Every iconic comedian or action star's mission wouldn't be complete without the help of a trusty accomplice. Without them, these screen heroes will never defeat the bad guys.
Whether it's a fistfight, romance, or adventure, the sidekick always has the lead's back all the way in every way.
In Philippine movies and television, many actors have made lustrous careers out of being a sidekick to male leads. Some eventually transitioned to becoming leads themselves while others chose to remain on the sides and further solidified their marks as the quintessential sidekicks in Pinoy pop culture.
Let's check them all out in this gallery:
The late comedian is probably the framework of every sidekick who followed. We simply cannot imagine the movie king Fernando Poe Sr. beating up all the bad guys without the knee-slapping rescue of Dencio Padilla. Surely, FPJ would have been gorged by Paquito Diaz and his henchmen if not for a trusty sidekick. He was only 69 years old when he died in 1997.
Can you imagine Dolphy without Babalu?
The comedy king and his resident accomplice just have to go down in history as one of the most incredibly funny screen duos ever. Aside from his fool-proof slapstick comedy, the center of Babalu's gags and antics has always been his enormous chin, hence his moniker. Babalu died in 1998 at age 56.
Before Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, Bossing Vic Sotto's original partner in crime was the late Richie d' Horsie or Ricardo Reyes in real life. He was also among the five original hosts of the long-running noontime show 'Eat Bulaga' when it first aired on July 30, 1979, along with the legendary trio of Tito (Sotto), Vic, and Joey (de Leon), and Chiqui Holman. His physical “deformities,” so to speak, just like his disproportionate teeth, were the central focus of his comedy.
His career however was marred with years of battle with drug addiction making him serve five years of jail time. He was eventually freed after Vic shouldered his bail worth Php120,000. He died in 2015 due to complications of diabetes, kidney failure, and stroke at 58.
He was known to be the sidekick of the sidekicks. Considered a Dencio Padilla protege, Roberto Gloria Reyes in real life usually played support roles in movies mostly headlined by FPJ.
Surely, many fans still remember the big raspy-voiced comedian Larry Silva. He rose to popularity first as an antagonist in films during the '80s but eventually transitioned into being a funny man when he joined the defunct sitcom 'Okay ka fairy ko.' Here, he played the role of Pipoy which eventually became his screen name. He, too, was among Vic's accomplices who brought viewers riot comedy.
At some point he also ventured into politics and briefly became the vice mayor of Manila in 1998. He died in 2004.
“Galit ka?
"Hindi, nagpapaliwanag lang.”
Remember these lines capped by Yoyong Martinez' signature screechy delivery? It was so popular in the '90s it became part of Pinoy street slang.
Yoyong would usually throw in his loud rapid talk to Vic prompting him to ask “Galit ka?”
This would then be met with a sweet and soft reply of, “Hindi, nagpapaliwanag lang.”
After Vic agrees, Yoyong would return to his deafening banter.
Of course, today's most famous sidekick has to be Jose Manalo. His partnership with Vic has paid off so well he starred in almost every television and movie project Bossing has done. He remains to be a regular host of 'Eat Bulaga.'
He is likewise a sidekick of the sidekick.
Despite being almost inseparable from Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola ultimately proved his own place in the industry with his highly commendable portrayal of the strict Lola Nidora in Eat Bulaga's “Kalyeserye.”
Janno Gibbs inarguably is one of the funniest comedians in Filipino movies and television. He has done many characters both as support and as a lead. As a sidekick, he has made collaborations with film greats such as Eddie Garcia, Vic Sotto, Eddie Gutierrez, and many others.
Apart from being an actor, he is also an accomplished singer and songwriter. He is still active in showbiz doing appearances on various television shows and movies.
Who would forget the riot tandem of the late Rene Requiestas and comedy master Joey de Leon?
Rene's comedy centers around his gutsy delivery and his physical deformity, especially his protruding front teeth. His career was at its peak during the '80s and the '90s with his movies usually breaking box-office records.
Apart from his screen partnership with Joey, he is also best remembered for his team-up with Queen of All Media Kris Aquino who was then just starting her showbiz career.
Unfortunately, he died in 1993 at the age of 36 reportedly due to tuberculosis and complications due to heavy drinking and smoking.
When you put him in a movie or a sitcom, it will surely be a hit.
Bayani Agbayani likewise is one of the most effective comedians in showbiz. He has mostly shared screen time with action stars like Cesar Montano and Eddie Garcia. His comedy mostly centers on his supposed “good looks” that his characters keep comparing to his usually handsome lead counterpart.
Bayani is still very much active in showbiz.