With noontime show’s demise, Paolo Contis focuses efforts on ‘Bubble Gang’

Contrary to rumors that he resented GMA 7 over the demise of the noontime show “Tahanang Pinakamasaya,” Paolo Contis said there was no truth to them and stressed that he couldn’t be more thankful to the network.

“There were rumors going around that I have ill feelings toward GMA 7—that’s not true. But let’s just give it to those who spread [those lies], for the sake of their [online] content,” he said at a press conference for GMA Entertainment’s new campaign, “Basta’t Sama-Sama… Best Time Ever.”

The actor-host, who was given a belated 40th birthday cake at the event, said he had nothing more to wish for. “I just want to thank GMA 7 for the support they have given me and my shows. I love them. They supported me during the time when I didn’t deserve support,” he said.

Ex-girlfriend

Paolo was alluding to his infidelity to and subsequent breakup with ex-girlfriend LJ Reyes—one of the biggest show biz controversies in 2021. “I have no reason to harbor tampo toward them,” said Paolo, who continued to land projects, like the drama series “I Left My Heart in Sorsogon,” amid the issue.

Because “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” failed its noontime bid after just nine months on air, Paolo joked that he might as well channel his efforts toward “Bubble Gang.” “Help us. We want this show (‘Bubble Gang’) to last 50 years. Yung isang show kasi, hindi na natin napaabot ng 50!” he said, drawing laughter.

“But it’s OK. Sorry, I can’t help it!” added Paolo, one of the main hosts of “Tahanan,” whose vacated noontime slot on GMA has been taken over by “It’s Showtime.”

Ability to adapt

Paolo, who has been a “Bubble Gang” mainstay since 2005, believes that the long-running gag show’s success can be attributed to its ability to adapt to the ever-changing times and give viewers what they want.

“I have been rewatching old episodes of ‘Bubble Gang’—from many years ago—and I realized that a lot of the comedy that we did back then would no longer fly today. You can complain about it, but at the end of the day, we have to cater to the viewers and what they like. Because they’re the reason the show has lasted for as long as it has (28 years),” he said.

Last year, the show underwent a big change; from its longstanding late Friday night slot, “Bubble Gang” moved to Sunday primetime.

“When we were put on the Sunday slot, our audience became younger and more family-oriented. Kaya muntik na ako matanggal, eh. We had to do away with the naughty skits. Every taping day, I was hanging by a thread!” Paolo joked. “But I adapted!”

Paolo, for instance, didn’t really know how to use TikTok. But here he is now, doing dance challenges with his younger coactors. The older cast members described newcomers like Matt Lozano and Cheska Fausto as “reinforcement”—young blood who help bridge the gap between generations.

“Like I have said, we adapt. ‘Di ako TikTokerist, but we do it, regardless. That’s the secret of ‘Bubble Gang.’ But of course, while it’s important to give people what they want, we also try to incorporate ideas from the past,” he said. INQ