Michael V assures Sarah Discaya impersonation is comedic, not damaging
MANILA, Philippines — Much anticipation is being held for the September 14 episode of sketch comedy show "Bubble Gang" when comedian Michael V debuts Ciala Dismaya, his impersonation of embattled contractor Sarah Discaya.
It all began when Discaya appeared in a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last September 1 hearing on flood control projects where many social media users took notice of her resemblance to the comedian.
More Filipinos began clamoring for "Bubble Gang," which Michael V has been part of since it began in 1995, to spoof the hearing with Michael V — who is also fondly called Bitoy — in the role of Discaya.
The series at first superimposed an image of Bitoy in white with a girlish haircut over a photo of Discaya at the hearing, but soon followed up with teasers of Michael V impersonating Discaya with a character named Ciala Dismaya.
Earlier this week as more teasers flowed in, Discaya's lawyer Cornelio Samaniego III said his client did not have any violent reaction to the parody, noting it was part Bitoy’s job as an actor.
"Okay lang sa kanya. Alam mo naman si Sir Bitoy, talaga namang idol ko nga 'yan," Samaniego said. "Nirerespeto natin si Michael V. Idol natin iyan sa 'Bubble Gang.' Trabaho niya 'yan. Parang ako, abogado, trabaho ko ito. Si Sir Michael, trabaho niya 'yun. Doon siya kilala. So, bakit tayo magagalit?"
Ahead of Ciala Dismaya's debut, Michael V shared his initial reaction to the public clamor that he shared a resemblance with Discaya.
Related: Huluh si Bitoy: Filipinos poke fun at Michael V, Sarah Discaya comparisons
"Nya!" Bitoy joked at first before admitting he noticed the resemblance upon watching the hearing, "Ako mismo napansin ko na 'Parang kamukha ko siya, parang konting effort na lang magagaya ko na siya."
The comedian did not consider doing a skit right away, however, a flurry of messages flooding his social media feeds prompted Bitoy to pitch to the "Bubble Gang" creative team, who apparently had the same idea.
"Oo kamukha mo, gawan natin ng sketch!" Michael V recalled.
Bitoy was surprised that people were already getting excited with the teasers, even of his Ciala Dismaya turned back to the camera.
He also pointed out the issues addressed in the Senate hearing would be tackled in the skit.
"Pero as usual with the 'Bubble Gang' formula, kailangan ilihis mo ng konti at humorous siya," Michael V assured. "Ang attempt namin is hindi para manira ng tao kundi para magpatawa ng mga tao."
"Bubble Gang" recently teased that Michael V would be joined by Betong Sumaya and Matt Lozano in the skit as the latter two do impersonations of senators Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada. Analyn Barro meanwhile will play a character named "Sen. Mimani."
RELATED: Discaya lawyer says Sarah not offended by Michael V’s ‘Ciala Dismaya’ spoof
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