This is the Internet Warrior yet once again. This time, let us talk about something a little interesting. Do you know Rich Little? America's most popular impressionist of the 20th century? There is not one person he could not make an impression on. He can act as another famous star, a well-known historical figure, a singer, politician and even a woman. Rich Little was at the peak when it comes to impressionist entertainment to make the audience laugh with no end. It was all good whenever he's on the scene.
| Rich Little |
Interestingly enough, here in the Philippines, we have a Rich Little of our very own. He is much like the American impressionist and he is very enthusiastic and amusing as ever. His name is Jon Santos.
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| Jon Santos looks like Rich Little's long lost brother. |
Jon Santos is a Filipino impressionist and entertainment who is known for impersonating many different iconic Filipino people, including former President Joseph Estrada, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Aling Dionisia, mother of eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, and many more. He was the entertainment of imitation back in the time where television and radio were just mass-producing in the country and there was no Internet.
And just on February 11 of this day, dear Jon Santos was invited over to Asia Pacific College for a comedy-bar-like seminar extravaganza set just for laughs and gags for all students and faculty people. The event is titled; "Follow Your Passion... I Did!!!" This involves a lot of Jon Santos-style humor with morals and important messages learned in the end.
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| Follow your passion... I did! |
Before we get to the point, let's learn a little history about the fellow impersonating clown. Jonathan Adriano Santos (born January 18, 1966), more popularly known as Jon Santos, is a Filipino comedian, actor, and impersonator who has done more than 50 different impersonations, such as Ate Vi and Juan Flavor, probably two of his most famous impersonations. Having perfected the art of costume and make-up, Jon becomes the person; a better version in fact, because it's a much, much funnier version. Even bureaucratic bores who somehow land on the news become hilarious, endearing creatures in the hands of Jon Santos. (Actually, in the hands, face, body and voice of Jon.)
Jon graduated at University of the Philippines – Diliman with a degree in Economics. Having been involved in comedy script writing, stand-up comedy, and impersonation after graduation, he shared that he initially didn’t know how to put to practice the lessons he learned in college. It was as if he wasted 4 years of his life. But he carried on, determined to learn the ropes of being a comedian. Being openly gay, it was challenging for him to follow his passion as he grew up in a family of military men.
He shared that, “Sundalo ang tatay ko. ‘Yung nanay ko, anak ng heneral. Ang lolo ko ang kauna-unahang may titulong valedictorian na nabigyan ng espada [sa Philippine Military Academy] noong 1937,” he said. “So napakalaking challenge sa akin na huwag guluhin ang mundo nila.”
But it proved to be a non-factor as his supportive family accepted whatever he chose to do in life. After years of being in show business and repeatedly asking himself how can being an economic graduate contribute to his occupation, he realized, “I did become an economist when I was part of projects and concerts, some from the UP School of Economics that creates scholarship. So, yung kakajoke ko siguro may apat na economics students ngayon that are being funded by scholarships from my jokes. Sarap ng feeling! So, nagkaroon din ng economist even if hindi ako yun.”
The event was funny and memorable, every single second of it. The way Jon Santos spoke to the students and the manners of impersonating other famous people even here are hilarious to the point of no end. But there is more than just laughs and giggles in this good and refreshing seminar. There is a deep meaning and real-life connection behind every career, and Jon Santos' reputation as a nationwide-famous impressionist is no exception.
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| Even the way he looks is just plain silly. |
The purpose of the event was to encourage students to pursue their passion, whatever it may be. It was quite noticeable that Jon was a little uncomfortable and had difficulty being on stage as himself as he often reverted to impersonating other people he's not. It shows that even the most talented in the world can have a fair share of difficulties and travails to endure.
Still, it was actually pretty amusing to see him automatically switch from one character to another. That just proves how much Mr. Jon Santos has mastered his talent. And it also proves that people can perfect their very own, as long as they follow their passion in life and success will follow them, whereas one does not need to follow success to get noticed after all.
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| Ladies and gentlemen, the "Rich Little of the Philippines!" |
So, tell me guys, for today's question:
What do you think about Jon Santos?
Leave your interesting and creative responses in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
But thanks for reading today's blog! I am the Internet Warrior and I approve this message.
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