Michael V admitted that it's not as easy to make people laugh or throw a punchline as it used to be.

The popular comedian made the statement when he was honored at the closing ceremony for the 3rd Philippine Film Industry Month of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in Muntinlupa City last Sept. 26.

"It turns out comedy is less universal than before. What's funny to some may not be funny to others anymore," said Michael V, in his acceptance speech.

Despite the changes in the landscape of comedy, Michael V said that he will continue to "adapt, learn and persevere." His full speech:

"After receiving this award, nagbabalak na po ako magpalit ng career. I will probably sign up with Vivamax para mag full time na ako na sexy star dahil hirap na hirap na po ako maging komedyante.

(After receiving this award, I am planning to change my career. I will probably sign up with Vivamax so that I can become a sexy star full-time because it is very difficult for me to be a comedian.)

"Every year, every generation, mas nagiging mahirap magpatawa. We get more and more restrictions when making jokes and punchlines. 

(Every year, every generation, it becomes harder to laugh. We get more and more restrictions when making jokes and punchlines.)

"Nowadays hindi ka na pwedeng mag joke sa superhero na African-American, na bading, na suicidal na pulis, na may kapansanan.

(Nowadays you can't joke about an African-American superhero, who is gay, who is a suicidal cop, who is disabled.)

"Kahit na ang punchline mo ay walang kinalaman sa race, sa gender, sa mental at sa physical health ng isang tao, yun at yun ang pupunahin ng mga netizens na mga dalubhasa na ngayon.

(Even if your punchline has nothing to do with a person's race, gender, or mental and physical health, netizens who claim to be experts will criticize it.)

"It takes a certain level of intelligence to come up with a very entertaining punchline but a very shallow level of opinionated ignorance to destroy.

"It turns out comedy is less universal than before. What's funny to some may not be funny to others anymore.

"Pero ang totoong komedyante at hindi magpapapigil. We learn, we adopt, we persevere.

(But the real comedian will not hold back. We learn, we adapt, we persevere.)

"Ako kahit ganun ang sitwasyon asahan po ninyo na hindi ako titigil na maghanap ng paraan para kahit papaano ay mapangiti at mapatawa kayong lahat unless kukunin po ako ni Direk Joey Reyes sa isang full-length movie," the actor said.

(Even though I'm in that situation, expect me to never stop looking for a way to somehow make you all smile and laugh unless Director Joey Reyes casts me in a full-length movie.)

Other comedy stars honored in the same ceremony were Tito Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Vic Sotto, who were represented by their proxies; AiAi delas Alas, Eugene Domingo, Vice Ganda and the late Comedy King Dolphy.

The awards were presented by FDCP Chair Tirso Cruz III and director Joey Reyes.