adds more fun to Sunday night viewing

By Nickie Wang

ON July 9, GMA Network's acclaimed comedy show, Bubble Gang , started delighting viewers with a new time slot. The long-running gag show now airs every Sunday night at 6:00.

Known for its humorous sketches and entertaining spoofs, Bubble Gang has been a favorite among audiences for years. The decision to move the show to a Sunday evening slot aims to provide viewers with fresh and enjoyable content to end their weekends on a high note.

With its rich history and numerous accolades, the gag show has established itself as an iconic part of Filipino television. Now, its transition to the new time slot reflects GMA Network's commitment to delivering quality programming and catering to the preferences of its audience.

The shift in Bubble Gang's timeslot also signifies a new chapter for the beloved comedy show, promising viewers a fresh and entertaining experience as it celebrates its 27th anniversary.

The gang is top-billed by its original member and the genius behind some of the program's most iconic characters and sketches, Michael V. Joining him are eight multi-talented cast members, each bringing their unique brand of comedy to the show: Paolo Contis, Chariz Solomon, Betong Sumaya, Kokoy De Santos, Edgar Allan Guz-

Madonna ‘on road to recovery’ following infection that required ICU care

AMERICAN pop queen Madonna said Monday she's on "the road to recovery" after a bacterial infection that required hospitalization, in the US pop icon's first statement since landing in the intensive care unit late last month.

"My first thought when I woke up in the hospital was my children," the 64-year-old said in her social media post.

"My second thought was that I did not want to disappoint anyone who bought tickets for my tour."

The illness required Madonna to postpone her nearly sold out, 84-date "Celebration" tour that was due to start July 15.

Her manager, who first said the superstar was in the hospi- tal, had said "a full recovery is expected."

"My focus now is my health and getting stronger and I assure you, I'll be back with you as soon as I can!" Madonna said Monday.

She said her current plan was to begin the European leg of her tour – due to start October 14 in London – as scheduled, and rebook the earlier stateside shows for later dates.

Shortly after Madonna released her statement, touring giant LiveNation confirmed that North American dates scheduled prior to October 8 would be "unfortunately postponed."

The company said a new calendar was forthcoming "as soon as possible."

Stops in the United States are to include Detroit, Chicago, Miami, and New York, the city where her storied rise to superstardom began.

The Grammy-winning icon behind classics including "Like A Virgin" and "Material Girl" has asserted incalculable influence as one of music's top stars.

In 2020 Madonna underwent hip replacement surgery following an injury sustained on her "Madame X" tour.

Over the weekend Madonna was spotted in good spirits and walking with a friend in New York, according to images first posted by an entertainment podcaster on TikTok. AFP man, Buboy Villar, Ana Barro, and Chesca Fausto.

"Bubble Gang used to air on Friday nights, now it's Sundays. Our time slot is more wholesome. It caters to a wider audience, so we have to be mindful of the content we create for our viewers," said Michael V during a press conference held recently.

Show director Frasco Mortiz ensures that the upcoming episodes of Bubble Gang will feature livelier skits, authentic performances, and captivating segments aimed at entertaining both the studio audience and viewers at home, all in real time. He also clarifies that certain pre-recorded materials such as spoofs, sketches, parodies, and redubs will still be included in the show.

"I believe what audiences can look forward to in the relaunch of Bubble Gang is the different energy that the artists will bring because of a live audience involved. When we taped the first two episodes, it was really obvious. Everyone was on their toes because actual people were watching and not just the usual production setup,” the Bubble Gang director stated.