Bossing Vic

Another strong contender for Dolphy’s crown is also a TV host — Vic Sotto, who started out as one-third of the comedic tandem of Tito, Vic and Joey. When he was just starting, Vic tried very hard to get audience attention by going the slapstick route.As part of the trio, he indulged in toilet humor and when that didn’t work, he played gay characters much like Dolphy did in the early stages of his career. Only later did he realize that he could elicit more laughter by being himself. Thus, his comedy on “Eat Bulaga” could best be described as “less is more.”Like Dolphy, Vic played underdog roles who managed to trounce the bad guys and get the leading lady despite modest background and attributes. His TV series OK Ka Fairy Ko would strengthen his image as the boy next door.Not too long ago, he proved that his appeal as a movie idol had not waned. His last movie Lastikman, where he plays the superhero, did not make it initially to the final six that would be shown in last year’s Metro Manila Filmfest but was allowed to be screened on the second week. Despite the big disadvantage, his movie placed second in the box office.In this year’s Metro Manila Filmfest in December, Vic topbills in another comedy-action flick titled Fantastikman. His co-stars include another comedian, Michael V.Like Dolphy, Vic has had a colorful love life involving several show biz personalities like Dina Bonnevie by whom he has two kids and Coney Reyes. He’s not, however, as prolific as Dolphy, who admits having more than a dozen children with several women.This playboy image of Vic contributes to his popularity especially with the female viewers, who look at Vic not as a scoundrel but as a lovable but “pilyo” person.