Michael V And Wife’s Parenting, Marriage Tips: Quality Time And Always Listen To The Wife

For those who grew up in the 90s to 2000’s, Michael V, also known as Bitoy, is a familiar face known for his comedic talent and skits on TV. But what is it like to have someone as creative and successful as him as a parent?

In an exclusive interview with Smart Parenting at the GMA Ball, Michael V and his wife, Carol Bunagan shared insights into their parenting journey, along with valuable advice on marriage and family.

Discovering creativity in childhood

Michael V discovered his creative inclination at a young age, inspired by watching Sesame Street and observing his father’s drawing talent. He shared, “I think at a young age, na-discover ko na agad by watching TV and also yung exposure ko doon sa talent ng father ko while he was drawing. And yun, mostly, Sesame Street. Siguro yung genius ni Jim Henson medyo cin-rave ko kaya kahit paano nag-rub off sa akin.”

To nurture creativity in their children, Michael V and Carol provided a similar environment. Carol explained, “We exposed them to him [Michael V]. He spent a lot of time with them [their children]. He also encourages them to be creative by showing them, giving them tips especially when they’re drawing.

“Shine-share niya yung mga alam niya with them and giving them tips especially when they’re drawing. And hindi lang sa drawing, pati sa music and composing. More often than not, teach by showing.”

"Spend a lot of time with your kids. Yun ang pinaka-importante. I think it’s our presence in their growing up years that will mold them more than anything. Whether it be what we tell them or what we show them.”-Carol Bunagan

“Quality time is quantity time”

Maintaining a close relationship with their children has always been a priority for Michael V and Carol. Carol emphasized the importance of being present, saying, “I think quality time is quantity of time. He spent a lot of time with the kids… Spend a lot of time with your kids. Yun ang pinaka-importante. I think it’s our presence in their growing up years that will mold them more than anything. Whether it be what we tell them or what we show them.”

“Kaya talagang madalas, kahit hanggang ngayon, even at this age, natutulog pa rin sila sa kama namin. We all sleep together most of the time,” Michael V added, highlighting the value of bonding with children. 

He added, “Always be there for your kids. And bukod sa pagiging present, kahit hindi na kayo magkakasama, dapat present pa rin kayo sa life nila. Lalo na ngayon in the age of gadgets and technology, make sure that you get in touch with them, kahit na asan sila.”

Parenting milestones

When asked about parenting milestones, the couple admitted that it’s a lot, but highlighted, “Particularly, I think we would always instill in our kids to be good people first and foremost. Never mind success as it can be achieved with hard work. But we tell them, ‘Be a good person first.’”

Michael V expressed excitement about the future milestone of his children starting their own families, saying, “Ako, still looking forward doon sa pakakaroon ng sariling pamilya–that would be a really great milestone and I think that would seal everything na tinuro namin sa kanila and natutunan nila sa amin.”

"I think we would always instill in our kids to be good people first and foremost. Never mind success as it can be achieved with hard work. But we tell them, ‘Be a good person first.’”-Michael V and Carol

Advice to young parents

Having been married for over 30 years, Michael V and Carol shared their secret to a strong relationship. “Masasabi ko sa younger self ko, makinig ka sa asawa mo more often,” Michael V humorously advised. Carol added, “No secrets and stick to your vows.”

Read here for reasons a creative child will succeed in life.