Michael V.

Michael V. was born as Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan on December 17, 1969, at Clinica dela Rosa in Malate, Manila to Cesar Felix Bunagan and Melba Balonzo del Valle.[3] His father named him after German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, upon seeing a copy of Beethoven's LP in his boss' office, not knowing that "Beethoven" is a surname.[4]

The nickname "Bitoy" was taken from a kiddie TV character played by comedian Bentot. When Bentot, as Bitoy, guested in Iskul Bukol, then-high school student Beethoven saw it and began mimicking Bentot's voice in school. His classmates then called him "Bitoy", to which the nickname stuck to this day.[4] He finished his secondary education in Manila Science High School. Michael V. later earned a degree in mass communications from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. He joined a lot of contests on TV. In one contest in Eat Bulaga!,[5] judge Ogie Alcasid turned him down. Later, Michael V. became a co-host of Eat Bulaga! and Ogie Alcasid became one of his close friends and co-star in the long-running Bubble Gang and Tropang Trumpo.[6][7][5]

During the popularity of Andrew E., the song "Humanap Ka ng Panget" became wildly popular, to which the then unsigned Beethoven composed a reply song entitled "Maganda Ang Piliin (Ayoko Ng Panget)".[8] At that time, OctoArts was then inviting Michael V.'s female friend and rapping partner, Dianne, to submit a demo tape. In that demo tape, Michael V.'s "Maganda Ang Piliin" was accidentally included. He and Dianne got individual recording contracts. Michael V.'s song and its accompanying album became a hit.[8][4][9]

When he entered show business, he and his manager were deciding a stage name for his career as a rapper. Back then, the most popular Filipino rappers were Andrew E. and Francis M. so they opted for a similar stage name: "Michael V.", after Michael Jackson and Gary V., Michael V.'s favorite international and local artists respectively.[4]

Michael V.'s first feature film appearance was in Regal Films' comedy film, Banana Split top-billed by Joey Marquez. He eventually gained prominence when OctoArts Films started to include him alongside Vic Sotto, Ogie Alcasid, Francis Magalona, among others.[4][9]

Michael V. and his wife Carol have 4 children. In August 2013, He was hospitalized[20] for dengue fever, according to a tweet from Ogie Alcasid. Both Ogie Alcasid and Michael V. solicited prayers and platelet donations[21] over the following days, promising to update fans once the situation gets better. Michael V. then later tweeted that he was recovering from his previous condition, thanking his fans for support.[22]

On July 20, 2020, Michael V. announced in a vlog that he had tested positive for COVID-19.[23] On August 11, Michael V. announced in another vlog that he had already recovered.[24]

• Michael V. at IMDb