Michael V. on moving to rival networks: ‘Definitely not’

MANILA, Philippines - When Ogie Alcasid moved to TV5, a lot of people asked: Will his long-time comedic partner Michael V. follow suit and sign an exclusive contract with the Kapatid network?

Speaking to Philstar.com and other members of the press during his contract signing as a Rebisco Crackers endorser, Michael V. revealed that while there are offers to sign up with TV5 and ABS-CBN, the comedian said he wouldn’t want to leave what he has started.

Related article: It’s official: Ogie Alcasid signs up with TV5

He is referring to the long-running sketch comedy show “Bubble Gang” and the weekly sitcom “Pepito Manaloto.”

He explained; “Unang una, yung ‘Bubble Gang,’ matagal na. Eighteen years, hindi na biro yun. As much as I can sustain that, gagawin ko.”

“Pangalawa, yung ‘Pepito Manaloto,’ top rater ng GMA. Parang malaking kalokohan na bitiwan yun.”

Michael added that he might consider signing up with rival networks “in due time.”

“Pag nagkaubusan na or there’s a concept a lot better than that, I might take a risk. Might,” Michael said.

He stressed: “But at this point, definitely not.”

Lucky?

Michael confirmed, however, that he will do a game show with TV5 in a freelance capacity.

Since he’s not a contract star of GMA 7, Michael can do shows with other networks. It’s the same setup that allows Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon to do projects with other networks (Vic and Joey have both done shows with TV5 and movies with ABS-CBN’s movie arm, Star Cinema in recent years).

“I’m going to do a show with TV5, and it’s going to be a game show. I think that’s just about it. That’s all I can say about that. Hindi naman tuldok agad yun na aalis ako ng GMA,” he said.

The comedian added that he’s merely fulfilling his “obligations” to friends on TV5—particularly, TV5 executive Wilma Galvante.

“And napag-usapan na rin ng wife ko and ni MVP yung possibility, so yun lang,” he further said. “Tinutupad lang namin yung salita namin.”

Does he consider himself lucky to be among the few TV stars who succeed as an artist without an exclusive network contract?

Related article: Jaya on Ogie’s transfer to TV5: ‘We’re behind him all the way’

“It all boils down to how you handle yourself. If maganda naman lagi ang ginagawa mo, if laging naghi-hit, if you’re giving your best shot at nakikita ng network, I don’t think they’d mind having you in their home na hindi naka-exclusive,” Michael said.

‘Tropang Trumpo’ revival?

Ogie’s transfer to TV5 also initiated a bit of buzz regarding the possibility of reviving the 90s gag show “Tropang Trumpo.” The show, which aired on ABC 5 ran from 1994 to 1999, starred Ogie, Michael, Gelli de Belen, and Carmina Villaroel. Both Ogie and Gelli are now with the Kapatid network.

Asked about the clamor for a “Tropang Trumpo” revival, Michael said he thinks the online buzz on the show is “not conclusive.”

“Yung percentage na yun na nakaka-identify with Ogie as a ‘Bubble Gang’ original, doon pa rin ako nagka-capitalize,” Michael said.

“Mahirap nang gawin yun,” he added.