Meet the woman behind 'Simpleni,' and how she's inspired for real by the incoming VP

Leni and Simpleni. Photo courtesy of Joierie Pacumio

"Gaano katagal mo akong pinag-aralan?"

That was the questioned posed by incoming vice president Leni Robredo to Joierie Pacumio, who had been making waves over the last couple of weeks as Simpleni, the sidekick to Jose Manalo's Rodney Juterte on Sunday Pinasaya.

It turns out that Joierie didn't have much time to practice the dead-on impression.

"I told her it started during the debate. I didn't tell her I only had a week to prepare," Joierie told GMA News Online, referring to the official vice presidential debate.

Joierie shot to fame after she convinced a roomful of people -- and the million others that watched the video in Facebook -- that she was in fact the Camarines Sur Representative for the show "Live AIDS," staged by the academic organization UP SAMASKOM.

Joierie had not been supposed to impersonate Leni -- the role was for someone else. But a last minute switch of plans had the entire production scrambling, and soon Joierie was impersonating Leni flawlessly.

The video of the show went viral online, but her social media fame was only the beginning.

"Usually after ng show, we move on with our lives. Pero ito may follow through. Na-pick up ng Team Leni. They watched the video, they were really happy," Joierie said.

The 27-year-old theater enthusiast was invited to attend Leni's send-off sortie at the Quezon Memorial Circle, a day before the congresswoman's miting de avance.

"The first time I saw her sa send off, I was just looking at her from afar. Maraming nagpapapicture with her, so I was just watching," Joierie recalled.

"I couldn't believe that the now second most powerful person in the country can be reached by people like that," she added.

Tensions had been rising with the elections just around the corner. Due to a strict schedule, Leni was not supposed to still be in the venue when Joierie arrived for her performance.

But Leni could not say no to her supporters, and stayed for selfies and hugs.

"Her staff told her I was there already. They asked me to go to her," Joierie said.

"Sabi niya, 'Uy, you know I have the same dress,'" she added.

The comment had prompted laughter from everyone within hearing range.

"I intentionally copied the dress!" Joierie laughed.

Second chance

Their first meeting had been rushed, but they had all the time in the world for the second one.

The elections were over and this time, Joierie was sitting next to the incoming Vice President of the Philippines.

"'Di mo mararamdaman na powerful siya. Napaka-simple niyang tao," Joierie said.

They talk about their uncanny resemblance whenever Joierie gets in character.

"Sabi niya sa 'kin, 'Sana mas mahikayat pa natin yung mga tao,'" Joierie said.

With her talent, 'Simpleni' has the chance not only to resemble Leni, but to embody her as well.

"Not like, influence people, but just... gusto lang niya i-impart yung ways niya on certain matters," Joierie said.

Joirie's entire whirlwind experience, born from an accident, hasn't failed to surprise her yet.

From a simple corporate employee with a hobby for acting, she now regularly appears on national television.

"It's really overwhelming. Nandoon pa rin ako sa point na 'di ko ma-handle yung mga compliments," Joierie said. --JST, GMA News