We need more Ciala Dismaya.
On September 14, GMA released the latest episode of its long-running sketch show, Bubble Gang. The network, as well as beloved Bubble Gang cast member Michael V., had been teasing the episode and its clear political undertones since September 9, when a clip of Michael V. dressed as Sarah Discaya began spreading across the Internet.
“Abangan si Ciala Dismaya,” read the clip’s caption. The satirical name combines the Filipino slang term “shala” for fancy and the word “dismaya” for disappointment. Discaya, along with her husband, Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, has recently been under fire for their alleged ties to ghost flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The episode’s Ciala Dismaya segment opened with a panel of senators questioning her and her legal counsel. When asked about her businesses’ involvement with DPWH flood control projects, Dismaya corrected the senators. “Hindi po flood control,” said Michael V. as Dismaya. “Birth control po.” The bit went on to explore Dismaya’s “real” business, Kaya Mo Pa Ba Motels. Instead of addressing any involvement in government project bidding, Dismaya also insisted she had simply been misquoted, saying, “Hindi po ‘bidding.’ ‘Bedding,’ your Honor. Bumibili po kami ng mga kobrekama para po sa motel namin.”
Other bits in the Dismaya segment included jabs at the actual contractor’s many luxury vehicles and her choice to buy a P42-million Rolls-Royce because she wanted the umbrella that came with it. “Binili ko ‘yong payong dahil may libre siyang kotse,” said Michael V.’s Dismaya. “Bakit? Magkano po ‘yong payong?” The senators asked. Dismaya replied: “P42 million po!”
While the episode also included other sketches that poked fun at our current political climate — Wawao Builders General Manager Mark Allan Arevalo invoked his right against self-incrimination, and there’s a quick clip on how to train your buwaya — the Dismaya segment itself felt cut short. Fans of the show who had tuned into GMA’s YouTube livestream commented that the segment’s end felt “bitin.” Others also commented on how the politicians who have reportedly been linked to the scandal seemed to have been saved from Bubble Gang’s ire.
Was Bubble Gang pulling its punches? Perhaps, especially since the episode gave so much airtime to its other segments. However, it’s unlikely that this will be the last we see of Ciala Dismaya. As the Discayas and those tied to the DPWH ghost projects continue to make national headlines, it’s clear that many Filipinos are in search of an outlet to laugh at the ongoing scandals. And who better to be our source of reprieve than Michael V.?
