Team DailyPedia
Multi-awarded comedian and creative director Michael V. took a moment to reflect on a significant challenge he faced in his illustrious career.
He revisited the year 2013 when he was summoned by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which marked a period of heightened scrutiny for his long-running comedy show, ‘Bubble Gang.’
In an Instagram post, Michael V. shared a formal notice sent to him in his capacity as the creative director of ‘Bubble Gang.’ This renowned comedy program is celebrated for its humor and satire and has become a staple in the Philippine television landscape.
In his post, Michael V. captioned the image with the words, “THROWBACK to when things got real for the Gang,” and conveyed a message of resilience: “We learn. We adapt. We persevere.”
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This recollection by Michael V. comes at a time when the MTRCB has been actively involved in taking regulatory actions against various noontime shows, including ‘It’s Showtime’ and ‘E.A.T.’ It reflects the current climate of increased vigilance in monitoring and regulating television content.
The MTRCB’s summons to Michael V. in 2013 was a response to concerns raised regarding a specific segment within ‘Bubble Gang’ titled ‘The Adventures of Susie Luwalhati.’ This sketch faced criticism for its alleged derogatory portrayal of a woman.
In this particular sketch, Michael V. and his co-host, Ruffa Mae Quinto, portrayed the character Susie Luwalhati, with the character’s attire being one of the points of contention.
Following the warning issued by the regulatory body, GMA Network, the television network responsible for airing ‘Bubble Gang,’ engaged in discussions with the MTRCB and committed to enhancing the show’s content. They demonstrated their dedication to addressing the concerns raised by the MTRCB and ensuring that their content complies with regulatory standards.
Michael V. was recently honored by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) during the closing ceremony of the 3rd Philippine Film Industry Month on September 29. This recognition places Direk Michael among an elite group of comedy icons in the entertainment industry, including the late comedy legend Dolphy, Vice Ganda of ‘It’s Showtime,’ Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Eugene Domingo, and Comedy Concert Queen Aiai Delas Alas, all celebrated for their contributions to Philippine comedy.
