Comedian Michael V. has sparked speculation about a potential comeback to hosting roles following the extension of his contract with GMA Network.
Bitoy, as people in the entertainment call him, notably showcased his hosting prowess during his tenure on the iconic noontime show ‘Eat Bulaga’ from 2004 to 2016. However, he took a hiatus from hosting duties in 2019, citing the need to manage his hectic schedule.
In an interview with GMA News Online during his contract renewal ceremony on Monday, Bitoy hinted at the possibility of returning to hosting but suggested that the timing might not be opportune just yet. Reflecting on his departure from ‘Eat Bulaga,’ he hinted at similar factors that might delay his reentry into the hosting arena.
“Parang hindi pa time. There’s a reason why I left ‘Eat Bulaga’ before. I think it’s the same reason kung bakit hindi pa siguro ako sasabak,” he answered.
Apart from his memorable stint on ‘Eat Bulaga,’ Bitoy has demonstrated his hosting finesse on various other programs, including the game show ‘Hole in the Wall’ alongside Ogie Alcasid, as well as the talent show ‘Bitoy’s Showwwtime’ and ‘Lip Sync Battle Philippines.’
Despite his hiatus from hosting, Bitoy has retained a prominent presence in the entertainment landscape. He has spearheaded successful GMA Network shows like ‘Bubble Gang’ and the TV sitcom ‘Pepito Manaloto.’ Additionally, his viral parodies, such as ‘Uhaw,’ ‘Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,’ and ‘Raining in Manila,’ continue to captivate audiences.
In 2019, Bitoy ventured into filmmaking as a director with the GMA Pictures-produced film ‘Family History.’ His contributions to Philippine comedy were further acknowledged when he was honored as one of the comedy icons by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in October.
Bitoy’s contract extension with the Kapuso Network reaffirms his enduring commitment to the network and the entertainment industry at large.