Celebrity memorabilia Boss Toyo dreams to buy

Jessica Soho (right) with Boss Toyo (center) and wife Jhoy BOSS TOYO INSTAGRAM

The rags-to-riches story of Boss Toyo (BT) is awe-inspiring. It reminds me of what Bill Gates said, “If you are born poor, it’s not your mistake. But if you die poor, it’s your mistake.”

In GMA 7’s “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the YouTube sensation revealed that he used to be a snatcher. He and his wife, Jhoy, worked their way up as online sellers. That’s how he went from snatcher to millionaire. Celebrities flock to BT’s shop to sell their memorabilia for a hefty price. Now, he even has his own clothing line, called Toyo Wear.

Even if BT is already way up there, he does not lose sight of his humble beginnings. As he posted on Instagram, “Dati akong nasa laylayan (I used to be poor). Kaya alam ko ang pakiramdam ng hinahamak, minamaliit, inaapakan at binabalewala (I know how it feels to be belittled)… At huwag kang mag-isip ng paghihiganti sa mga taong nag-down sa ‘yo (don’t think about getting revenge). Manatili kang mapagkumbaba (stay humble). Kung kaya mo tumulong, i-abot mo ‘yung kamay mo sa nangangailangan (if you can help, reach out to those in need).”

Bravo, Boss Toyo, bravo!

Here’s my chat with BT:

What’s the most expensive item you bought?

The polo of Francis Magalona, which he wore in the “Bagsakan” music videos.

Among all the memorabilia you bought, which one is your favorite?

The love letter of idol Kiko (Francis M) to Abegail.

What celeb memorabilia do you dream of adding to your collection?

I want the “Lastikman” costume of Vic Sotto and the outfit of Ina Raymundo in “Sabado Nights.”

What’s the secret of your success?

I don’t let success go to my head. I refuse to think and feel that I’m successful. For me, I still have a long way to go. Sipag, tiyaga at laban lang sa lahat ng darating (hard work, patience, and you have to face every challenge that comes your way).

When celebs haggle with you and your wife Jhoy suddenly whispers to you, what does that mean?

She has the final say because she’s my love.

What was the funniest celeb encounter you had in your shop?

The one with Buboy Villar.

When monogamy turns into monotony

Untangle a web of love, deceit and liaisons in “Salitan,” a sexy romantic drama with a touch of comedy (now streaming on Vivamax), megged by Bobby Bonifacio. Watch what happens when monogamy turns into monotony.

Annie (Vern Kaye) is suspicious of her husband Albert’s (Nico Locco) infidelity, so she follows him in Bali and crosses paths with Elmer (Matthew Francisco). They become allies as he offers help to catch Albert in the act, only to complicate matters when they have a one-night stand.

Nico Locco —VIVAMAX

To make sense of all the madness, Mercedes Cabral does the narration, which kind of gives the film a “Desperate Housewives” vibe.

As a “playtime” question I asked Nico and Matthew, “Just like what the title of your film connotes, if you could be an alternate partner in the marriage of a show biz couple, which pair would you pick?”

For Nico, it’s Iza Calzado and Ben Wintle, while Matthew chose Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff.

The movie’s tagline could very well be, “When marriage seems like a mirage.” INQ