Direk Bobot, as he is fondly called in the industry, has made a name for himself as a TV/movie actor and director, touted as one of the most influential forces on television today. In the 1970s, he gained popularity as a teen star and ka-love team of Vilma Santos, but, as he reveals in the special, he actually started out as the love team partner of Ate Vi’s erstwhile rival, Nora Aunor. In the 1980s-1990s, he successfully reinvented himself as a formidable creative force behind television’s highest topraters, foremost of which were for the gag shows “Goin’ Bananas” and “Tropang Trumpo”. Today, Bobot is recognized as the creator of the long-running kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit”, and may be credited for launching the careers of some of today’s hottest young stars.
The Jeepney TV special charts Bobot’s journey from singer to matinee idol, to creative director and film/TV director, with Direk Bobot’s recollection of stories behind the TV shows he was involved in offer a rare insider’s view behind the cameras. It also reveals how his children Frasco and Badji have chosen to follow in his footsteps.
The tribute features a star-studded lineup of interviewees that includes close friends and contemporaries Al Tantay and Tirso Cruz III; “Banana Split” and “Eva Fonda” alumna Cristine Reyes, “Banana Split” mainstay Ryan Bang, writer and creative collaborator Willy Cuevas, and comedians Pokwang and Jason Gainza. Also in the special are the stars that Direk Bobot discovered such as Bangs Garcia, Julia Montes, Miles Ocampo and other stars from his hit shows who will share their experiences with the beloved director.
“Edgar ‘Bobot’ Mortiz, Goin’ for Gold” will be shown on Jeepney TV (SkyCable Channel 9) on May 26 from 9:00-11:00pm, right after “MMK Classics”. For programming schedules and updates, like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JeepneyTV.
