How Pooh draws a good laugh

MANILA, Philippines - While he can perfectly imitate media magnets to the last detail — from physical appearance down to mannerisms and vocal tones — Pooh never goes beyond the boundaries of “what’s acceptable and entertaining.” He presents hilarious situations without putting his subject in a bad light, always keeping in mind his goal of making a good laugh.

“I always make sure my jokes are not hurtful. I only mimic the person’s look and voice. Sometimes, I use in my comedy skit the person’s nuances in his product endorsements,” begins Pooh whose impersonation of Manny Pacquiao is truly hilarious. “But never did I try to make anyone feel slighted while doing a comical act.”

Thus, Pooh says he was able to look at the boxing champ straight in the eye and without any tinge of guilt when he finally came face-to-face with him. Besides, his Manny Poohquiao number is just one of his various comic acts on stage. “I’ve been doing that since 2001. It was originally meant as a material for my sing-along comedy act but it became more popular when I used it in 2005 during my performance in Willie Revillame’s Wowowee because they were looking for stand-up comedians that time so yun ang ginamit ko. Probably, I only devote 10 minutes or less for that during my one-hour show because I don’t focus on one subject alone. I can do other hilarious things.”

Still, when dropping punch lines, Pooh avoids offensive remarks as much as possible. “People pay and watch your show to be entertained so why let them feel offended? Aside from being a comic, I also think of ways of how to entertain people. I also sing because it’s my passion. When I first came to Manila to study, I had this ‘raket’ as a wedding singer kaya di ako nakatapos e kasi feeling ko noon pag may P300 na ko mayaman na ko… Then, I landed in comedy bars.”

For those not in the know, Pooh (real name: Reynold Garcia), who was born in Laoang, Northern Samar, invaded the entertainment scene in 1999 as a sing-along master in such comedy bars as Nota’t Kwela, Music Box, Punchline and Library.

From that time on, Pooh was recognized as a stand-up comedian perking up somber people. He is grateful to Andrew de Real for giving him the chance to perform in the stand-up comedy arena.  Allan K and Vice Ganda were among his contemporaries. He got his first TV exposure in 2002 via Sing-galing on Channel 5. “It was Malou, the show’s executive producer and a regular customer of Library, who offered me a stint on TV so I accepted and eventually, I got included in Sing-galing hosted by Pops Fernandez and Allan K.”

He, too, became a semi-regular on GMA 7’s SIS before trying out in Wowowee where his talent got fully exposed. “My TV stints were a big help. Malaki din ang utang na loob ko kay Willie dahil nakatulong talaga s’ya at ang ABS(-CBN).”

Until this day, Pooh continues his hilarious acts on TV as one of the mainstays of Banana Split Extra Scoop on Kapamilya network. But what makes him different from the others also giving doses of laughter? “I believe each comedian has his own style and ‘strong points.’ I feel effective when I make fun of myself, nakukuha ko ang simpatiya ng tao at pag binalikan ko sila natatawa na sila.”

Asked if there were times when his laugh bomb went pfft, the Backroom talent replies, “It happens but for me, I never allow myself to go down the stage without regaining the ‘lost glory.’ Bumabawi ako kung di sila natawa sa ginawa ko, iisip ako ng iba para matawa sila.”

It’s a must, too, that Pooh knows the current issues and goings-on in showbiz because “I use them in my performances. Mas bago mas maganda.”

Is he ready to perform in big venues like the Araneta Coliseum? “It’s not in my plan yet because I don’t think I’m ready for it. Getting in a big venue takes a long process and the preparation is no joke. For me, wag tayong masyadong aggressive, I know I’m not that famous yet. If the time comes why not at kung di pa yun ngayon okey lang sa akin dahil dadating din yun, kanya-kanyang panahon yan.”

For now, Pooh is content with his TV stints and out-of-town shows. Come Feb. 15, Pooh will combine love and laughter in his post-Valentine show dubbed My Poohny Valentine at Pagcor Tagaytay. “Until now, I’m rehearsing my piece for my every show. I usually practice in front of the mirror, when I find the act boring o ako mismo di natawa, di ko na ginagawa. Oftentimes, I explore different things as materials.”

His family inspires him no end to do better. “Basta alam kong andyan lang sila to support me okey ako. They come to my place during weekends. I’m serious when it comes to taking care of my family; gusto ko maayos silang lahat.”