Ogie Alcasid leaves GMA Network for TV5

Ogie Alcasid moves to TV5

Honestly, I was really saddened by the news of Ogie Alcasid's transfer to TV5. Some people say he's just returning to the network where he starred as one of the original mainstays of the then ABC5 gag show Tropang Trumpo. But I think he has made the biggest and longest mark in his career as a Kapuso, and his success is almost synonymous to Bubble Gang - the longest running GMA-7 gag show that had him as an original cast member ever since it started airing on October 20, 1995.

Bubble Gang has always been all about Ogie Alcasid's unparalleled team-up with fellow Kapuso comedian (also a tranferee from ABC5 and a fellow Tropang Trumpo co-star) Michael V. The two friends have made the most memorable skits and characters in Bubble Gang. Who can forget the hilarious duos of CheChe & Bureche and Yaya &Angelina? The latter even crossed over to the big screen with a comedy movie starring the two hit Bubble Gang characters (Yaya &Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie), not to mention the countless guestings and hosting stints both Alcasid and Michael V. did in their Yaya and Angelina characters.

Hit BG characters Yaya and Angelina

Boy Pick-Up

Alcasid also gave life to a number of individual Bubble Gang characters that had greatly contributed to the weekly gag show's matchless popularity - Papaya Guano, Sozimo Bakya, Boy Pick-Up, and Boy Basag, to name a few. Notably, he again crossed over to the big screen with his effective portrayal of another Bubble Gang character in Boy Pick-Up The Movie. 

This is why I can't help but feel affected by Ogie Alcasid's move to TV5. It makes me worry about Bubble Gang and how my favorite Friday night comedy fare will adjust to such great loss of one of its original stars and talent pillars.

Anyway, Ogie Alcasid is not burning bridges. He made his move as amicable as possible and even sat down with GMA Network's top bosses to personally relay his big decision to accept TV5's offer to head the fledgling network's music department. Aside from Bubble Gang, Alcasid will also be leaving GMA-7's Sunday variety show Sunday All Stars, which he co-hosts with his wife, Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez.

Here is GMA Network's official statement on Ogie Alcasid's transfer:

"As Ogie Alcasid moves on to explore new grounds, GMA Network, his home for almost two decades, wishes him all the best. We thank him for being part of the Network's success all these years. His achievements as a singer, songwriter, comedian, host and actor make Ogie the icon that he is now. And the Kapuso Network is proud to have been with him throughout this journey."