Diego Llorico, ibinunyag ang malaking papel ni Michael V. sa kanyang career

• Diego Llorico credited Michael V. with making a major contribution to his comedy career
• The comedian recalled how Michael V. would imitate his voice, tone, and manner of speaking
• Diego revealed that his entertainment career began with production work in the 1990s
• He eventually joined Bubble Gang as a production assistant after being invited by Wilma Galvante

Diego Llorico looked back on the unexpected beginnings of his entertainment career and the people who helped shape his journey, including veteran comedian Michael V.

During his conversation with Susan Enriquez on “Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs,” the “Atlit” star was asked who he considers his mentor in comedy. Without hesitation, Diego named Michael V. and credited the veteran comedian for playing a significant role in shaping his career.

“Malaking contribution? Si Bitoy, syempre. Siya naman talaga. Kasi si Bitoy magaling siya talaga, kahit saan. Genius siya. 'Yung sa timing, pagsusulat, lahat," sagot niya.

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Diego also remembered the times Michael V. would imitate him, particularly his distinct way of speaking. He said the award-winning comedian was able to capture not only his voice but also his tone and delivery.

"'Yung pagsasalita ko, palagi niyang ini-imitate. Nakukuha niya 'yung boses ko kasi, 'yung tono ko, 'yung paano ako magsalita. Minsan nga ako pa 'yung inspirasyon niya sa mga kanta niya, 'di ba? Mayroon siyang mga ginawang parody na ako 'yung nasa video," dagdag niya.

But before becoming a familiar face associated with “Bubble Gang,” Diego's entry into the entertainment industry began behind the scenes.

While studying at Far Eastern University in the 1990s, Diego had friends who were working on Vilma Santos' variety program “Vilma!” They eventually encouraged him to try production work, leading to his first experience as a production assistant for “Vina,” the show of actress and singer Vina Morales that aired on ABC-5.

"Noong una po kasi nag-aral ako sa FEU. May mga kaibigan ako na nagtatrabaho sa Vilma!, 'yung variety show dati ni Ate V. Tapos inaya nila ako na mag-production. Kasi mayroon din po silang show sa ABC-5, so doon ako 'yung show po ni Vina Morales, 'yung Vina, doon po ako unang nag-P.A. (production assistant)," kuwento ni Diego.

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His career soon took another turn when an executive producer encouraged him to move to GMA. There, he met Rams David, who was connected to the program of German Moreno.

"Tapos 'yung EP po namin may show po siya sa GMA, sabi niya. 'Sama ka sa 'kin, do'n tayo sa GMA, mayroong raket.' Tapos po nakilala ko si Rams David, siya po 'yung parang coordinator ng show ni Kuya Germs (German Moreno), tapos sabi niya, ''Wag ka nang bumalik do'n, dito ka na lang."

At the time, Diego was already hearing about several programs that were being prepared, including “Bubble Gang,” “Inside Showbiz,” and “Startalk.” His personal preference was initially “Startalk” because of its entertainment and gossip-oriented format.

"Noong time na 'yon, nung kay Ma'am Wilma [Galvante] na, may naririnig na akong may tatlong show na bubuksan, Bubble Gang, Inside Showbiz, at saka Startalk. Sabi ko, 'Sana mapasama ako sa Startalk kasi gusto ko 'yon, kasi tsismisan.'"

His plans changed when Wilma Galvante offered him a spot on “Bubble Gang.” Although the position was still as a production assistant, Diego accepted the opportunity and became part of the program from its early days.

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"Kaya lang nu'ng tinawag po ako ni Ma'am Wilma, sabi niya, 'Gusto mo ba sa Bubble Gang?' As P.A. pa rin. Sabi ko, 'Ay, opo.' Syempre, 'di naman ako pwede tumanggi, so sumama na ako. Kasama na ako sa Bubble Gang mula umpisa," dagdag niya.

From working behind the scenes to becoming a comedian, Diego's story shows how an unexpected opportunity eventually became a lasting chapter in his career.

Michael V. (born Beethoven del Valle Bunagan), popularly known as Bitoy, is a multi-award-winning Filipino comedian, actor, television host, and singer-songwriter celebrated as a pillar of Philippine television comedy. Widely acclaimed as the creative force behind iconic shows like Bubble Gang and Pepito Manaloto, he is particularly renowned for his witty parody songs, diverse character impersonations, and directorial work.

In another report, Michael V. opened up about the nerves he felt while working with Vice Ganda for the first time during the “Bubble Gang” 30th anniversary special. The two comedy stars admitted that they were both anxious before filming their scene together, despite their years of experience in the industry.

Meanwhile, Sarah Discaya’s lawyer clarified that she did not take offense at Michael V.’s comedic portrayal of her in “Bubble Gang.” Atty. Cornelio Samaniego said Sarah respects the veteran comedian and understands that parody is part of his work.

Source: KAMI.com.gh