Was Jose Manalo the first choice as lead star of the comedy film Boy Tokwa: Lodi ng Gapo?
This movie, which is currently being screened in cinemas, is the first feature film offering of the Vicente “Tito” Sotto-owned outfit VST Productions.
According to Direk Tony Reyes, they initially thought of tapping another comedian to bring life to Rodrigo Morelos (aka Boy Tokwa).
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Direk Tony disclosed the first choice of the producers.
"Actually, nung una, gusto sana nila Joey de Leon. Pero nung nakita ko yung picture ni Boy Tokwa, kamukha sila ni Jose Manalo.
"Sabi ko sa kanila, mas maganda siguro kung si Jose."
Boy Tokwa is based on the true story of a con artist who only targets foreigners.
During his stay in Olongapo, Boy Tokwa met and courted Naval officer Anne McArthur, granddaughter of General Douglas McArthur but was turned down.
He eventually met Patricia Woods who is also a Naval officer whom he married. They were blessed with a daughter. In the movie, Karel Marquez was cast as Annabelle, the daughter of Boy Tokwa.
When Jose was asked if he knew that Joey was the first choice for Boy Tokwa, he admitted:
"Si Tito Joey yata yung gusto nila noon, matagal na. Mahaba pa yung buhok niya noon kaya pwedeng siya.
"Siguro nung time na ito, hindi na pwedeng mag-shoot si Tito Joey kaya sa akin napunta."
Here are some scenes from the invitational screening of Boy Tokwa held recently at the Fisher Mall in Quezon City:
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CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓NOOD KA MUNA!
PEP.ph had the chance to interview Jose Manalo during his recent presscon held at Shabu-Shabu Ichiban, Fisher Parkway in Quezon City. Jose explained that his character was named Boy Tokwa because of his Chinese blood.
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Jose had the chance to work with fellow Eat Bulaga Dabarkad Wally Bayola in this movie. Wally played a criminal who shared the same prison cell with Boy Tokwa.
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Direk Tony Reyes (left) and Senator Tito Sotto expressed confidence that Jose Manalo's Boy Tokwa will perform well in the box office.
When asked if he thinks Jose's solo film will succeed, Tito Sen answered, "Palagay ko! Naghihintay lang talaga kami ng pagkakataon, e. Eto yung nakita naming pagkakataon para sa kay Jose Manalo." -
What can he say about the performance of Jose in Boy Tokwa?
Tito Sen quipped, "Hindi siya magaling! Napakagaling! Grabe ang transition ni Jose from comedian tapos drama. Almost half of the movie ay drama ang ginawa niya. Magaling! Ang galing ni Jose, ibang klase siya." -
Why did they feel that the story of Boy Tokwa deserves to be immortalized on the big screen?
Tito Sen pointed out: "Ang tawag sa kanya sa Olongapo noong araw ay siya yung master ng tres na ang ibig sabihin ay 1-2-3.
"Naughty si Boy Tokwa, e, parang may pagka Robin Hood na hindi mo maintindihan dahil ang mga na-1-2-3 niya ay mga Americano doon sa base ng Olongapo. Pero doon sa mga na-1-2-3 niya ay marami siyang tinutulungan na mga Pilipino." -
Direk Tony Reyes pointed out the good traits of the "lodi" (idol) of Gapo (Olongapo).
"Bukod sa marami tayong mapupulot na magagandang aral kay Boy Tokwa, makikita rin natin yung pagmamahal niya sa pamilya at makikita natin sa kanya yung isang trait ng pagiging Pilipino.
"Ang kagandahan kay Boy Tokwa, kahit con man siya ay hindi siya tumutira ng kapwa Pilipino puro foreigners lang yung tinitira niya." -
Paolo Ballesteros (not in photo) is seen in a photograph used in Boy Tokwa. Jose Manalo's character uses a picture of Paolo dressed up as a woman in order to trick soldiers.
Paolo is part of the comedy trio JoWaPao, which stands for Jose, Wally, and Paolo. -
Tito Sotto's grandson, Mino Sotto, is part of the movie Boy Tokwa. Mino is the son of Tito's daughter, Apples Sotto. Mino admits that he really wants to become an actor He took part in acting workshops in order to prepare for his role.
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Mino Sotto is cast as Boy Tokwa's grandson, Andy Morelos Woods. He visits the Philippines to search the truth about his grandfather.
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Allan Paule plays Robin, a close friend of Boy Tokwa.
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Epy Quizon plays a friend of Boy Tokwa who helps him fool soldiers when playing card games.
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Buboy Villar (not in photo) is cast as the young Boy Tokwa.
Jose Manalo said about working with Karel Marquez: "Mararamdaman mo siya bilang anak ko. Ang galing!" -
Jose Manalo initially hesitated to accept the lead role in Boy Tokwa because he believed, "Sabi ko nga, pwede na akong sidekick habambuhay."
Eventually, the comedian agreed to do the project. -
Former TV executive Kitchie Benedicto-Paulino personally knew Boy Tokwa and she observed that Jose Manalo was able to mimic the movements of the con man.