I AM not sure if today’s Internet generation of kids have the faintest idea about the Escalera brothers and their (mis)adventures. But I might be wrong. After Vic Sotto revealed last year that there are plans to revive this Filipino sitcom, news about their comeback was all over television this week, as they announced their participation in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival.

Who can’t forget the antics of comedy television’s famous trio? Iskul Bukol is about the lives of three students: Tito (Sotto) and Joey (De Leon) Escalera brothers and Vic (Sotto) Ungasis, a teacher’s pet who often attracts pretty girls in class. All are students of Wanbol University.

During a television interview, De Leon jokingly declares that usually movies produced for the MMFF bring along lessons in life. “Sa pelikulang eto, wala kayong ikakapulutan ng aral [In this movie, there are no lessons],” says De Leon, as the Sotto brothers tried to suppress a laugh.

Being part of a generation of kids who grew up watching reruns of Tagalog movies on television, Iskul Bukol offered respite from hours of melodrama during primetime.

Iskul Bukol has created characters like cafeteria operator Mang Temi (Bing Angeles), a name that plays on the word Filipino word “Itim” or dark-complexioned. Of course, who can’t forget Miss Tapia (Mely Tagasa), a professor at the Wanbol University who hates the Escalera brothers? Another is Redford (Redford White) who plays Mang Temi’s houseboy.

Recently, news that Richie D’ Horsie who plays one of the characters in Iskul Bukol, was bailed out from prison to play his old role was revealed. During one television interview, Vic Sotto said the group decided to give D’ Horsie another chance to reform and be part of a reunion of sorts of the original cast of the hit TV sitcom. D’ Horsie has been languishing in prison for an offense related to drugs.

Here’s the sitcom’s theme song, which is actually borrowed from Elvis Presley’s “All Shook Up,” which my dad would often jokingly sing, “Amoy Suka.”

By Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

MANILA CITY, Philippines — Christmas will be brighter in Metro Manila figuratively and literally as the Meralco Corp. once again launches the annual ‘Maliwanag ang Pasko’ campaign in Manila Cathedral.

Maliwanag ang Pasko is known to give recognition to the households and churches that embrace the tradition of lighting up every Christmas with their most creative display of lights and decors.

This year, the project is themed as “Campaign of Hope,” as Meralco hopes everyone to share hope and brightness in their communities by lighting up for Christmas.

The word “share” is emphasized since the winners for the best decoration will be given the chance to grant donations to orphans of their choice, allowing the winners to share their blessing to those in need.

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