EA, Cheska and Matt recall learning the ropes of ‘Bubble Gang’ comedy
MANILA, Philippines — As any show keeps up with the times and trends, it has to offer new segments as well as add new talents to its existing lineup. The GMA longest-running gag show “Bubble Gang” knows that, and it also gives the opportunity to TV series artists like Edgar Allan “EA” Guzman, Cheska Fausto, and Matt Lozano to discover and show their funny sides.
Along the way, neophytes get to learn another craft and ways to hold their own working with veteran comedians such as Michael V., Betong Sumaya, Chariz Solomon, and Paolo Contis.
“When I’m taping for ‘Bubble Gang,’ I forget or put aside my being a dramatic actor,” said EA, who plays the character, Atty. Kurt Ignacio, in the GMA inspirational legal drama, “Lilet Matias: Attorney-At-Law,” in a recent press conference for the GMA Entertainment Group’s campaign, “Basta’t Sama-Sama… Best Time Ever.” The event also featured the other members of the “Bubble Gang” cast, including Cheska and Matt. “Kailangan nakakatawa ako dito, kailangan natural yung pagpapatawa ko. So, yun ang ginagawa ko (I have to be funny, and it has to come naturally. That’s what I do).”
Tapping into this side of him in a way comes easy since, as EA put it, he is “makulit” and “palabiro,” yes, playful and fun-loving, off-cam.
“Every morning during taping, lahat ng mga staff sa prod, bibiruin ko yan, babatiin ko yan (I would joke around with the production people and greet them),” shared he.
“I feel it’s (also part of my) personality. I think that’s the personality that I can also offer (and bring) to ‘Bubble Gang’ and somehow, it’s my contribution to the show.”
As for Cheska, who acted in the weekly drama anthology series (“Regal Studio Presents” and “Magpakailanman”), weeknight drama series (“Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters”), and “kilig” series (“Luv Is: Caught in His Arms”), doing “Bubble Gang” has never crossed her mind before, and it’s like an unexpected manna from showbiz heaven.
“Actually, when I entered Sparkle (GMA Artist Center), I never expected to (be trying my hand) at comedy,” said she. “Nasa drama talaga ako (I’m really into drama).”
But the thespian in her would consider and welcome new possibilities.
“Perhaps, I was able to adjust (to the demands of doing comedy) because first and foremost I got comfortable with my ‘Bubble Gang’ family,” said Cheska, looking back on her first few taping days. “They were all very welcoming and I learned a lot from Ate Cha, Kuya Betong, Kuya Bitoy, and Kuya Pao. Talagang naging smooth sailing din siya (my transition from doing TV series to comedy was smooth sailing). We would help each other and ask one another (for suggestions).”
Matt, on his part, had also similar story to tell.
“In my first guest appearance in ‘Bubble Gang,’ I felt pressure and nervous. (But) I was able to blend in. Nakakatuwa kasi si Ate Cha nandyan, si Kuya Pao, si direk Bitoy nandyan sila to guide me (it’s such a big help that all the mainstays are there to guide me).”
“As someone new in comedy, the transition was really challenging,” added he, who starred as Big Bert Armstrong in “Voltes V: Legacy” and played different roles in “Regal Studio Presents,” to name a few for TV, plus appearances in films. “I’m very happy to be in ‘Bubble Gang.’”
During the presscon, the stars were a picture of happiness as members of a comedy program like “Bubble Gang,” whose success can be attributed to its teamwork among the creative and production people and its ability to adapt, as Betong said.
Aside from “Bubble Gang,” “Amazing Earth,” “Family Feud,” “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” “I-Bilib,” “Pepito Manaloto,” and “The Boobay and Tekla Show,” are also featured in the campaign, “Best Time Ever,” as Kapuso viewers’ well-loved shows.
The information given to this paper says that the campaign “encourages viewers to indulge in their favorite comfort shows together with their families and friends.”
(Watch “Bubble Gang” every Sunday night at 6.)
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