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There is no denying the influence of the flagship sitcom Pepito Manaloto in Pinoy pop culture and in the comedy scene in the country.

Since it aired in 2010, the award-winning sitcom starring Michael V. and Manilyn Reynes has remained a top-rating show on weekend primetime. What's more, every generation loves the humor the show provides to its audience. Take for example the countless memes online featuring Tommy Diones played by the brilliant director Ronnie Henares as a proof of its immense popularity.

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It is not surprising that three students from National University - Manila namely Anthony Perez, Francin Rojas and Feyanne Gabuyo decided to pick the GMA-7 show as the main topic for their thesis.

GMANetwork.com got the chance to interview the trio, who are taking up Bachelor of Arts in Communication to share their thoughts about what motivated them to focus on Pepito Manaloto for their thesis requirement.

They explained, “Humor is a big part of the Filipino culture, and it's in our daily life. Sa kahit anong pagsubok ang pagdaanan, o hamon ng buhay, Filipinos find their way to laugh things out. Kilala tayong mga Filipino being one of the happiest people in the world.

“It is greatly seen how we are fond of the comedy series and movies. Kaya naman naisip namin yung study about comedy dito sa Pilipinas at gusto rin namin malaman kung paano ba siya nakakaapekto sa atin pagdating sa personal na buhay. Noong iniisip namin ito, agad-agad namin napili ang Pepito Manaloto dahil saktong-sakto 'yung TV sitcom kung paano nila i-portray iyong personal life ng isang Filipino on specific situations, kasi we also thought of this study as our way of remembering how we grew up watching the TV sitcom.

“Come to think of it, “Oo nga 'no, lahat tayo lumaki naririnig yung 'O ano? Saan? Sino? Bakit, sa pa'nong paraan?' na theme song ng Pepito Manaloto. We were very delighted because it gave us a purpose to do the study and at the same time disheartened when we found out that there are little to no studies about Philippine sitcoms, that is why we pushed the idea of doing this as our official thesis topic.”

When asked who their favorite characters in the show, Feyanne mentioned Elsa Manaloto, the role being portrayed by Manilyn Reynes.

She told GMANetwork.com, “Isa siya sa mga comfort character ko na I can really relate to. Bukod na pareho kaming mahilig sa pagkain, si Elsa kasi nakikita ko siyang super humble sa buhay, 'yun bang 'pag kaya niyang magbigay sa ibang tao, magbibigay siya. At hindi siya nalalayo kung sino at ano nga ba ang nanay sa isang bahay.”

For her part, Francin stated that the lovely kasambahays: Baby (Mosang), Maria (Janna Dominguez), and Berta (Jen Rosendahl) left a strong impression on her.

“Favorite ko yung mga kasambahay which is sina Baby, Maria, at Berta. Bukod sa lagi silang nakakatawa, mapapansin din sa episodes kahit naka-focus 'yung kwento sa pamilya makikita mo na may kulang sa istorya kapag wala sila,” she noted.

“Sa isang episode sa pamilya ng Manaloto kung saan si Maria ay wala kasi nagkaanak sya. Makikita mo doon ang struggle ng pamilyang Manaloto, o 'di kaya ng isang kasambahay lang, o kaya nung driver. Tulad din sa episode na wala si Berta, hirap din si Mimi. Parang sa totoong buhay lang ng pamilya, kahit sinong miyembro ang mawala parang nag-iiba bigla ang buhay ng isa't isa lalo na ng buong pamilya.”

Just like many fans, Anthony is a huge fan of our bida milyonaryo Pepito, because he loves the fact that he is lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful circle of family and friends.

“Si Pepito, 'di dahil sa suwerte niya na nanalo siya sa lotto bagkus dahil sa suwerte niya sa pamilya, kaibigan, at sa buhay. Ang katangian ni Pepito ay maiuugnay mo sa totoong katangian ng mga pilipino. Katulad na lang ng pagiging isang mapagmahal na asawa, kuwelang tatay, at kaibigan mong maaasahan.”

If you can't get enough of the Manaloto fambam, catch the part-two of Pepito Manaloto: 15th Kuwentoversary airing on May 3 at 7:15 p.m. on Sabado Star Power sa gabi.

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