GMA-7 bigwigs full force at ‘Bubble Gang’ anniversary

“Bubble Gang,” (BG) the longest running-comedy/gag show of GMA Network, received overwhelming support on its 20th anniversary celebration and book launch held at Gateway Cineplex.

Aside from the program’s complete cast, GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon also graced the celebration, making it more special. After Kapuso ace comedian Michael V. launched the first copy of “IMBG: I Am Bubble Gang (The Bubble Gang 20th Anniversary Commemorative Comedy Chronicles),” Gozon thanked the whole team of BG for being an epitome of its kind and for being able to penetrate the Filipino culture.

“Gusto ko lamang magpasalamat, sa ngalan ng GMA Network, sa mga bumuo at kasalukuyang bumubuo ng ‘Bubble Gang’ dahil ito ang pinakamatagal na TV comedy series. Ang ‘Bubble Gang’ din ang nagbibigay sa ating lahat ng tunay na Pinoy jokes, gags, sketches, parodies at spoofs. Ang ‘Bubble Gang’ din ang nagbibigay sa atin ng pinaka hindi malilimutang mga characters na tumatak sa pop culture. At sa pagbibigay sa mga Pilipino ng tuwa at kaligayahan linggu-linggo at higit sa lahat sa pagiging isang phenomenon. At ito ay in good times and in bad times, in our country’s highs and lows, ito ang tunay na comedy series for all seasons,” Gozon said.

The whole creative and production team of “Bubble Gang” joined this joyous event, like its director, Uro dela Cruz and its program manager Bang Arespacochaga. Kapuso artists Andrea Torres, Antonio Aquitania, Arny Ross, Betong Sumaya, Boy 2 Quizon, Chariz Solomon, Denise Barbacena, Diego Llorico, Jackie Rice, James Macasero, Jan Manual, Juancho Trivino, Max Collins, Mikael Daez, Mycah Flores, Paolo Contis, RJ Padilla, Roadfil Macasero, and Sef Cadayona were out of words to express how much they are proud to be part of “Bubble Gang.”

GMA executives also showed their support: Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV; Marivin T. Arayata, Vice President for Entertainment TV; Redgie A. Magno, Vice President for Drama; and German “Kuya Germs” Moreno.

The celebration became extra special as former cast members like Ara Mina, Sherilyn Tan, and Maureen Larrazabal attended the momentous occasion.

After the book launch, visitors were able to watch the documentary special along with the whole team of “Bubble Gang.” Smiles and laughter began to pop up right when the lights went out. Aside from our favorite characters, the documentary also showed how “Bubble Gang” has been reflecting Filipinos’ lives for the past 20 years.

“Bubble Gang” continues to bring superior laughter and entertainment every Friday night on GMA-7.

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We had great fun watching Martin Nievera’s Christmas concert titled “Martin Home for Christmas” held at The Theatre at Solaire on Tuesday night. Martin was in his best element, with his voice so clear and his witty remarks that drew laughter from the audience. The Concert King’s repertoire was slightly different from a recent concert he also staged at the Theater but what made “Martin Home for Christmas” better was the Christmas songs he dished out to the delight of the audience.

Of course, Martin did his now famous show-stopping Broadway medley that included “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” and “This is the Moment,” just to name two, which resulted to a standing ovation by the audience.

One portion of the concert we truly enjoyed was the throwback number where Martin rendered songs from the ‘80s. He said when he heard these three songs, he somehow felt scared to become a singer. These songs include the hits “Don’t Know What To Do (Don’t Know What To Say)” by Ric Segreto, “You” by Basil Valdez and “Never Ever Say Goodbye.”

Since it was a Christmas concert, it was imperative that he sing yuletide songs, which he did via four songs: “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “The Christmas Song,” “Christmas Won’t Be The Same Without You” and “All I Want” (a new Christmas song he composed with his musical director Louie Ocampo).

A Martin Nievera concert won’t be complete with him not singing his signature songs –“How Can I,” “Ikaw,” and “Kahit Isang Saglit” (which made the audience sentimental) plus “You Are to Me,” “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin,” “Say That You Love Me” and “No Way to Treat a Heart.”

For his encore, Martin sang “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Be My Lady” and “You Are My Song.”

Among his guests were Matteo Guidicelli (they sang “Corner of the Sky”), his son Robin Nievera (they performed “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”) and KZ Tandingan who did two spot numbers. It was a fun night of music and we must say producer The Full House Productions made the right decision in holding the concert at The Theatre at Solaire for its classy ambiance.

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Mar Roxas and wife Korina Sanchez threw a simple and heartfelt thanksgiving Christmas party for the members of the entertainment press at the Novotel Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City Wednesday night.

The entertainment press was delighted and amused to see the lighter and fun side of both Mar and Korina, two of the industry’s most elusive and prominent couples. For years, Mar has been known as the most honest and hardworking public servant of the country while Korina gained mainstream popularity as a hard-hitting broadcast journalist. So it came as a pleasant surprise to the press to see Mar and Korina let loose and have fun with them in celebrating the season.

Politics took a backseat during the night’s festivities as Mar and Korina thanked the press for the love and support they have given the couple for many years. The press had a field day as Mar sang a song with Congressmen Alfred Vargas and Dan Fernandez. Not to be outdone, Korina sang the Sharon Cuneta hit “Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko.” They also gamely posed for souvenir photos with members of the entertainment press.

Mar and Korina likewise had an unforgettable evening of fun and laughter, which was a welcome change for them, what with their busy schedules. The night was highlighted by an energy-packed rock-karaoke sing-off among the press, and a special Christmas message from the couple.

In a short message before the start of the party, Korina thanked the members of the entertainment press who she had met since she started her career as a broadcast journalist. She said she and Mar owe the entertainment press a debt of gratitude “kasi hindi ninyo kami binabakbakan” (meaning the entertainment press is kind to them despite the many issues affecting them) and had been very supportive.

“This event is for us to share love and friendship to everyone. At Christmas, we are all friends but when election time comes, it is anything goes. We are just happy that you are always there to support us. We should all be thankful that we are together in this joyous occasion,” she said.