Comedians Iyah Mina and Tonton Soriano opened up with both laughter and heart during their guest appearance on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on June 5, sharing intimate stories about friendship, growth, and being part of Vice Ganda’s trusted circle.
Known for their comedic timing and onstage chemistry, Iyah and Tonton brought viewers behind the curtain of the Beks Squad, Beks Battalion, and Beks Friends — groups that trace their roots back to the now-legendary Punchline and Laffline comedy bars.
“Punchline, Laffline days pa lang, magkakasama na kami,” said Iyah, recalling their early days performing together. “Solid po ‘yung grupo namin,” added Tonton. “Walang kompetisyon. Nagsusuportahan lang.”
Both comedians acknowledged the privilege and pressure of working closely with Vice Ganda, not just as a friend but also as a mentor and boss at Vice Comedy Club.
“Napakataas ng standards ni Vice,” said Tonton. “Kahit hindi ka pa sa club niya, kailangan mo nang galingan.” Iyah added, “Dapat may bago ka lagi. Dapat handa ka sa kahit anong mangyari sa stage.”
Iyah also shared how hands-on Vice can be. “There were times Meme watched me perform four nights straight. Minsan sabi ko, ‘Nambu-bwisit ka na,’ pero sagot niya, ‘Hindi, kaya mo.’ Then after the show, ‘Ang galing mo.’ Ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”
When asked if being closer to Vice ever stirred jealousy among them, Tonton responded with grace. “Hindi ako nagseselos kasi alam kong nauna kayong friends. Nang naging close kami, I was just happy. Idol ko po siya.”
Iyah also reflected on past misunderstandings within the group, recalling a time when she felt left out. “Hindi ako gano’n. Pero sila noon, sabay-sabay, hindi ako pinapansin. Ako, kapag may tampuhan, hindi ako nakikialam. Sinasabi ko lang, ‘Kung handa ka na, magsabi ka.’”
One of the more serious topics touched on was Tonton’s past rift with fellow comedian MC Muah — a viral issue that stemmed from a misunderstanding in 2020.
“Tito Boy, pinili ko po manahimik. Kasi kung may masabi ako, baka lumala pa. Mahirap po ‘yung ate mo, kaaway mo,” he said, drawing laughter but also sympathy. Thankfully, the conflict was resolved, and today, their bond is stronger than ever.
“Para ko na siyang kapatid,” Tonton said. “Nung naghiwalay kami ng bahay ng kapatid ko, si ate MC na ‘yung pumalit sa role niya.”
While known for bringing laughter to audiences, Iyah and Tonton’s interview highlighted the deeper truths behind the punchlines — that their comedy is rooted in camaraderie, hard-earned trust, and mutual respect.
“Laughter is a craft, but it’s also a lifeline,” said Iyah. “We’ve been through so much, but we keep showing up — for each other and for the audience.”
