Michael V sits in director’s chair for Pepito Manaloto’s Book 3
Top-notch comedian Michael V shuttles between in front of the camera and behind the scenes for GMA 7’s Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy Ang Kuwento, which premieres tonight at 6:15 after 24 Oras Weekend.
Aside from reprising his lucky multi-million lotto winner character Pepito, he is also wearing the director’s hat in the sitcom’s book three and continues what its former director, Bert de Leon, had started. His potential as an actor’s director was showcased in Michael V’s debut film titled Family History. The challenge of both acting and directing in a project is a familiar territory to him.
“I will let you in on a secret,” said Michael V when asked about his latest creative venture in the show during a recent press conference via Zoom. “This is not the first time that I’m directing Pepito Manaloto. There was a time na nag-abroad kami, nag-US kami, at duon kami nag-taping, nagkaroon ng konting problema (When we went to the US to tape an episode, we encountered a bit of a problem), so hindi ka-agad nakarating sa States sina direk and some of the staff and crew (the director and some members of the staff and crew didn’t arrive on time). We had to do something about it.”
The production team, led by Bang Arespacochaga, now consultant for business development department 2, spearheaded the effort to begin the shoot, shared by Michael V. “We had our brainstorming there and found ways to continue our taping,” he recalled. “I was a designated director back then.”
So, what happened in 2013 seemed to be a foreshadowing of today. At that time, Michael V worked as the creative director and head writer, who saw how director Bert would call the shots, yes, including camera shots. So even then, he had an idea on how the show works.
“Meron na tayong kumbaga template (So we already have a template). We’ve been working with direk for so long, he has been there since the beginning of the show, since the conceptualization, hindi na naging ganun ka-hirap yung pag-kopya dun sa mga ginawa niya (It won’t be that difficult to replicate what he has done before),” added Michael V. “(It’s) taxing to being a director and being hands-on.”
Yes, it’s physically and mentally demanding, especially when one’s hands are full because one is juggling more than one job in one go. But some people’s passion for entertainment, in the case of creatives like Michael V, keeps their word at work and makes them deliver what’s expected from them.
“I would remember the times while we were taping, I couldn’t take a break dahil ako’y nag-re-revise ng script, and all that,” said he. “Since na-accept ko na sa sarili ko na hindi ko kaya yung ganuong karaming roles, I’m sticking to just two, so as an actor and as something else, nowadays it’s the director. But I’m pretty sure in the near future, hindi naman ako magtatagal as a director nito. Parang maipapasa rin natin dun sa mga minentor talaga ni direk Bert yung job (We will eventually pass the job on to those whom director Bert mentored).”
Following the actor-director’s line of thought, one could say that people behind the show, from talents to creative director and assistant directors, were able to communicate their ideas on how to improve the sitcom with the former director, who was open to innovations.
“We have to adapt, but there are some changes,” said Michael V of what, perhaps, viewers can look forward to the latest book of Pepito Manaloto, which brings all the original cast members such as Jake Vargas, Manilyn Reynes and Angel Satsumi. “Parang na-iba yung format supposedly and you’ll find out when you see the pilot and the succeeding episodes of Tuloy Ang Kuwento. Meron kaming iniba nang konti, it would be very evident and magiging malinaw yan sa inyo as soon as you watch it.”
The show’s lead actor, creator and director said he had to “reset just a little bit, ginawan ko ng template yung mga shots namin para mas maging madali, not just for the staff and crew, but for the audience as well… Since bago lang akong nag-ha-handle nitong Pepito Manaloto, I tried to make it as basic as possible. With the help of the other directors, we were able to achieve something na hindi naman nalalayo dun sa original vision ni direk Bert, pero may konting (there are few) changes.”
Asked how he is as a director, Michael V answered: “When we have our creative meeting and we’re brainstorming, may sneak preview na ako nung mangyayari (I have a sneak preview of what’s going to happen), parang medyo alam ko na kung papaano aatakihin nung characters ito.”
In spite of the responsibilities on his shoulders, Michael V. finds time to relax and unwind.
“Three days a week lang naman yung trabaho ko (I just work for three days),” said he.
“Nakakapanood pa ako ng sine (I still have time to catch a movie).”
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