BOWLER – Yes, all three – showbiz, sports, and politics – mix.
Let’s start with Senate President Tito Sotto, more popularly called Tito Sen. Many people may not know it, but Tito Sen is a champion bowler.
Of course, he’s former comedian on TV and the big screen and co-host of Joey de Leon and Vic Sotto in the long-running GMA noontime show “Eat Bulaga.”
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THE CHAMP – There’s another senator, the boxing champion, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, who’s also in showbiz: movie actor, TV host and, hold on to your seats, singer and concert performer. The Champ is, by the way, a born-again preacher, an authority on the Bible.
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BASKETBALL LEGENDS – Two former senators are basketball legends: Bobby Jaworski and Freddie Webb.
The Big J used to appear in movies, mostly in FPJ starrers. He even played the title role in – what else – “The Big J.” Bobby’s father-in-law is Sen. Ramon Revilla.
Freddie remains active on television, hosting and acting. Remember his somewhat sexy roles in those Elwood Perez pictures?
Other basketball players who appeared in movies: Atoy Co (councilor), Alvin Patrimonio, Bong Alvarez, Jerry Codiñera, Yoyong Martirez (vice mayor), Ricci Rivero (cast in MMFF entry “Otlum”).
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BOXERS – Olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco used to appear on sitcoms.
World boxing champion Gabriel “Flash Elorde” starred in his own filmbio. Also Olympic silver medalist Anthony Villanueva, who died in penury. He had to sell his silver medal.
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GOMA – Not to forget Richard ‘Goma” Gomez, mayor of Ormoc.
Goma was into volleyball, basketball, rowing, and fencing.
Even as Ormoc mayor, he led the volleyball national team.
