Tammy Brown (center) on Inquirer’s ShowbizLive. Image: Clarizel Abanilla
He may be known for his on-point diva versions of the Filipino classic lullaby “Tatlong Bibe”, but comedian Tammy Brown’s chops at impersonation covers more personalities than expected.
In his February 22 guesting on Inquirer ShowbizLive, Brown impressed not only the viewers and listeners, but the show’s hosts as well.
He did “Tatlong Bibe” a la Vina Morales, Jaya and Lani Misalucha, earning the praise of netizens. But he is most noted for his Regine Velasquez version of the rhyme.
Working with Regine Velasquez, a dream come true
He says working with Regine Velasquez via GMA’s “Full House Tonight” has been a fulfillment of his childhood dream.
“Gusto kong umiyak na kinikilig ako. Para ko’ng nasa heaven. Bata pa lang ako, natuto akong kumanta ng kanta niya at siya lang ‘yung kilala kong artistang kumakanta noon, kasi wala kaming TV, mahirap kami noon,” he recounts.
(I want to cry out of giddiness. I feel like I’m in heaven. As a child, I learned to sing her songs. She was the only singer-actress I knew. We did not even have a TV. We were poor.)
Born Christopher Gonzales, he says he’s even luckier when he got to bond with the songbird through a dinner that the latter hosted for the cast of “Full House Tonight”, which also stars Brown.
“Ang sarap niya magluto at baklang-bakla siya. Siya talaga ‘yung queen naming mga bading,” he said.
(She cooks very well and she acts gay. She is definitely our queen.)
In his early days, he says he usually sang Velasquez’ hits like “On the Wings of Love” and “Kailangan ko’y Ikaw” which he sampled on the show.
Impersonations: Angel Locsin, Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao and Manny Pacquiao
Besides his classic diva enactments, another surefire hit act he does is his set of impersonations of Angel Locsin, Dionisia Pacquiao and Manny Pacquiao, all of which he also did on ShowbizLive.
Nonetheless, Tammy Brown admits that there are a lot of challenges involved in being a stand-up comedian, and he reminded those who want to venture into this field that it’s not easy. He also gave basic tips on the craft.
“Kailangan panoorin mo pa’no siya gumalaw, pa’no siya magsalita, dapat alam mo ang nangyayare sa kanila,” he said.
(You have to watch and take note of how the person you want to impersonate moves and talks. You have to know what’s happening in his or her life.)
Of all the comedians he’s known and worked with, he says he looks up to Pooh the most.
“Mabuti ang puso, mabait. Siya ang nanay ko sa sing-along. Anak, ito pwede, anak ito hindi ‘yan pwede,” he said.
(He has a good heart and he is kind. He is my mother in the sing-along. [He tells me] “My child, this is okay,” or “My child, this is not okay.”)
Inquirer ShowbizLive airs every Wednesday, 8 p.m. on Inquirer.net Facebook, Youtube and Periscope. It is also broadcast live on Inquirer Bandera Facebook, RadyoInquirer 990AM and channel 16 or 18 via TV Plus.
The show is hosted by Inquirer Bandera’s entertainment editor Ervin Santiago and Inquirer.net’s entertainment correspondent Izel Abanilla.
For more showbiz inside stories, follow the hosts on their Instagram accounts:
@Ervinsantiago7 – Ervin Santiago
@zelabanilla – Izel Abanilla
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