Every year, Esquire Philippines’ Man at His Best honors extraordinary Filipinos who are reshaping society. These are the men and women who are raising the bar for Filipino creatives, athletes, public servants, and professionals.
This year, we’re celebrating eight mavericks and living legends in film, music, business, politics, and the arts. From National Artists Ricky Lee and Kidlat Tahimik to Mayor Joy Belmonte and tycoon Ramon Ang, we present the 2023 honorees who exemplify what it means to be a Man at His Best.
Meet Esquire's Creative of the Year, Michael V
Over the past three decades, you’ve seen him create content for multiple platforms. From the OctoArts films in the ‘90s to gag shows that dominated primetime in an era when television was spectacle, Beethoven Bunagan aka Michael V. successfully cut across social classes, each portrayal meticulously etched with nuances that only he could execute.
The uniqueness of Michael V's artistry lies not just in his ability to entertain but in the sheer unlikelihood of replication. His humor, though rooted in the context of its time, possesses a timeless quality that transcends generations. His characters, whether the iconic Junie Lee, Bebang, or the magnetic Bitoy himself, are etched in the collective memory of audiences.
Above all, his parodies do not merely imitate but ingeniously deconstruct and reconstruct, each time an elaborate symphony of wit, satire, and social commentary. TLDR, most of his portrayals are a masterpiece.
And while many other comedy actors or artists easily fail at reinventing and staying relevant, Bitoy remains king—criticism from attention-seeking content creators be damned.
Creating Content For Good
Unlike other Youtubers or online creators, the creative director of the Philippines’ longest running gag show ‘Bubble Gang’ offers a vast wealth of knowledge to his nearly two million subscribers. Yes there’s an unboxing video here and there, but there are no cat videos or viral memes or shallow house tours; Michael V has carved a niche for substantial content for aspiring content creators.
Michael V utilizes his platform to unravel the intricacies of his craft. His video tutorials dissect the anatomy of comedic timing, the nuances of character portrayal, or the labyrinthine process of scriptwriting, offering a backstage pass into the machinations of his mind. Each video is a masterclass, meticulously designed to engage and educate, filled with techniques and brimming with infectious enthusiasm. He uses his platform not merely for self-promotion but as a conduit for empowering aspiring artists, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to embark on their creative journeys.
Easily he’s paving the way for new content creators, and yet he’s never afraid of the next generation. He is confident in his place in the creative industry, given his astute understanding of the Filipino audience. He knows that he can seamlessly navigate between comedy sketches, music parodies, insightful discussions, and educational content, showcasing his range and depth as a creative force.
On What Makes A Man
When asked about his life learnings, Michael V, with his characteristic wit, brushes it off with a nonchalant "Wow. Lalim." Yet, beyond the veil of humor, his insights delve deep into his driving force for many years now.
“I think at the core of it all, it doesn't matter kung drama ka or comedy or kung anong medium na gamitin mo for expression. Basta ako, yung willingness ko to entertain, it's been my driving force ever since,” Michael V. tells Esquire Philippines.
“Kaya makikita mo minsan, I don't just do comedy on TV or I don't just do drama in movies. Nage-express din ako ng feelings ko through art, like paintings and drawings, stuff like that,” he adds.
The man also values commitment, in all facets of his being.
“It's commitment. Being a man relies heavily on commitment, if I were to describe it in one word. Commitment in everything that you do, commitment with your relationships, commitment with your God, commitment sa career mo,” he said.
“I think it's what got me through my life all these years,” he adds.
He is confident in his masculinity, despite often portraying gay roles. It is to be emphasized though, that Michael V. is also committed to representing these roles authentically. He has profound respect for the LGBTQ+ community, and it shows in his recent body of work.
His recent parody, ‘Gusto ko Nang Bumitaw,’ tells the story of a 50-year-old closet gay, trapped in an unhappy marriage, traumatized by his father’s physical abuse following the discovery of his gender preference.
Gusto ko nang bumigay
'Yan lang ang sigaw ng puso
Gusto ko nang bumigay
Pero too late na siguro
With a blend of humor, wit, and sincerity, his music has served as a platform to spread awareness and seek a culture of inclusivity, especially towards the LGBTQ+ community.
His Legacy To His Family
Beyond his entertainment persona, Michael V leads a remarkably private family life. His long-lasting marriage and dedication to raising his children away from the media show his values and priorities. Despite his public persona, Bitoy nurtures a deeply personal life, fostering lasting relationships and grounding his success in family values.
Reflecting on his parenting journey, he candidly describes how his style has shifted over time.
“Medyo naging loose na ako ngayon. Parang anything goes," he says, when asked about parenting. This is a marked departure from his previously strict and protective demeanor during his kids' younger years. He admits to recognizing the pitfalls of his earlier stringent parenting methods, fearing that such an approach might breed a sense of complacency or timidity in his children.
"Dapat matuto na sila to be independent. As much as they can," he asserts, aiming to instill in them a sense of resilience and self-reliance in navigating life's challenges.
Acknowledging the evolving interests and varied subjects that captivate his children, Michael V has found a profound connection through embracing their diverse passions.
"Maraming subjects or maraming maraming mga topics na interested din sila. So I think that's how I connect with my children," he said.
However, his parenting philosophy extends beyond the present, emphasizing the significance of forward-thinking.
"Ang ini-instill namin sa kanila is looking forward. Palagi yung future ninyo," he reveals.
Drawing from his personal experiences of shouldering responsibilities at a young age, he and his spouse Carolina Bunagan endeavor to prepare their children for self-sufficiency.
In The Years To Come
The bedrock of Michael V.'s prolific portfolio is in his unyielding commitment to entertain, transcending boundaries of television comedy to the expressionism of his paintings and drawings.
Renowned for his ability to embody diverse roles, even those challenging societal stereotypes, the artist adamantly asserts that these roles never confined him. In Michael V's universe, the dictum is resoundingly clear: to entertain, to connect, and to inspire. This philosophical approach transcends the confines of specific media or generations. His capacity to seamlessly merge humor with profound insights elevates him to the echelons of artistic brilliance, shaping the Philippine cultural landscape with his versatile genius.
