Pooh was plucked from semi-anonymity when Kris Aquino saw him mimic Manny Pacquiao on ABS-CBN’s Wowowee. He was highly-recommended by Kris, an endorsement that became some sort of a passport to mainstream showbiz. Pooh is one lucky comedian. He has TV shows that allow him to do scenes with the best. Level-headed, unassuming and a pleaser, Pooh is one of the friendliest comedians around. He is generous with his blessings because he knows how it is to be poor. He cries when the topic turns to poverty. He remembers stealing rice from a neighboring sari-sari store. He would cook the stolen rice into lugaw. Pooh will soon be seen on the sineserye Florinda with Maricel Soriano and Roxanne Guinoo. Here is a peek into the life and times of the comedian. Read on.
If there is a comedy movie that best describes you, what is it and why?
Facifica Falayfay... that is me. Malandi kasi pero may puso. Hahaha!
Are you a generous lover?
Isang malaking sobra! Hahaha!
If you have the chance to portray one famous world figure, who would it be and why?
Barack Obama because I think he will be a great leader.
How often do you lie?
It depends... Kagaya nitong mga sagot ko. Joke lang po.
What did you want to be as a child?
I wanted to be a singer. I remember my lola who always pushed me to join singing contests.
What makes you cry?
When the conversation turns to poverty, my heart melts and I really cry. I was poorer than a rat. I used to steal rice at a neighborhood sari-sari store. And when I got home, I would cook it into lugaw. Ganun ako kahirap noon.
Name 10 best comedy movies (local and foreign) of all time.
Bruce Almighty, Mr. Bean (007), American Pie 1 and 2, Meet the Fockers, The Benchwarmers, Facifica Falayfay, Petrang Kabayo, Starzan 1, 2 and 3, Tanging Ina and X44.
If you can choose your name, what would it be and why?
Lilybeth because I feel I am beautiful.
What is your ultimate dream as an entertainer?
Naku dream lang lahat ito. I would love to perform in Hollywood at the Oscars or Grammy awards.
Three things you would like to do before you die?
One, for all my loved ones to be reconciled and united. Two, to be able to bequeath a substantial inheritance to my loved ones. Three, to go on a trip around the world with my loved ones.
Your life will be turned into one big comedy skit. How would you title it?
Probinsyano Pooh Ako.
What do you like most about your job? What don’t you like about it?
Sarap ng “kita” Ö... hahaha... Kulang nga lang sa pahinga.
How do you handle fame?
I don’t think I am famous because I don’t feel it. Fame, they say, is intoxicating. If it comes, I’d rather not learn that I am famous so that I would be able to handle my self naturally.
If you have the power to solve all the problems in the country, what will you solve first?
Corruption is No. 1. Kung walamg kurakot, mapupunta ang dapat mapunta sa tao, sa proyekto at pag walang corruption, may progreso.
What makes you laugh?
Corny jokes na hindi talaga nakakatawa. Yong bang binitawan mo siya sa stage wala talagang tatawa. Mas matatawa ako ng ganun.
The person who makes you laugh?
There are plenty of them. One is Kim Idol of Zirkoh and Klownz. Ulo palang nakakatawa na. Love you Kim.
How do you say goodbye to a loved one?
Thank you for the memories, I love you and goodbye.
If you had an extra P100-M, how will you spend it?
I will give one million each to the 90 million Filipinos. The remaining P10-M, I will use to build a school for children.
You are to run as president of the country, what is your slogan?
Angat Pilipinas, Angat.
What is your motto?
Learn from the past, manage the present and anticipate the future.
How would you like to be remembered?
Beautiful and funny.
What is your security blanket?
My friends and family.
What do you do when you are lonely?
I used to do mountain climbing. I would tire myself physically hanggang malimutan ko na malungkot pala ako. Nowadays, I would fly to the province and visit my relatives.
If you were to come back as a person or thing, what do you think you would be?
President of the Philippines. Para maayos ko na ang lahat at baluktot na pamamalakad ng gobyerno.
Do you believe in heaven? If yes, how do you get there? If no, why?
Yes, of course. Follow God’s commandments and do good to others.
If you go to hell, who do you want to be with you?
I will bring all my enemies with me.
A genie is in front of you and you are to make three wishes. What would they be and why?
One, for all my loved ones to be safe and healthy. Two, to be rich. Three, gumanda (gusto naman ma-experience, siempre).
The most expensive item you bought for yourself?
My car. It is a dream come true. Noong nabili ko, sabi ko, this is it.
What is your favorite expression?
Alam mo na.
How do you spoil yourself?
Shopping.
What is love?
Love is unconditional, respect and trust.