JOSE Manalo performs as Lola Tinidora in “Eat Bulaga’s” Philippine Arena show, with the Cuando, Cuando, Cuandos. RICHARD A. REYES
Jose Manalo’s wacky portrayal of Lola Tinidora in “Eat Bulaga’s” habit-forming kalyeserye on GMA 7 is one solid laugh trip. He and the two other elderly women played by Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros add spice to the AlDub love team’s cheesy moments. They not only have the right ingredients but also the perfect recipe for lunch with a punch.
How has your Lola Tinidora character changed you as a person and as a performer?
Nothing has changed. I am also rowdy in real life. Like Tinidora, I am sarcastic, a killjoy and I joke a lot.
Are the dance steps in the kalyeserye your own?
Those are mine. I used to dance, that’s why I can move to different types of music.
Has Gus Abelgas reacted to your spoof of him?
Not yet, but if he does, I’ll tell him that it’s nothing personal. That it only means that I admire him. I also impersonate Mike Enriquez. I have no bad intentions. It’s spontaneous.
What does your family think about your portrayal of Lola Tinidora?
They’re happy. They all call me Tinidora now.
Please share anecdotes about Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza and Alden Richards.
Yaya used to be shy but we made it appear that she wasn’t. At first, I teased her that she might not be good at what she does. But I was only joking. Now, I’m learning that she jokes a lot, too. Alden and I, we talk about Yaya. A lot!
How is Lola Tinidora like your real grandmothers?
My real grandmothers are like that. It’s funny because my maternal grandmother used to dance, and my paternal grandmother is a good singer.
How do you and Wally handle misunderstandings?
If he asks for advice, that’s the only time I give them. It’s so different on TV, because my character’s a meddler.
Do you and Wally have a rivalry?
None. If we have problems, we fix them quickly. When we step onstage, we crack jokes. Everything’s okay when we step down.
What makes you cry?
When my loved ones get hurt.
Is it true that comedians make good lovers?
I don’t know about others, but when I love, I give everything.
What’s your advice to aspiring comedians?
They should study comedy well and enjoy their talent.
What advice do you give Maine and Alden?
Take care of your success. Keep personal things private. It’s your business. Don’t let success go to your heads. Always remember the people who supported you.
If your life story were made into a movie, what would the title be?
“Kabanalan ang mahalin ka.” (Loving you is sacred.)
Other noontime show
Vice Ganda conceding to “Eat Bulaga” in ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime” elicited ambivalent reactions. Some sympathized with him, while others were turned off. Suddenly, it’s no longer a laughing matter for the comedian, who pokes fun at almost everyone.
He probably meant well but I think he went overboard when he said that he was sick, but was still doing his hosting chores. It made “Showtime” seem like a pity party.
Some things are better left unsaid and untweeted.
Being a true child of show biz and learning the ropes from my late mom (Inday Badiday), I know for a fact that ratings is the name of the game.
Needless to say, Vice won’t be laughing all the way to the bank, this time around. Next punchline, please.
Newest addition
HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service with over 30,000 hours of movies and TV shows, continues to soar with the newest addition to their extensive collection, the American crime-drama series “Gotham” and endorsers Xian Lim and Jessy Mendiola.
Aside from content from partners Sony and Warner Bros., HOOQ also carries titles from Miramax, Disney, Captive Media and DreamWorks Classic Media.
The app was designed for unlimited entertainment through any Internet-enabled device. You can download the app on Google Play or the Apple App Store or visit www.HOOQ.tv.
It is the first video-on-demand service in the world to allow downloading up to five movies on the app for offline viewing. New users can try out this service for the first 30 days for free.
After the 30-day trial, customers will be charged a minimal fee of P149 monthly subscription fee.
Who would not get hooked?
Beauty within
Today’s selfie generation is considered narcissistic. But there are those who still feel like ugly ducklings.
ATC Healthcare comes to the rescue. With the theme “beauty within you,” the company, together with endorser Kim Chiu, tackled how to overcome insecurities as a way of launching FatOut—the latest product in its detoxification and slimming supplements line.
Thin is in!
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