Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan (born December 17, 1969), known professionally as Michael V. and also known as Bitoy, is a Filipino actor, comedian, and recording artist, who appears in the GMA Network show Bubble Gang and Pepito Manaloto.

Michael V.
Michael V. on the set of Eat Bulaga!
Born
Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan

(1969-12-17) December 17, 1969 (age 54)
Malate, Manila, Philippines
Other names
  • Michael V.
  • Bitoy
Alma materPamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (BA)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • impersonator
  • director
  • composer
  • singer
  • rapper
  • voice artist
  • vlogger
  • music producer
Years active1991–present
Spouse
Carol Bunagan
(m. 1994)
Children4
Musical career
OriginPandacan, Manila, Philippines
Genres
Labels
WebsiteMichael V's Profile in GMANetwork.com
YouTube information
ChannelsMichael V. #BitoyStory
Years active2013–present
Genres
  • Comedy
  • parodies
  • motivational
  • technology review
  • game review
  • travel
Subscribers1.32 million
Total views33.5 million
Associated acts
100,000 subscribers2018
1,000,000 subscribers2020

Last updated: November 23, 2021

Known for his literal translations and parodies of popular Filipino and foreign songs. Michael V. has also made original comedy songs, such as "Sinaktan Mo ang Puso Ko"[1] (English: "You Hurt My Heart") and "Hindi Ako Bakla"[2] (English: "I'm Not Gay").

Early life

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Michael V. was born as Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan on December 17, 1969, at Clinica dela Rosa in Malate, Manila to Cesar Felix Bunagan and Melba Balonzo del Valle.[3] His father named him after German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, upon seeing a copy of Beethoven's LP in his boss' office, not knowing that "Beethoven" is a surname.[4]

The nickname "Bitoy" was taken from a children's show character played by comedian Bentot. When Bentot, as Bitoy, guested in Iskul Bukol, then-high school student Beethoven saw it and began mimicking Bentot's voice in school. His classmates then called him "Bitoy", to which the nickname stuck to this day.[4] He finished his secondary education in Manila Science High School. Michael V. later earned a degree in mass communications from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. He joined a lot of contests on TV. In one contest in Eat Bulaga!,[5] judge Ogie Alcasid turned him down. Later, Michael V. became a co-host of Eat Bulaga! and Ogie Alcasid became one of his close friends and co-star in the long-running Bubble Gang and Tropang Trumpo.[6][7][5]

During the popularity of Andrew E., the song "Humanap Ka ng Panget" became wildly popular, the then-unsigned Beethoven composed a reply song entitled "Maganda Ang Piliin (Ayoko Ng Panget)".[8] At that time, OctoArts was then inviting Michael V.'s female friend and rapping partner, Dianne, to submit a demo tape. In that demo tape, Michael V.'s "Maganda Ang Piliin" was accidentally included. He and Dianne got individual recording contracts. Michael V.'s song and its accompanying album became a hit.[8][4][9]

Upon entering show business, he and his manager were deciding a stage name for his career as a rapper. Back then, the most popular Filipino rappers were Andrew E. and Francis M. so they opted for a similar stage name: "Michael V.", after Michael Jackson and Gary V., Michael V.'s favorite international and local artists respectively.[4]

Michael V.'s first feature film appearance was in Regal Films' comedy film, Banana Split top-billed by Joey Marquez. He eventually gained prominence when OctoArts Films started to include him alongside Vic Sotto, Ogie Alcasid, Francis Magalona, among others.[4][9]

Career

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Television and film career

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Michael V. has won the Asian Television Awards for Best Comedy Performance by an Actor for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. He joined MariMar as the voice of the eponymous character's pet dog Fulgoso.[10] After his voice-acting in MariMar, he played a supporting role in Codename: Asero. On August 23, 2008, Michael V., after winning Best Comedy Performance Award at the Asian Television Awards for three consecutive years—was officially informed that he will grace the front cover of Reader's Digest 5th Annual Humor Special, September issue. Making him the second Filipino whoever landed on the covers of Reader's Digest next to former President Cory Aquino.[11]

Michael V. also had a comedy movie with longtime friend Ogie Alcasid called Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie[12] produced by GMA Films and APT Productions, which was a spinoff of a popular sketch in GMA 7's comedy show, Bubble Gang. He also hosted a game show on GMA, Hole in the Wall with Ogie Alcasid in 2009.[13]

Michael V. formerly hosted a comedy-talent show called Bitoy's SHOwwwTIME, which aired from 2009 to 2010 and also hosted Kap's Amazing Stories: Kids Edition, while original host Bong Revilla had left the show shortly for re-election as senator. Michael V. also won as a Celebrity Inductee to the Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Philippines in 2009. He had his first sitcom entitled Pepito Manaloto currently airing on GMA Network.[14]

In 2010, Michael V. became Nestle Philippines' Laki sa Gatas advocate for Bear Brand Milk. In the same year, He returned to drama via Jillian Namamasko Po! which he plays a Santa Claus which he created a doll and gives to a good little child. In 2011, He appeared in Bantatay which he returns to voice as a dog. It was his 4th GMA Telebabad after Marimar and Codename: Asero and Jillian Namamasko Po!. In 2016, he conceptualized Tsuperhero along with Caesar Cosme.[15] In the same year, Michael V. leaves Eat bulaga! as a co-host.[16]

Michael V. started his YouTube career in 2017.[17] In 2019, he returns to film and make also his directorial debut film Family History produced by GMA Pictures and Michael V.'s Mic Test Entertainment.[18] Following the passing of former director Bert de Leon in 2021, Michael V. temporarily took charge of the directorial duties for Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento in June 2022.[19]

Personal life

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Michael V. and his wife Carol have 4 children. In August 2013, He was hospitalized[20] for dengue fever, according to a tweet from Ogie Alcasid. Both Ogie Alcasid and Michael V. solicited prayers and platelet donations[21] over the following days, promising to update fans once the situation gets better. Michael V. then later tweeted that he was recovering from his previous condition, thanking his fans for support.[22]

On July 20, 2020, Michael V. announced in a vlog that he had tested positive for COVID-19.[23] On August 11, Michael V. announced in another vlog that he had already recovered.[24]

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Network Notes
1992 Home Along Da Riles Un­known ABS-CBN
1993 Haybol Rambol Charlie GMA Network
1994–1995 Tropang Trumpo Himself ABC
1992–1998 Ready, Get Set, Go! ABS-CBN
1995–present Bubble Gang Himself / Various roles GMA Network
1996 Bilibitornat Himself / Host
1997–2000 Bitoy's Adventures in Bilibkaba!
1999–2000 Ooops! Himself Also director
2001 Bitoy's World Betong / Etoy / Bebang
2002 Ready, Text, Go! Himself / Host
2003–2004 Celebrity Turns with Junee and Lani Junee Lee
2004–2009 Bitoy's Funniest Videos Himself / Host
2004–2016; 2019; 2021 Eat Bulaga!
2007–2008 Marimar Fulgoso (Voice)
2008 Codename: Asero Bodjie X
Nickelodeon Philippines Kids' Choice Awards Himself / Host Nickelodeon
2009–2010 Hole in the Wall Yaya and Bianca GMA Network
Bitoy's Showwwtime Himself / Host
2010 Diz Iz It Himself / Judge
2010–2011 Bantatay Teacher (Voice)
2010–present Pepito Manaloto Pepito Manaloto Also director
(since 2021)
2012 Pare & Pare Himself / Host
2013 Killer Karaoke: Pinoy Naman TV5
2015 Sabado Badoo Himself GMA Network
2016–2018 Lip Sync Battle Philippines Himself / Host
2017–2022 Wowowin Himself / Kuya Wowie
2018 Sarap Diva Himself
2019 Dear Uge
2023 Voltes V: Legacy Octo-1 (voice)
Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis Hugo "Utak" Salazar
It's Showtime Himself / Guest performer with Manilyn Reynes Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, GTV

Films

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Year Title Role Note
1991 Banana Split Un­known
1992 Ano Ba Yan
1993 Ano Ba Yan 2
Mama's Boys
1994 O-Ha! Ako Pa! Jack
Biboy Banal: Pagganti ko, tapos kayo! Ching
Manolo en Michelle Un­known
1995 Isko Adventures in Animasia
1996 Rubberman Bitoy
1997 Halik ng Bampira Un­known
Bitoy Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin Bitoy
1998 Anting-anting Un­known
Sinaktan Mo Ang Puso Ko Miguel
1999 D' Sisters:Nuns of the Above Michael
2002 Kwentong Kayumanggi Narrator
Bestman: 4 Better, Not 4 Worse Joey
2003 Lastikman Junee Lee
2004 Enteng Kabisote: Okay Ka Fairy Ko, The Legend Itim
2006 Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka Fairy Ko... The Legend Goes on and on and on Un­known
2007 Paraiso: Tatlong Kuwento ng Pag-asa Didoy
2008 Urduja KutKut
Dayo Narsi
2009 Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie Rosalinda "Yaya" Lucero
2012 Boy Pick-Up: The Movie MC Bits
D' Kilabots Pogi Brothers Weh?! Traffic Enforcer
2019 Family History Alex Dela Cruz Also director
2021 Mang Jose Kumander Andres

Awards and nominations

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Year Awards Category Nominated Work Results Ref.
1998 Awit Awards Song of the Year "Sinaktan Mo Ang Puso Ko" Won
PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actor Won
2000 PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actor Bubble Gang Won [25]
2001 Awit Awards Best Novelty Song (Ilong with Bob M. Guzman & Larry Chua) Won
Asian Television Awards Best Performance by an Actor (Comedy) Won [26]
2003 PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actor (tied with Ogie Alcasid) Won
2005 Malacañang The Outstanding Young Man (TOYM) Award Won [27]
2006 Asian Television Awards Best Comedy Performance by an Actor Won
Awit Awards Best Novelty Recording "Hindi Ako Bakla" Nominated
Best Dance Recording Nominated [28]
2007 Asian Television Awards Best Comedy Performance by an Actor Nominated
MYX Music Awards Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ Won
Favorite Male Artist Nominated
2008 PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actor Nominated
2009 1st MTRCB TV Awards Best Actor Bubble Gang Won [29]
Asian Television Awards Best Comedy Performance by an Actor Nominated [30]
2010 Asian Television Awards Best Comedy Performance by an Actor Nominated [31]
Reader's Digest Asia Reader's Digest "Philippines' Most Trusted Individuals of 2010 (Comedian and TV host category) Included [32]
2011 Asian Television Awards Best Comedy Performance by an Actor Pepito Manaloto Nominated [33]
FMTM Award Top TV Series Senior Artists Included
Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag or Comedy Program Nominated
2012 Asian Television Awards Best Comedy Performance by an Actor Bubble Gang Nominated [34]
Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag or Comedy Program Nominated
26th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Comedy Actor Nominated
2013 Asian Television Awards Best Comedy Performance by an Actor Nominated [35]
Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag or Comedy Program Nominated
Pillars of Hope Awards Eton Pillar of Hope for Entertainment TV Won [36]
27th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Comedy Actor Bubble Gang Won [37]
2014 Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag / Comedy Program Won [38]
28th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Comedy Actor Nominated
2015 Asian Television Awards Best Comedy Performance by an Actor Pepito Manaloto Nominated [39]
Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Gag / Comedy Program Won [40]
PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actor Nominated [41]
2020 MYX Music Awards MYX Celebrity VJ of the Year Nominated [42]

References

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  1. ^ Michael V. - Sinaktan Mo Ang Puso Ko, August 13, 2016, archived from the original on December 21, 2021, retrieved September 2, 2021
  2. ^ Michael V | Hindi Ako Bakla | Official Music Video, July 23, 2013, archived from the original on September 2, 2021, retrieved September 2, 2021
  3. ^ ""Philippines, Manila, Civil Registration, 1899-1984," database with images, FamilySearch". FamilySearch. Archived from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d e Gonzalez, Bianca (March 25, 2012). "The funny accidents in the life of Michael V". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Michael V previously joined 'Eat Bulaga' contest; got low mark from judge Ogie Alcasid | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  6. ^ "WATCH: Michael V looks back on 'Bubble Gang's song parodies | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  7. ^ "Michael V. posts throwback photo of '90s TV5 show with Ogie, Gelli, Carmina". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  8. ^ a b "Kapamilya & Kapuso stars react to Michael V's "Maganda Ang Piliin" throwback post | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Michael V Is A Genius In Our Midst". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  10. ^ "Michael V. will be the voice of canine Fulgoso in "Marimar"". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  11. ^ gmanews.tv/story, Michael V graces Reader's Digest cover for September issue Archived December 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, gmanews.tv; accessed November 4, 2015.
  12. ^ "Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie". GMA Network. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  13. ^ "Hole in the Wall returns to GMA Telebabad | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  14. ^ "Pepito Manaloto takes a break after 11 years on air". www.philstar.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  15. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Derrick Monasterio ramdam ba ang pressure na maka-trabaho si Michael V sa 'Tsuperhero?' | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  16. ^ "Michael V explains why he stopped being co-host in Eat Bulaga". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  17. ^ Policarpio, Allan (April 2, 2018). "Multihyphenate Michael V now a vlogger, too". Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  18. ^ "Michael V. says 'Family History' sequel is possible". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  19. ^ "Michael V. to direct 'Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kwento'". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  20. ^ "Michael V.'s dengue worsens". Tempo. Archived from the original on August 26, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  21. ^ "Michael V. has dengue, needs platelet donations - Yahoo! OMG! Philippines". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on August 20, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  22. ^ "Michael V recovers from dengue". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Corporation. Archived from the original on August 23, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  23. ^ "Michael V. tests positive for COVID-19". GMA News. July 20, 2020. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  24. ^ Acar, Aedrianne (August 11, 2020). "Michael V., naka-recover na sa COVID-19!". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  25. ^ "Happy, triumphant faces at the 14th PMPC Star Awards for TV". The Philippine Star. October 9, 2000. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  26. ^ "2001 Winners - Asian Television Awards". Archived from the original on September 13, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  27. ^ "Comedian Michael V, Escudero lead seven TOYM 2005 awardees". Philippine Star. December 2, 2005. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  28. ^ "Blast From The Past - Michael V - Hindi Ako Bakla". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  29. ^ "MTRCB hands out its first TV Awards; Michael V and Bea Alonzo win acting trophies". Philippine Entertainment Portal. November 13, 2015. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  30. ^ "2009 Winners - Asian Television Awards". Archived from the original on November 14, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  31. ^ "Kapuso actors, shows nominated at the 15th Asian Television Awards". GMA News online. November 16, 2010. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  32. ^ "Reader's Digest "Philippines' Most Trusted Individuals of 2010"". Showbiznest. Archived from the original on December 9, 2015. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
  33. ^ "ABS-CBN scored on 2011 Asian Television Awards for Philippines". The Rod Magaru Show. December 8, 2011. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
  34. ^ "Complete List of Nominations from The Philippines to 2012 Asian Television Awards". November 13, 2012. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
  35. ^ "GMA Network nominees highly commended at the Asian Television Awards 2013 - GMANetwork.com - Entertainment - Home of Kapuso shows and stars - Articles". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  36. ^ "2013 Eton Pillars of Hope". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  37. ^ "Marian Rivera, Coco Martin lead winners of 27th Star Awards for TV". The Philippine STAR. Archived from the original on February 9, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  38. ^ "ENPRESS 2014 Golden Screen Awards for TV Winners List". March 21, 2014. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  39. ^ "Michael V, nominated at the 2015 Asian Television Awards". GMA Network. November 13, 2015. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  40. ^ "2015 Golden Screen TV Awards full list of winners". Inquirer. November 13, 2015. Archived from the original on October 15, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  41. ^ "AlDub, Kapuso stars and programs nominated in 29th PMPC Star Awards for TV". GMA Network. November 13, 2015. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  42. ^ "MYX Awards 2020: Nominees named; virtual show to be held". ABS-CBN News. May 21, 2019. Archived from the original on May 21, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2019.
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