Photo from Instagram/@michaelbitoy
Veteran Filipino comedian fulfills a longstanding ambition while temporarily taking over for Dingdong Dantes
MANILA — After years of working in television comedy, Michael V. has returned to game show hosting through an assignment he says he had long hoped to receive.
The veteran Filipino comedian, popularly known as Bitoy, described his temporary stint presenting GMA Network’s Family Feud as one of his professional highlights of 2026, an opportunity that came as a welcome surprise.
Michael V. said he had often wondered what it would be like to host the Philippine version of the internationally known game show. He recalled watching previous editions presented by Richard Gomez, Ogie Alcasid, Edu Manzano and Luis Manzano.
The opportunity arose when regular host Dingdong Dantes took a temporary break to concentrate on filming The Master Cutter, GMA’s primetime action-drama series.
Michael V. made his hosting debut on September 17, with cast members of his long-running sitcom Pepito Manalotoparticipating as contestants.
The opening episode featured two teams drawn from the sitcom’s ensemble. Team Bahay included Manilyn Reynes, Jake Vargas, Arthur Solinap and Mosang, while Team Office featured Chariz Solomon, John Feir, Maureen Larrazabal and Tony Lapeña.
Although Michael V. is closely associated with GMA’s comedy programs Bubble Gang and Pepito Manaloto, hosting is an established part of his television career.
He previously appeared as a host on Eat Bulaga! and presented programs including Bitoy’s Funniest Videos and Hole in the Wall. He credited those experiences with helping him adapt to the demands of Family Feud.
The comedian said his preparation involves learning about contestants and developing material appropriate to their personalities. At the same time, he relies on spontaneous exchanges, an important element of a program built around contestants’ answers and reactions.
He acknowledged initially being cautious about allowing jokes to run too long, given the show’s production requirements. He subsequently learned that some material could be edited for television, with additional exchanges potentially appearing on social media.
Dantes welcomed Michael V.’s temporary appointment. Michael V. recalled receiving a congratulatory message from Dantes before the hosting arrangement had been finalized.
Michael V. said he appreciated the encouragement and was pleased to take on the assignment while Dantes concentrated on his acting commitments.
The comedian has also expressed interest in a possible future episode featuring his family competing against the Dantes family. The idea has not been announced as a confirmed production.
Dantes has said he intends to resume his regular hosting duties, although GMA has not announced a specific return date.
The temporary hosting assignment has allowed the veteran comedian to revisit a familiar aspect of his television career while continuing his regular commitments to Bubble Gang and Pepito Manaloto.
