Comedy kings and icons who shaped Philippine humor
Netizens pointing out the resemblance between comedian Michael V and the lady embroiled in controversial flood control projects ensured he would impersonate her to much hilarity. It’s just the latest in the funny man’s long list of prominent or pathetic people he has impersonated effectively, which is a key component of his success.
As the heart and soul of the long-running TV gag show Bubble Gang, Michael V has become a beloved icon, elevating Filipino humor for years. Never mind if a critic argues that his comedy does not translate strongly on the big screen. It cannot be denied that he has made a lot of people laugh, regardless of age. Which brings me to the question: should he be placed in the league of those who made their mark in classic comedy?
I guess the answer is yes. Besides, he has been in the thick of things for quite some time. His brand of comedy has that classic touch, too. He does not resort to insult theater. He is not some heartthrob trying to crack jokes—because drama didn’t work out—and then play Don Juan off-cam. He is a natural comic, gifted with good timing and with no qualms about stretching the limits of the art to land a punchline.
Having pointed this out, may I enumerate the other nine comedy acts that laid the grounds and serve as yardsticks for those wanting to make a name for themselves, or lead lives in the name of healthy humor.
1. Dolphy – He is dubbed the King of Comedy for a reason. People went to big cinemas to watch him. One may think it was his sidekicks who made him appear funnier than he really was, but no one could dispel the fact that he had immense charisma, and they needed him as the ringleader who could swat you with a folded newspaper for a laugh. The Banayad Whisky commercial shoot scene from the 1995 movie Father & Son was a crowning moment for Pidol.
2. Tito, Vic & Joey – Individually, these three men went on to be stand-alone success stories, with Tito becoming a notable senator, Vic a box office king, and Joey a reliable TV figure who served as the face of Wow Mali and T.O.D.A.S. Still, their combination as a trio led to some of the funniest scenes in Philippine moviedom. Just recall them giving a drunk Joaquin Fajardo a TV fix in Working Boys, with a little help from Herbert Bautista.
3. Roderick Paulate – This list is not an actual ranking because it’s difficult to decide. But if it were, Roderick deserves a high spot, for he perfected the gay guy role both in movies and on TV. See those clips from the Oki Doki Doc sitcom where his gay character Dickson tries the manly moves to keep from Aga Muhlach his true identity.
4. Babalu – Many fans argue that Babalu was the best of them all, with his genetically funny face and fine skill at pushing the comic plot swiftly and effectively. He was an expert at slap comedy, often losing his temper to hilarious effect. You must have seen him looking for “Balisain” upon joining Alice Dixson and others for dinner, only to realize it was the chicken served on the table.
5. Panchito – He was not a main starrer, but every once in a while, he could steal the show. A perfect example is that scene from Gawa Na Ang Bala Na Papatay Sa Iyo where he and lead star Vic Sotto were about to serenade Monica Herrera and Nova Villa, tagging a guitarist to play along. How he delivered his reaction, “Ay papatayin ko,” the moment he felt the guitarist left them hanging, was timing at its best.
6. Chiquito – For some time, it was Dolphy vs. Chiquito. The latter delivered and played memorable characters like Mang Kepweng and Asiong Aksaya. He was at his best when acting so scared he couldn’t move his feet to run from a zombie beside him.
7. Rene Requiestas – From being that famous sidekick Cheetae to Joey de Leon’s Starzan character, he went on to earn equal billing with the man who gave him the break—on Elvis and James. He then became a leading man himself in movies like Pido Dida and Michael and Madonna. His star shone bright but short, yet enough to make him a comic legend.
8. Redford White – While best known for being the Sol to Eric Quizon’s Buddy, this comedian often excelled in support roles and when paired with colleagues like Babalu, or circus characters Ungga Ayala or Bonel Balingit.
9. Ben Tisoy – This comedian’s antic of talking in sync with his two hands flapping on the side of his head made people think he couldn’t hang from a passenger jeep and act to pay up at the same time. Thus spread the rumor that he had fallen off during a commute ride and died. He passed away in 2002, certainly not that way.
