording contracts. Michael V.'s song and its accompanying album became a hit.

Upon entering show business, he and his manager were deciding a stage name for his career as a rapper. Back then, the most popular Filipino rappers were Andrew E. and Francis M. so they opted for a similar stage name: "Michael V.", after Michael Jackson and Gary V., Michael V.'s favorite international and local artists respectively.

Michael V.'s first feature film appearance was in Regal Films' comedy film, ''Banana Split'' top-billed by Joey Marquez. He eventually gained prominence when OctoArts Films started to include him alongside Vic Sotto, Ogie Alcasid, Francis Magalona, among others.

Career

Television and film career

Michael V. has won the Asian Television Awards for Best Comedy Performance by an Actor for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. He joined '' MariMar'' as the voice of the eponymous character's pet dog Fulgoso. After his voice-acting in MariMar, he played a supporting role in '' Codename: Asero''. On August 23, 2008, Michael V., after winning Best Comedy Performance Award at the Asian Television Awards for three consecutive years—was officially informed that he will grace the front cover of ''Reader's Digest'' 5th Annual Humor Special, September issue. Making him the second Filipino whoever landed on the covers of ''Reader's Digest'' next to former President Cory Aquino.

Michael V. also had a comedy movie with longtime friend Ogie Alcasid called '' Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie'' produced by GMA Films and APT Productions, which was a spinoff of a popular sketch in GMA 7's comedy show, ''Bubble Gang''. He also hosted a game show on GMA, '' Hole in the Wall'' with Ogie Alcasid in 2009.

Michael V. formerly hosted a comedy-talent show called '' Bitoy's SHOwwwTIME'', which aired from 2009 to 2010 and also hosted '' Kap's Amazing Stories: Kids Edition'', while original host Bong Revilla had left the show shortly for re-election as senator. Michael V. also won as a Celebrity Inductee to the Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Philippines in 2009. He had his first sitcom entitled '' Pepito Manaloto'' currently airing on GMA Network.

In 2010, Michael V. became Nestle Philippines' Laki sa Gatas advocate for Bear Brand Milk. In the same year, He returned to drama via ''Jillian Namamasko Po!'' which he plays a Santa Claus which he created a doll and gives to a good little child. In 2011, He appeared in ''Bantatay'' which he returns to voice as a dog. It was his 4th GMA Telebabad after ''Marimar'' and ''Codename: Asero'' and ''Jillian Namamasko Po!''.
In 2016, he conceptualized '' Tsuperhero'' along with Caesar Cosme. In the same year, Michael V. leaves ''Eat bulaga!'' as a co-host.

Michael V. started his YouTube career in 2017. In 2019, he returns to film and make also his directorial debut film ''Family History'' produced by GMA Pictures and Michael V.'s Mic Test Entertainment. Following the passing of former director Bert de Leon in 2021, Michael V. temporarily took charge of the directorial duties for '' Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento'' in June 2022.

Personal life

Michael V. and his wife Carol have 4 children. In August 2013, he was hospitalized for dengue fever, according to actor Ogie Alcasid tweet. Both Alcasid and Michael V. solicited prayers and platelet donations. The following days, Michael V tweeted about his recovery and thanked his fans for prayers and support.

On July 20, 2020, Michael V. announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 on his vlog and by August 11, he confirmed his recovery.

Filmography

Television

Films

Awards and nominations

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:V., Michael
1969 births
Filipino male comedians
Filipino male television actors
20th-century Filipino male singers
Filipino male pop singers
Filipino male voice actors
Filipino male film actors
People from Malate, Manila
People from Pandacan
Male actors from Manila
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila alumni
Living people
Filipino parodists
Filipino comedy musicians
Parody musicians
PolyEast Records artists
GMA Music artists
GMA Network (company) people
Filipino singer-songwriters
21st-century Filipino male singers
Comedians from Manila
Filipino sketch comedians
Bubble Gang cast members