by Manila Bulletin Entertainment
Bubble Gang, the longest-running gag show on Philippine television, is out to make the program more relevant by introducing new members, new segments, and new flavors.
During a Zoom conference last Friday, May 13, director Frasco Mortiz said the program will continue to evolve by keeping up with the trends. ”May efforts na talaga kami to do something new. How does Bubble Gang stay relevant? Nag-iisip sila ng ways kung paano sumabay sa current trends.”
Bang Arespacochaga, consultant for the show, explained the new changes in the program. “We wanted a small group, para maka-focus sa sketches, and the characters. Kung sino yung sikat diyan sa online, ‘Bubble Gang’ is very much open.”
As Bubble Gang makes its relaunch, expect new faces like Dasuri Choi, Tuesday Vargas, and Kim De Leon on the show. Those who bid goodbye to the program were Lovely Abella, Arra San Agustin, Antonio Aquitania, Denise Barbacena, Myka Flores, Liezel Lopez, Diego Llorico, Mikoy Morales, and Ashley Rivera.
Despite the changes, friendship never ends among cast members. “The friendship does not end there. We still talk with one another,” said mainstay Paolo Contis.
Michael V shared that he felt the need to explain the changes to the outgoing cast. “Give them an insight, kung bakit siguro nagkaroon ng ganoong mga dahilan, para hindi sumama ang loob nila, and at the same time para ma-inspire sila.”
The production will not only focus on television, but it will also reach a wider audience through social media platforms. Some new segments for “Bubble Gang” include “Bes Friends”, and “Marites United”, (Mare, ano ang latest?)
Asked about his working relationship with Direk Frasco, Michael V said: “Hindi pa kami nagkaka-trabaho ni Direk Frasco sa studio, most probably in the coming days.”
“It’s a group effort. It’s really the whole team, the collaboration of everyone,” said Bang on the cast effort to make the gag show alive and funny. “Hindi kami p’wede maging stagnant kung ano kami 10 years or 15 years ago, kasi maluluma kami.”
“I think yung secret dun sa longevity nung show is the ability of the show to change with the times. Kumbaga, nage-evolve siya along with you,” said Director Frasco.
Michael V added: “To sum it up, the objective of the show is to be funny, to be relevant, to be revolutionary, and evolutionary. As long as nami-meet ng show ‘yung mga requirements na ‘to. I believe the show will be here for a long time.” (Jazzle Anne Calanao and Diannevie Feliciano/practicum)
