Philippine comedy has just undergone a facelift — and it’s all for the better. Taking front and center is a new breed of funnymen all geared up and ready to pack a punch (and punchlines!) into the small screen.
Kapuso comedians Betong Sumaya, Mike “Pekto” Nacua, John Feir and Sef Cadayona are relatively new faces, but all four are no newbies in the comedy scene. Their wisecracks all take after their mentors in the biz: Joey de Leon for Pekto and John (having worked together in the classic comedy sketch program Nuts Entertainment), and Michael V. (Bitoy) for fellow Bubble Gang cast members Betong and Sef.
Betong shares a few tips he learned from the creative mind behind the longest-running gag show. “Every time you act or deliver your dialogues, it should be natural,” says Betong, who joined Bubble Gang in 2012.
Meanwhile, Pekto follows Joey’s guidelines. “There is timing in comedy. Dapat one take lang kasi nawawalan ng saysay pag inuulit-ulit. That’s what I learned from him.”
Also included in their idol master list are comic superstars Vic Sotto (Bossing), Ogie Alcasid and Jimmy Santos.
“Bossing and Kuya Bitoy are my influences in comedy,” adds Sef, who in 2014 beat both his idols as Best Comedy Actor at the Star Awards for TV.
Sef feels inspired to have won the prestigious award early on in the race. It was a success not only as an artist but also as a son who proved to his parents that his passion for his craft can take him to places. “Nakaka-proud, especially for my parents. Because I once stood my ground and told them that this is what I really want to do for the rest of my life.”
So how did it all start? For Betong and Pekto, humor runs in the family. “Ang nanay ko ang komedyante,” says Betong. “We’re like best friends. And you’ll see it when we talk to each other, alam mong cool yung relationship namin.”
Meanwhile, Pekto claims to have gotten his humor from his dad. He grew up listening to his “kwentong barbero” and it eventually became his way of life. “I am really sociable, and I guess my way of getting to know people is through humor,” the comedian shares.
For Sef and John, the wisecracks come naturally. They both admit that they developed their witty remarks at a young age. Sef admits to have a penchant for looking silly, and he likes it when people laugh. “It doesn’t matter if I act weird, kasi hindi ako yung tipo ng tao na mabilis mapahiya,” Sef narrates.
GMA and its line-up of veteran comedians were instrumental in training the foursome. Sef began his career via reality talent search StarStruck in 2009 and he thanks his home network for giving him projects that highlight what he does best.
“GMA has given me a lot of comedy shows so nahasa talaga ako, and even with the teleseryes that I did, I’m always the comic relief so I think that’s how I got to grow as a comedian.”
Betong’s sharp wit and flair for comedy were further enhanced by his training in Bubble Gang. Playing a big part in his journey as a comedian are the challenging roles he never imagined he could play, and Betong admits to be most proud of his role as Antonietta. “Bibilang ka talaga ng roles na hindi mo akalain na gagawin mo. You become a man, a woman, an old person, anyone. So being Antonietta was the biggest challenge and I’m very happy that she stuck with the audience.”
Pekto and John rose to fame in the iconic weekly sitcom Nuts Entertainment. Pekto’s role as Cookie and John’s stint as Belly Flory (a spoof of comedienne Bella Flores) became fan favorites for the duo’s witty repartee on the late-night comedy block. Little did they know that it could spike up their careers.
Shows come and go, but there will always be a few special ones.
It comes as no surprise that Betong named Bubble Gang. He has been a cast member of the multi-awarded program for the past four years. He also mentioned Laff, Camera, Action, Sabado-Badoo, Spooky Nights and Tweets for My Sweets.
Sef says his favorite would have to be Juan Tamad, a modern-day story about the legendary lazy boy from local folklore. “It created a huge influence on the viewers. And the people I worked with really helped me in making that happen.” He also mentions Vampire Ang Daddy Ko (with Vic) and Bubble Gang.
Pekto claims he loves all of his sitcoms equally due to their light-hearted nature, but his favorite is the classic sitcom Bahay Mo Ba ‘To?, that aired from 2004 to 2007.
Among John’s top choices are his current sitcom Pepito Manaloto (also creatively headed by Michael V) and the classic comedy sketch program Nuts Entertainment, to which he adds “Kasi diyan tayo nagsimula.”
However, there are days when punchlines take a backseat. But all four agree that on most occasions, they are still pretty much jokers in their own right.
Pekto recalls a time when people seem to get disappointed when he keeps to himself. “There was a time na ang impression sa akin ng mga tao ay, ‘Tahimik ka pala,’ or ‘Seryoso ka pala.’ But I guess that’s just normal. I’m still human, I have my ups and downs,” he discloses.
For Betong, it’s not always fun and games. The Kapuso comedian freely shares his sentimental side (albeit still sneaking in a quick laugh) and admits that he has shallow tears. However, doing drama acting can be really tough for a comedian. “Minsan kasi naiisip ko, nakakatawa ang itsura ko pag umiiyak, so I really have to exert extra effort for drama.”
Betong, Pekto, John and Sef extend their thanks to every Kapuso for considering them as the network’s new breed of comedians.
“I feel very blessed and humbled, and at the same time, proud,” says Sef.
John gratefully claims that his brand of comedy wouldn’t be there at all if it was not for the network. “Kung iyan man ang turing nila sa akin, thank you very much. It’s an honor. But I wouldn’t be where I am today if it was not for their trust.”
Pekto interjects, “I’ve been with GMA for so many years. So I’m happy that they renewed my contract.”
And lastly for Betong, it’s equally a humbling experience and an uplifting challenge. “I still have a lot to prove, and I’m thankful to the Network because they keep giving me opportunities.”