Boobay & Tekla: ‘Comedians have huge role in pandemic’

CEBU, Philippines —  Television comic Tekla had the strong urge to hug his colleagues during their first day back at taping for “The Boobay and Tekla Show,” GMA Network’s Sunday night comedy-variety program on hiatus since March due to the pandemic.

But under a slew of anti-COVID 19 protocols, a guard was tasked to wave social distancing reminders, so Tekla and the rest had to rein in the physical affection for now.

“Nakaka-miss yung sama-sama kumain…bigla mong gagawin, mapapahinto ka na lang kasi bawal,” shared Tekla, answering questions sent by The FREEMAN and other media.

“The Boobay and Tekla Show,” airing 10:15 pm after “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” returned with a new episode last week and has more fresh ones in the can. Initially a YouTube show that debuted in 2018, it migrated to television on January 2019 opposite the rival network’s long-running ratings winner “Gandang Gabi Vice.”

“Nakakapanibago at medyo mahirap ang adjustment, pero naitawid namin,” said Boobay of the new rules they had to observe on set.

For the comedic duo, the biggest challenge was where to harness the energy that they normally absorb from a live audience. Virtual guests and spectators did the job for now.

“Though its hard, pero sa husay ng production, talagang inupuan yung pagbabalik ng show, pinag-isipan yung safety protocols, everything was strict…” said Tekla.

“Lalo na magaslaw kami, harutan ang comedy, ngayon hindi namin magawa. Parang mas madugo pa ito kesa sa pilot episode. Pero nagulat na lang kami na tapos na ang taping. Nakakatuwa yung staff kasi alam nila yung hirap namin, kaya nakiki-join na rin sila.”

Asked how he remains positive despite the global crisis, Boobay said childhood tragedies and other ordeals later on in his adulthood has taught him resilience and optimism early on.

“Pinagmamalaki ko talaga na nagkaroon ako ng mindset to be always optimistic. Yung kahit anong mangyari, look at the brighter side of the situation. Huwag dadamdamin. Kung ibinigay sa iyo yan, okay, pahapyaw na malulungkot ka, magtatampo o magagalit. But don’t let those emotions stay,” said Boobay.

“As early as four years old, nasubukan ko maputukan ng Mt. Pinatubo. Nag-aral ako sa Baguio so nalayo ako sa family ng ilang taon. Nung nag-Manila ako, nawala naman si Mama. Pwedeng maging rason lahat yan para maging negative. Pero nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord that he maintained sa utak ko na ibinigay ito hindi para parusahan ako, kundi dahil alam niya na kaya ko. And that’s why you should be an example to be always positive, to remember the good stuff and be grateful.”

Tekla too, has not been spared personal and family crisis one after the other, the most recent of which happened in June. The former “Wowowin” host’s new born son had anorectal malformation, a birth defect where the anus and rectum didn’t properly develop. With the industry-wide work stoppage, Tekla had surgery bills to agonize over, among other things. Industry colleagues and bosses pulled through for him, holding fundraisers and also shelling out from their own pockets.

“I didn’t take the pandemic as a delubyo. Because of the pandemic, nagkaroon ako ng time, 100 percent, to take care of my son,” said Tekla. “Kung may work, siguro magagawan ko ng paraan, hire someone, magbayad ako ng ganito. Siyempre importante yung bread and butter natin. Pero kung papipiliin ka [between work and taking care of your son], yun ang mahirap.”

Tekla said his baby is much better now. “With the help of God, sa lahat ng tulong and prayers, na-regain ni Angelo ang pagiging healthy, makulit at sobrang bibo.”

As bearers of laughter and joy, Tekla said he and Boobay cannot afford to be weak. “Performers like us, napakalaking role ang ginagampanan ngayong pandemic. Nakakapaghatid tayo ng ngiti at kasiyahan sa bawat isa na nanonood,” he said.

“At least sa konting pagpapatawa natin, nalilimutan pansamantala yung dagok sa buhay, yung hampas ng kapalaran sa ngayon. Tayo yung reliever. Tayo yung pansamantalang gamot, hanggang sa makaraos tayo sa pandemic.”