Comedian Michael V turned 41 last December 17, and he celebrated his birthday in a simple gathering with his family.
"My wish is just to continue using my talent and gifts to make more people happy in the many years to come," Bitoy (Michael V's showbiz nickname) said.
For the talented funnyman, 2010 was another good year.
He was visible more than ever to television viewers, appearing in the shows Bitoy's SHOwwwTIME and Diz Iz It, aside from co-hosting the country's longest running noontime program Eat Bulaga!
Michael V's brainchild titled Pepito Manaloto was also a huge success. The program dubbed as a "live situational comedy" made its GMA-7 debut on March 28, 2010 and has consistently raked in impressive ratings on its weekend timeslot.
In the program, Michael V portrays the character of Pepito Manaloto, a poor man whose fortune makes a quick turnaround after winning the P700 million jackpot prize in a lottery draw.
Incidentally, the program preceded the lotto craze that swept the country late last year, when the jackpot prize ballooned to a whopping P741.1 million.
Bitoy finished the year as Santa Claus in the Kapuso network's Christmas special offering, Jillian: Namamasko Po.
MEMORABLE CHARACTERS. The previous year also witnessed the 15th year anniversary of the comedy gag show, Bubble Gang.
Bitoy's talent as a comedian, impersonator, singer, and creative director continues to give life to the sketches that are featured weekly by the show.
In an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last November, Bitoy said that it's hard for him to pick a particular favorite character from the ones he did for the program.
But he did mention Yaya and Angelina, Muchas Grasas, Junee Lee, and his parody of Lady Gaga's hit single he personally titled as "Bathroom Dance."
"Madami na kasi masyado kaya mahirap talagang pumili ng isa o dalawa sa most memorable para sa akin," smiled Bitoy.
Despite losing this year to Singaporean comedian Chua En Lai in the Asian Television Awards for Best Comedy Performance by an Actor, Bitoy remains upbeat and proud of winning the same honor for three consecutive years: 2004, 2005 and 2006.
FRIENDLY ADVICE. Six days after celebrating his birthday, Bitoy drove to Nasugbu, Batangas to attend the wedding of good friend and Bubble Gang co-regular, Ogie Alcasid.
Bitoy and Ogie's friendship goes a long way back. No one expected it to happen, considering that their first meeting started awkwardly.
Most of us have heard about Bitoy's failure to win a contest in Eat Bulaga! during his startup year because Ogie—who by that time was already an established singer—gave him a low score in the final tally.
"That's water under the bridge now," laughed Bitoy. "But now, we're very good friends, and we work well together as proven naman siguro sa itinagal ng Bubble Gang."
What is his advice to the newlyweds?
"Basta tawanan na lang nila ang problema nila," replied Bitoy.
"Lahat naman ng tao may problema," he added. "Laughter is the best equalizer."
Bitoy, who has three children with non-showbiz wife Carol Bunagan, offered a glimpse of how he usually spends time with his family.
"Malling, dining out, watching TV, or just staying at home," revealed Bitoy, who is currently the endorser and "spokesperson" for Gerry's Grill—a restaurant known for its grilled specialties, particularly the local favorite, sisig.
"There's nothing like spending time with the family after a hectic work day," says Bitoy.