Michael V.

Multi-talented comedian Michael V., also known as Bitoy, is one of the greatest performers in the GMA-7 talent pool. The wacky Michael V. was born Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan on December 17, 1969. The funnyman was named after the German composer, and they also share the same birthday. He is a graduate of Manila High School and got his Mass Communications diploma from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

He first tried his luck in showbiz by joining talent contests. He joined one in Eat Bulaga, in which singer Ogie Alcasid, who was a judge during that time, turned him down. Michael V. never gave up however, and he was eventually included in the staff of the popular noontime show. He was soon given hosting duties, and he and Ogie became close friends. Together, they starred in the now-defunct Tropang Trumpo and Bubble Gang, one of the longest-running comedy shows in television.

Michael V. started his music career by creating a song which replies to the Andrew E. single “Humanap Ka Ng Panget.” The song, “Maganda Ang Piliin (Ayoko Ng Panget)” became a hit.

His first movie project was for the Joey Marquez starrer Banana Split. This was followed by more comedy roles for films such as Ano Ba Yan with Vic Sotto and Manolo en Michelle with Ogie Alcasid. He also tried his hand in drama, and took challenging roles in shows like Maalala Mo Kaya. He also got into directing, and he helmed the show Ooops! in 1999, which ran for two seasons.

His funny antics in Bubble Gang spawned the album The Bubble G Anthology, a collection of his parodies of famous songs that he performed on the show. Bitoy also composed the song Joline Magdangal song Alinlangan, the theme song for the fantasy series Super Twins.

The actor also became known for his hysterical impersonations of famous personalities. The celebrities that he impersonated include Kris Aquino, Mike Enriquez, Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.