Why Super Tekla wants Willie Revillame’s blessing

From left: Tekla, Derrick Monasterio and Kim Domingo

“Baka naman, Kuya Wil!”

Super Tekla said it would mean a lot to him if he could promote his upcoming film, “Kiko en Lala,” in “Wowowin,” and finally mend fences with its host, Willie Revillame, who fired the comedian from the variety show in 2017, allegedly because of his vices.

“It would be a dream come true, given the chance. Kuya Wil giving my movie his blessing will ease my worries and nerves,” he told reporters at a recent press conference for the comedy flick, which opens in cinemas on Sept. 25. “It doesn’t have to be a big spot. A simple endorsement or just him saying, ‘O, good luck,’ will do.”

It’s no secret that Tekla’s hosting stint in “Wowowin” helped him forge the career he has today. So, it’s important for him, he said, to reach out to Willie. He’s just looking for good timing.

“He’s a big part of my career. I wouldn’t be where I am now and there would be no Tekla if Kuya Wil didn’t push me to be better,” Tekla, whose real name is Romeo Librada, pointed out. “That’s why I’m praying that I get to touch his heart.”

Meanwhile, “Kiko” director Adolf Alix Jr. denied persistent rumors that the reason the movie’s release was pushed from May to September was because he and Tekla clashed and had trouble working together.

“That’s not true. I didn’t have a tough time working with him… We were just happy, laughing on set,” he said, adding that his relationship with Tekla was actually quite collaborative. “I was more than happy to entertain his questions… Or if we find something funny on location, we explore it, because comedy thrives on what’s happening around you.”

The main cause of the postponement, Adolf related, was the special effects. Because Tekla plays dual roles, and scenes that feature both his characters in one frame need to look seamless.

“Of course, we also wanted a good playdate,” he added.

In “Kiko en Lala”—the first offering of GMA 7’s Backyard Productions—Tekla plays the titular conjoined twins, who grew up as freak show attractions at a carnival. The two then meet a magical entity named Deadline (Ai-Ai delas Alas), who grants them their wish to be separated. But there’s a catch: Only one body can exist, and the two souls must fight over it.

Also in the cast are Derrick Monasterio, Kim Domingo, Divine Tetay, Kiray Celis and Jo Berry.

Because this is Tekla’s launching film, the 37-year-old comedian admitted that he’s excited and nervous at the same time.

“I’m praying hard for its success. I have also been going to wet markets to let people know I have a movie coming up. I do the same in buses, jeepneys… or when I see people playing basketball in the streets. I feel like a politician campaigning,” he jested.