It’s time for Jose Manalo
Jose Manalo, the premiere sidekick any top comedian-TV host would watch out for, has indeed gotten out of his shell.
Years of waiting under the wings of one gigantic television institution paid off for this comedian, who was once on the losing end of gags and is actually orchestrating them now. Jose emerged from the shadows and now dictates what he wants in his career.
That is, even taking the stage at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a concert. Well, not by his lonesome, though. He had to tag fellow "Eat Bulaga" mainstay Wally Bayola along. It's not that Wally deserved to share the stage less. Actually, it seemed one could not fill the Araneta to the rafters without the other.
They seemed inseparable.
But for the millions who've witnessed Jose grow as a comedian, it was so evident that he was the natural. He could really make the most out of an awkward or even tense situation to make it actually funny and memorable.
Two videos uploaded recently on YouTube clearly became his highlight reels. The first shows Jose in the "Juan for All, All for Juan" segment of "Eat Bulaga" saving the day for an awkward live moment wherein the day's big winner mentioned Willie Revillame's show instead of theirs. Here, Jose seized the day.
Jose made a riotous impersonation of the controversial TV host that was clearly borne out of clever improvisation. His quick, razor-sharp wit was also evident in the second clip, wherein Jose suddenly transformed into a popular primetime mentally- challenged character that, though controversial, still elicited a lot of laughs.
His comedic style is effortless. And ingenious too. Jose digs deep into his comedic arsenal each time he performs, leaving the viewer not too much time to even breathe as they roll with laughter.
And this, his chief benefactor and supporter Vic Sotto, all knows too well. Vic has always given him the incredible breaks from films (wherein he snatched the Best Supporting Actor trophy in the Metro Manila Film Festival years back) and TV game shows to a Big Dome concert all with his equally impressive partner, Wally, who also rose from the ranks. A comedy album is definitely not too far away.
However, behind his incredible career is a personal life that seems not too ideal. Marital woes and estafa charges continue to plague him. But nothing can really put a good man down.
After all, Jose is one great comedian who has still a lot to share. It's his time to shine.
