The lovable Betong Sumaya

Most people might know him as a Kapuso comedian with pitch perfect timing but Betong Sumaya has over two decades of TV experience already.

After graduating from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in the mid-’90s, he joined the Probe Team as a production assistant where he worked for close to a decade. He later joined GMA as an executive producer for several news and public affairs programs. It was here where he honed his skills and sharpened his work ethic that his co-workers, now friends, can attest to.

Betong with Dingdong Dantes

He was nominated for a number of TV programs that he hosted, and showed off his comedic timing in Bubble Gang. Tomorrow, Nov. 21, at the Music Museum in Greenhills, Betong will get to show another side of his long list of talents in a solo concert titled, Try Ko Lang Ha? Betong’s Amazing Concert. His special guests include Michael V, Dingdong Dantes and Alden Richards. We asked them and some of the people Betong has worked with to describe the well-loved comedian.    

Dingdong and Betong call each other “MaFren,” a term of endearment coined when the two worked together on a previous program they starred together.”Umpisa pa lang nag-click na kami. He’s a natural,” Dingdong said. “Napakagaling ng timing lalo na sa comedy. Naalala ko may isang drama scene kami together and nadala talaga ako sa kaniyang portrayal. So kahit saan man kami magkita, he’ll always be ‘MaFren.’”

Betong and Julie Anne San Jose

Always respectful, Alden had this to say about the man of the hour: “Napakabuting tao ni Kuya Betong.” The two hit it off because they worked together in GMA Pinoy TV shows. Aside from working together in GMA’s ongoing primetime program The Gift, Betong also guested in Alden’s concert last year. “Magaan siyang katrabaho at masayang kakulitan sa stage kaya I’m looking forward to our performance in his concert. Alam kong marami pa siyang mapapasayang tao kasi napaka-genuine niya sa lahat ng nakakasalamuha niya at napaka-natural ng talent,” Alden added.

Arthur Solinap, who was also in Survivor Philippines the same show wherein Betong won, said the latter was genuine. “First day pa lang namin sa Survivor, nakita ko na yun kaya nag-click agad kami. Magaan agad ang loob ko sa kanya. He’s a good person in whatever situation or trial. Very professional and hindi lumaki ang ulo niya kahit marami na siyang achievements,” Arthur said.

Julie Anne San Jose said Betong is very approachable and this has endeared him to his fans, “During the first time I met Kuya Betong, sobrang jolly na niyang tao. Kahit nagseseryoso siya, nakakatawa pa rin. Sobrang approachable niya and close talaga siya sa mga tao. Isa siya sa mga masasabi kong pinakamabait at pinaka-genuine na tao.”

As his concert date draws near, Betong has nothing to worry about. “Mabait na tao yan si Betong kaya talagang deserve niya yung career na mas mataas pa, mas makinang pa kesa sa kinalalagyan niya ngayon. He has a lot of potential,” Michael V said.

“I am so proud of what he has achieved because aside from his exceptional talent, he has a good heart the traits of being a Kapuso by blood,” added Dingdong.