Bubble Gang

Bubble Gang is a Philippine television sketch comedy show broadcast by GMA Network. Originally directed by Uro Q. Dela Cruz, it was originally starred by Ogie Alcasid, Antonio Aquitania, Sunshine Cruz, Jackie de Guzman, Assunta De Rossi, Eric Fructuoso, Susan Lozada, Aiko Melendez, Wendell Ramos and Michael V. It premiered on October 20, 1995 on the network's Friday night line up. Frasco Mortiz currently serves as the director, with Michael V., Paolo Contis, Chariz Solomon, Betong Sumaya, Analyn Barro, Kokoy de Santos, EA Guzman, Buboy Villar, Cheska Fausto, Matt Lozano and Rabiya Mateo serving as the current cast. It is the longest running comedy show in the Philippines.^[6]

Bubble Gang
Title card since 2024
Also known as	Bblgang[a]
Genre	Sketch comedy
Created by	Marivin Arayata
Directed by	Rosauro "Uro" Q. Dela Cruz (1995–2016)[1] Bert de Leon (2016–21)[2] Frasco Mortiz (since 2021)[3] Mark David (since 2023)
Creative director	Michael V.
Starring	Michael V.
Theme music composer	Michael V. (1995–2022, since July 9, 2023) Frasco Mortiz (since 2022)
Opening theme	"Bubble Gang (Pwede!)" by Michael V. (2005–2022) "Bubble Gang" theme by Frasco Mortiz (since 2022) "Bubble Gang (BBL Mash-up Remix)" theme by Michael V. & Frasco Mortiz (since 2023)
Country of origin	Philippines
Original language	Tagalog
Production
Executive producers	Camille Hermoso Jan Navaro[4]
Production locations	Studio 4, GMA Network Center, Quezon City, Philippines[5]
Camera setup	Multiple-camera setup
Running time	25–55 minutes
Production company	GMA Entertainment Group
Original release
Network	GMA Network
Release	October 20, 1995 (1995-10-20) – present

The series is streaming online on YouTube.^[7]

Premise

The show features pop culture parody, skits and sketches. It parodies television shows, adverts and famous people.^[8]

Overview

Bubble Gang premiered on GMA Network on October 20, 1995.^[9] It was inspired by the gag show Tropang Trumpo.^[10] The original cast consisted of Ogie Alcasid, Antonio Aquitania, Sunshine Cruz, Jackie de Guzman, Assunta De Rossi, Eric Fructuoso, Susan Lozada, Aiko Melendez, Wendell Ramos and Michael V. Production personnel of the show, Diego Llorico and Marissa "Mykah" Flores later joined the show as cast members.

On October 14, 2011, Isko Salvador, Ceasar Cosme and Chito Francisco from the show's "Ang Dating Doon" segment returned to the show.^[11]

On August 2, 2013, Joyce Ching, RJ Padilla, Juancho Triviño and Denise Barbacena joined the show.^[12]

In March 2020, principal photography was halted due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.^[13] The show resumed its programming on August 21, 2020.^[14]

On May 27, 2022, Tuesday Vargas, Kim de Leon, Dasuri Choi, and Faith da Silva joined the show, while Aquitania, Mikoy Morales, Barbacena, Liezel Lopez, Arra San Agustin, Lovely Abella, Ashley Rivera, Llorico, and Flores left the show.^[15][16][17]

On July 9, 2023, Buboy Villar and Cheska Fausto joined the show, while Valeen Montenegro, Sef Cadayona, Archie Alemania and Faye Lorenzo left the show.^[18] On the same day, the show commenced filming in front of a live studio audience.^[19]

Cast

Current cast

Michael V.

Betong Sumaya

Former cast

Ogie Alcasid

Wendell Ramos

Toni Gonzaga

Jackie Rice

Sam Pinto

Max Collins

Carla Abellana

Juancho Triviño

Ara Mina

Jak Roberto

• Michael V.
• Diego Llorico (since 1996)
• Paolo Contis (since 2005)
• Chariz Solomon (since 2010)
• Betong Sumaya (since 2012)
• Analyn Barro (since 2017)
• Kokoy de Santos^[20] (since 2021)
• EA Guzman (since 2023)
• Buboy Villar (since 2023)
• Cheska Fausto (since 2023)
• Matt Lozano (since 2023)^[21]
• Rabiya Mateo (since 2024)^[22]

Former cast

• Antonio Aquitania (1995–2022)
• Ogie Alcasid (1995–2013)
• Wendell Ramos (1995–2011)
• Susan Lozada (1995–97)
• Aiko Melendez (1995–98)
• Sunshine Cruz (1995–96; 1998–99)^[23]
• Eric Fructuoso (1995–2000)^[24]
• Jackie de Guzman (1995–2000)
• Maricar de Mesa (1995–2001)
• Assunta de Rossi (1995–2002)
• Alma Concepcion (1996–97)
• Shirley Fuentes (1996–98)
• Myka Flores (1997–2022)
• Amanda Page (1997–2001)
• Luis Alandy (1998–99)
• Aya Medel (1998–2000)
• Sherwin Ordoñez (1998–2000)
• Ara Mina (1998–2007)
• Toni Gonzaga (1998–2000)^[25][26]
• Isko Salvador (1998–2000, 2005, 2011–16)
• Ceasar Cosme (1998–2000, 2005, 2011–17)
• Chito Francisco (1998–2000, 2005, 2011–17)
• Sharmaine Arnaiz (1999)
• Sherilyn Reyes-Tan (1999–2002)
• Wowie de Guzman (2000–01)
• Angelika Dela Cruz (2000–01)
• Trina Zuñiga (2000–01)
• Kevin Vernal (2000–02)
• Rufa Mae Quinto (2001–16)
• Maureen Larrazabal (2001–13)
• Boy 2 Quizon (2003–22)
• Diana Zubiri (2003–09)
• Francine Prieto (2004–10)
• Jacky Woo (2007–18)
• Rodfill Obeso (2008–22)
• James Ronald Obeso (2008–19)
• Jackie Rice (2008–19)
• Ellen Adarna (2010–13)
• Gwen Zamora (2010–16)
• Sam Pinto (2010–16)
• Sef Cadayona (2012–23)
• Max Collins (2012–17)
• Carla Abellana (2013–14)
• Joyce Ching (2013–15)
• RJ Padilla (2013–17)
• Jan Manual (2013–18)
• Mikael Daez (2013–19)
• Andrea Torres (2013–19)
• Juancho Triviño (2013–19)
• Denise Barbacena (2013–22)
• Arny Ross (2013–22)
• Kim Domingo (2015–22)
• Valeen Montenegro (2015–23)
• Arra San Agustin^[27] (2016—22)
• Jak Roberto^[27] (2016–21)
• Lovely Abella (2017–22)
• Mikoy Morales (2017–22)
• Ashley Rivera (2017–22)
• Archie Alemania (2017–23)
• Faye Lorenzo (2019–23)
• Liezel Lopez (2019–22)
• Tuesday Vargas (2022–23)
• Kim de Leon (2022–23)
• Dasuri Choi (2022–23)

Timeline

Recurring characters and segments

Main article: List of Bubble Gang recurring characters and sketches

Home media release

The series was released on DVD by GMA Music in 2009. The DVD contained "the best of the best" episodes of Bubble Gang throughout the years.^[28]

Accolades

Accolades received by Bubble Gang

Year	Award	Category	Recipient	Result	Ref.
1996	10th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won	[29]
1997	11th PMPC Star Awards for Television			Won
1998	12th PMPC Star Awards for Television			Won
1999	13th PMPC Star Awards for Television			Won
2000	14th PMPC Star Awards for Television			Won
		Best Comedy Actor	Michael V.	Won
2001	15th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won	[29]
2002	16th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid Michael V.	Won
		Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won
2003	17th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid Michael V.	Nominated
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Nominated
		Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won
2004	2004 Asian Television Awards	Best Comedy Programme		Won
	18th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid Michael V.	Won	[29]
				Nominated
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Nominated
		Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won	[29]
	1st USTv Students' Choice Awards			Won
2005	2005 Asian Television Awards	Best Comedy Performance by an Actor	Michael V.	Won	[30]
	2005 Golden Screen Awards	Outstanding Performance in a Comedy Gag Show	Ogie Alcasid	Won
	19th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won	[29]
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Won
2006	20th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid	Won	[31]
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Nominated
		Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won	[29]
2007	Asian Television Awards	Best Comedy Performance by an Actor	Michael V.	Runner-up	[32]
	21st PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid Michael V.	Won	[33]
				Nominated
		Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won
2008	2008 Asian Television Awards	Best Comedy Programme		Highly Commended	[34]
		Best Comedy Performance by an Actor/Actress	Ogie Alcasid	Highly Commended
	2008 Nickelodeon Philippines Kids' Choice Awards	Favorite Television Show	Bubble Gang	Nominated
	22nd PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid Michael V.	Won	[35]
				Nominated
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Won
		Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Nominated
	5th USTv Students' Choice Awards			Nominated	[29]
2009	23rd PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid Michael V.	Nominated	[35]
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Won
		Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won
	5th USTv Students' Choice Awards			Won	[29]
2010	24th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid Michael V.	Won	[36]
				Nominated
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Nominated
		Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Nominated
	2010 UP Gandingan Awards			Won	[29]
	6th USTv Students' Choice Awards			Won
2011	8th ENPRESS Golden Screen TV Awards	Outstanding Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won	[37]
	9th Gawad Tanglaw	Best Gag Show		Won	[38]
	25th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid Michael V.	Won	[39][40]
				Nominated
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Nominated
		Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won
2012	8th USTv Students' Choice Awards			Won	[41]
	26th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy/Gag Show		Nominated	[42]
		Best Comedy Actor	Ogie Alcasid	Nominated
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Won	[42][43]
2013	2013 Asian Television Awards	Best Comedy Performance by an Actor/Actress	Michael V.	Highly Commended	[44]
	27th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won	[35]
		Best Comedy Actor	Michael V.	Won
			Ogie Alcasid	Nominated	[45]
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Won	[35]
	11th Gawad Tanglaw	Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won	[46][47]
	2013 Golden Screen TV Awards	Outstanding Gag Program		Won	[48]
		Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Comedy Program	Ogie Alcasid	Won
			Michael V.	Nominated	[49]
	9th USTv Students' Choice Awards	Best Gag Show	Bubble Gang	Won	[50]
	4th Northwest Samar State University Students’ Choice Awards for Radio and TV	Best Comedy Program		Won	[51]
2014	28th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Sef Cadayona	Won	[52]
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Won
		Hall of Fame	Bubble Gang	Won
	Golden Screen TV Awards	Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Gag or Comedy Show	Sef Cadayona Albert "Bentong" Sumaya	Won	[53]
				Nominated
		Outstanding Gag Program	Bubble Gang	Won
	5th NSSU Students’ Choice Award for Radio and Television	Best Comedy Program		Won	[54]
	10th USTv Students’ Choice Award	Students’ Choice of Comedy Program		Won	[55]
	1st PUP Mabini Media Awards	Best Television Comedy Program		Won	[56]
	1st Paragala Central Luzon Media Awards	Central Luzon's Choice for a Gag Show		Won	[57]
2015	29th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Sef Cadayona	Nominated	[58]
		Best Comedy Actress	Rufa Mae Quinto	Won
2016	30th PMPC Star Awards for Television			Nominated	[59]
	2016 Asian Television Awards	Best Comedy Programme	Bubble Gang	Nominated	[60]
2017	2017 Golden Laurel LPU Batangas Media Awards	Best Comedy Show		Nominated	[61]
	31st PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Sef Cadayona	Nominated	[62]
			Michael V.	Nominated
		Best Comedy Actress	Chariz Solomon	Nominated
2018	32nd PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Sef Cadayona	Nominated	[63]
			Michael V.	Nominated
		Best Comedy Actress	Chariz Solomon	Nominated
		Best New Male TV Personality	Kelvin Miranda	Nominated
2019	33rd PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actress	Chariz Solomon	Nominated	[64]
2021	34th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best New Female TV Personality	Faye Lorenzo	Nominated	[65]
2023	35th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Betong Sumaya	Nominated	[66]
			Boy 2 Quizon	Nominated
			Paolo Contis	Won
			Sef Cadayona	Nominated
		Best Comedy Actress	Chariz Solomon	Nominated
			Valeen Montenegro	Nominated
2025	36th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Comedy Actor	Paolo Contis	Pending	[67]
			Michael V.	Pending
		Best Comedy Actress	Chariz Solomon	Pending

Controversies

In September 2002, the show was sued by L.A. Lopez after the show made a character named as Ala Ey Lopez in 2001. According to Lopez, the spoof affected him emotionally. He asked 5 million pesos for damages and a public apology from the show. The case was later dismissed.^[68][69]

In 2013, Michael V., Rufa Mae Quinto, and GMA Network's executives, were summoned by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chairman, Eugenio Villareal for a mandatory conference after a sexually sensitive comedy sketch called "The Adventures of Susie Lualhati" which aired on November 29, 2013. Villareal was alarmed after what he had found of a derogatory and discriminatory portrayal of a woman in the show.^[70] Michael V., Quinto, and executives of the network met with MTRCB on December 9, 2013 to discuss the issue. It led to an agreement that the show will implement proposed measures that will ensure audiences about gender-sensitivity contents by December 16, 2013.^[71]

Spin-offs

• Bubble Gang Jr. premiered on May 8, 2005 and featured child actors.^[72]
• DoSeNa, a television film to celebrate the show's 12th anniversary.^[9]
• Bungallow, a horror television film to celebrate the show's 15th anniversary.^[73]
• Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie, a film based on the segment Ang Spoiled. It was released in theaters on September 23, 2009.^[74]
• Boy Pick-Up: The Movie, a film based on the character Boy Pick-Up from the Pick-Up Lines segment. It was released on theaters on June 6, 2012.^[75]
• Hole in the Wall, a Philippine version of the American game show series of the same title aired in 2009. Hosted by Yaya and Angelina - two characters created by Bubble Gang were portrayed by Michael V. and Ogie Alcasid respectively.^[76]

Notes

1. Since 2023.