Alfonso Discher Tagle Sr., better known as Panchito Alba or simply Panchito (February 5, 1925 – December 18, 1995), was a Filipino film

actor An actor (masculine/gender-neutral), or actress (feminine), is a person who portrays a character in a production. The actor performs "in the flesh" in the traditional medium of the theatre or in modern media such as film, radio, and television. ...

who almost exclusively appeared in comedy roles. He was known for his swarthy looks and a prominent big nose, which was often the target of ridicule, especially

Dolphy Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. (July 25, 1928 – July 10, 2012), known professionally as Dolphy, was a Filipino comedian and actor. He is widely regarded as the country's "King of Comedy" for his comedic talent embodied by his long roster of works ...

calling him "baboy damo" (wild boar). Panchito frequently appeared as a comedic foil to

, with whom he was best friends in real life.

Biography

Panchito was born in

Paco, Manila Paco, formerly known as Dilao, is a district of Manila, Philippines, located south of the Pasig River and San Miguel, west of Santa Ana, southwest of Pandacan, north of Malate, northwest of San Andres Bukid, and east of Ermita. It had a pop ...

. His mother,

Etang Discher Enriqueta "Etang" Discher Grau (November 24, 1906 – November 22, 1991) was a Filipino character film actress frequently cast in villainous roles. Her stern, gaunt Castilian face loomed in many post-war Filipino films, especially soap ope ...

, became a prominent film actress beginning in the 1940s, often being cast in villainous roles. One of his brothers, Emil Tagle, also became a film actor. He was married with children. His aunt, Elaina Discher, was also a Filipina actress. Panchito's career in show business began in 1942 when he joined a

bodabil Vaudeville in the Philippines, more commonly referred in the Filipino vernacular as ''bodabil'', was a popular genre of entertainment in the Philippines from the 1910s until the mid-1960s. For decades, it competed with film, radio and television ...

troupe called "Travel Stage Show" which performed in various theaters in Japanese-occupied Manila. The then-14-year-old Dolphy was also a member of the troupe, thus beginning a lifelong association.

Film career

Panchito's film career began when he, along with Dolphy, were cast by

Sampaguita Pictures Sampaguita Pictures was a Philippine film production company. It was named for the Philippine national flower, sampaguita. Though no longer functioning, the company's Sampaguita Compound remains in Quezon City. History Sampaguita Pictures was e ...

in the Tita Duran-

Pancho Magalona Enrique Gayoso Magalona Jr. (January 22, 1922 – April 7, 1998), professionally known as Pancho Magalona, was a Filipino actor from the 1940s to the 1970s. Early life Born Enrique Gayoso Magalona Jr. in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, he was the ...

musical ''Sa Isang Sulyap Mo, Tita''. It was a career that lasted until his death. In 1955, Panchito was awarded the

FAMAS The FAMAS ( French: ''Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne'', lit. 'Assault rifle from the Saint-Étienne Weapon Factory') is a bullpup assault rifle designed and manufactured in France by MAS in 1978. It is known by ...

Best Supporting Actor award for his role in ''Lupang Kayumanggi''. His film career thrived despite his involvement in a 1964 mauling incident in

Quezon City Quezon City (, ; ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read and pronounced in Filipino language, Filipino as Kyusi), is the richest and List of cities in the Philippines, most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 c ...

that led to the filing of a criminal

information Information is an Abstraction, abstract concept that refers to something which has the power Communication, to inform. At the most fundamental level, it pertains to the Interpretation (philosophy), interpretation (perhaps Interpretation (log ...

against him and several others for frustrated murder, though the case against him would be later dismissed. Panchito is perhaps best known for his over 50-plus film team-ups with Dolphy in such films as '' Kalabog en Bosyo'' (1959); ''Beatnik'' (1960); ''Si Lucio at Miguel'' (1962); ''Pepe and Pilar'' (1966); '' Facifica Falayfay'' (1969); ''Fefita Fofongay'' (1973); ''Bugoy'' (1979); and '' Bakit Kinagat ni Adan ang Mansanas ni Eba?'' (1989). The partnership likewise extended to television, where the duo would co-star in an

ABS-CBN ABS-CBN is a leading Philippine media and content company. It serves as the flagship media brand of ABS-CBN Corporation, a subsidiary of Lopez Holdings Corporation. Once the country's largest free-to-air television network, ABS-CBN has since ...

variety show, ''Buhay Artista'' (1965–1972). The tandem was famous for a comedic duet routine wherein one would interrupt the other to offer a mangled translation of a

Tagalog Tagalog may refer to: Language * Tagalog language, a language spoken in the Philippines ** Old Tagalog, an archaic form of the language ** Batangas Tagalog, a dialect of the language * Tagalog script, the writing system historically used for Tagal ...

lyric into English or vice versa. On July 4, 1966, Dolphy and Panchito opened for

The Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The core lineup of the band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are widely regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatle ...

at the

Rizal Memorial Sports Complex The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC; formerly known as Rizal Memorial Field) is a national sports complex of the Philippines, located on Pablo Ocampo St. (formerly Vito Cruz St.), Malate, Manila. It is named in honor of the country's national ...

during that band's infamously abbreviated concert tour of Manila. Apart from his partnership with Dolphy, Panchito became known as a supporting player in many other film comedies. He was frequently cast as an authority figure such as a policeman, a politician, a father-of-the-family, and memorably, as the hula skirt-clad music teacher of Jaena High School in the

Joey de Leon Jose Maria Ramos de Leon Jr. (born October 14, 1946), professionally known as Joey de Leon and also known as Henyo Master, is a Filipino comedian, actor, television host and songwriter. He is one of the members of the comedy trio, collectively ...

Rene Requiestas Renato "Rene" Licup Requiestas (; January 22, 1957 – July 24, 1993) was a Filipino actor, comedian and politician. Requiestas was one of the top Filipino comedians of the late 1980s up to the early 1990s. Requiestas was known for his sidekic ...

starrer ''Elvis and James'' (1989) and as "Paenguin" (a parody of

Batman Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...

's arch-nemesis

The Penguin The Penguin (Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. The character made his first appearance in ''Detective Comics'' #5 ...

) in the comedy-spoof ''

Alyas Batman en Robin ''Alyas Batman en Robin'' () is a 1991 Filipino musical-comedy superhero parody film based on the titular superheroes from DC Comics, Batman and Robin. It stars Joey de Leon as Batman, Rene Requiestas as the Joker, Dawn Zulueta as Angelique ...

'' (1991). In 1993, Panchito lived for a while in the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

, purportedly to seek treatment after being diagnosed with

Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease (PD), or simply Parkinson's, is a neurodegenerative disease primarily of the central nervous system, affecting both motor system, motor and non-motor systems. Symptoms typically develop gradually and non-motor issues become ...

. In early 1995, his best friend Dolphy and nephew Babalu visited him in the States where he was convinced to appear in the film ''Home Sic Home'', a comedy film shot both in the Philippines and San Francisco, U.S.A. and produced by

Star Cinema ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., trade name, doing business as Star Cinema and also known as ABS-CBN Films (since 2018), is a Philippines, Philippine film studio, film, television production company, production and distribution (marketing), di ...

. Though his movements were limited throughout the film due to his medical condition, his comeback was well-received by the viewers. Soon after he decided to come back to the Philippines to resume his showbiz career. His guesting in ''Home Along da Riles'' rated high and he was cast in Dolphy and Vandolph's film ''Father en Son''. However, while doing some scenes for the film in October 1995, he suffered a

stroke Stroke is a medical condition in which poor cerebral circulation, blood flow to a part of the brain causes cell death. There are two main types of stroke: brain ischemia, ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and intracranial hemorrhage, hemor ...

that left him comatose. A video of him lying incapacitated in bed aired on Philippine television. During his comatose period at the hospital, he was able to receive medical and financial support from his former co-stars. Aside from

, ''

Eat Bulaga ''Eat !'' (; stylized as ''Eat... Bulaga!'') is a Philippine television variety show broadcast by Radio Philippines Network, ABS-CBN, GMA Network and TV5. Originally hosted by Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Chiqui Hollmann and Richie ...

'' main hosts

Vic Sotto Marvic Valentin "Vic" Castelo Sotto (born April 28, 1954), popularly known as Bossing, is a Filipino actor, comedian, and television personality. Prolific in film and television in the Philippines since the 1970s, he is known for playing comed ...

and

also visited him. He died two months later, on December 18, 1995, at the age of 70, two days after the death of Bert ''Tawa'' Marcelo, and two months before his 71st birthday. It was also reported that Dolphy decided to include Panchito's partially-shot scenes in "Father en Son" at the final film cut as tribute to his long-time comic partner. In 2007, Alpha Music Corporation released an album-compilation entitled ''The Best of Dolphy & Panchito'', featuring 14 comedic duets of the comic tandem.

Filmography

*''Son of Fung Ku'' (1953) ... Gordon *''Love Pinoy Style'' (1953) *''Fefita Fofongay (Viuda de Falayfay)'' (1973) *''D' Godson'' (1953) *''Reyna Bandida'' (1953) *''Menor de Edad'' (1954) *''Aristokrata'' (1954) *''Anak sa Panalangin'' (1954) *''Waldas'' (1955) *''Sa Dulo ng Landas'' (1955) *''Mariposa'' (1955) *''Lupang Kayumanggi'' (1956) (as Panchito Alba) *''Diyosa'' (1957) *''Colegiala'' (1957) *''Tawag ng Tanghalan'' (1958) *''Silveria'' (1958) *''Pulot Gata'' (1958) *''Kalabog en Bosyo'' (1959) *''Pakiusap'' (1959) *''Isinumpa'' (1959) *''Dobol Trobol'' (1960) *''Beatnik'' (1960) *''Operatang Sampay Bakod'' (1961) *''Kandidatong Pulpol'' (1961) *''Hami-hanimun'' (1961) *''Tansan the Mighty'' (1962) *''Si Lucio at si Miguel'' (1962) *''Lab Na Lab Kita'' (1962) *''Si Adiang Waray'' (1962) *''Tansan vs. Tarsan'' (1963) *''King and Queen for a Day'' (1963) *''Buhay Bumbero'' (1968) *''Kaming Taga Ilog'' (1968) *''Kaming Taga Bundok'' (1968) *''Good Morning Titser'' (1968) *''Buhay Bombero'' (1968) *''Dakilang Tanga'' (1968) *'' Facifica Falayfay'' (1969) *''Florante at Laura'' (1972) *''Ang Hiwaga ng Ibong Adarna'' (1972) *''Love Pinoy Style'' (1972) *''Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko'' (1973) *''Huli Huli 'Yan'' (1974) *''My Funny Valentine'' (1974) - Joaquin *''Like Father, Like Son: Kung Ano ang Puno Siya ang Bunga'' (1975) *''Silang Mga Mukhang Pera'' (1977) *''Binata ang Daddy Ko'' (1977) *''Bugoy'' (1979) *''Jack N Jill of the Third Kind'' (1979) *''Kuwatog'' (1979) *''Dancing Master'' (1979) *''Max & Jess'' (1979) ... Jess *''The Quick Brown Fox'' (1980) *''Darna at Ding'' (1980) *''Superhand'' (1980) *''Dolphy's Angels'' (1980) (as Panchito Alba) - Lieutenant Gapos *''Johnny Tanggo Rides Again... Tatanga-tanga, Dakila Naman'' (1982) *''Nang Umibig ang Gurang'' (1982) *''My Juan en Only'' (1982) *''Mga Alagad ng Kuwadradong Mesa'' (1983) *''Goodah'' (1984) *''Nang Maghalo ang Balat sa Tinalupan'' (1984) *''Sekreta Ini'' (1984) *''Charot'' (1984) *''I Won, I Won (Ang S'werte Nga Naman)'' (1985) - Procapio *''Praybet Depektib Akademi'' (1985) *''Ano Ka Hilo?'' (1985) *''Isang Platitong Mani'' (1985) - Nanding *''Goatbuster'' (1985) *''Momooo'' (1985) *''The Crazy Professor'' (1985) *''Isang Kumot, Tatlong Unan'' (1986) - Ponso *''No Return, No Exchange'' (1986) *''Kalabog en Bosyo Strike Again'' (1986) - Bosyo *''Panchito Alba'' (1987) *''

My Bugoy Goes to Congress ''My Bugoy Goes to Congress'' is a 1987 Filipino political comedy film directed by Jett C. Espiritu and starring Dolphy, Nora Aunor and Dolphy's son Eric Quizon. It is the sequel to the 1979 film ''Bugoy''. Produced by RVQ Productions and Shin ...

'' (1987) *'' Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay'' (1987) *''Binibining Tsuperman'' (1987) *''Jack & Jill'' (1987) *'' Ready!.. Aim!.. Fire!..'' (1987) *'' Puto'' (1987) - Teacher/Coach *''Haw Haw De Karabaw'' (1988) - Turo/Al Capone *''

Bobo Cop ''Bobo Cop'' () is a 1988 Filipino action comedy film directed by Tony Y. Reyes and starring Joey Marquez as the titular cop, alongside Alice Dixson, Matet, Kristina Paner, Cris Villanueva, Atoy Co, Amy Perez, Willie Revillame, Panchito ...

'' (1988) *''

Enteng the Dragon ''Enteng the Dragon'' is a 1988 Philippine comedy film directed by Romy Villaflor and written by Tony S. Mortel. It is a parody of the film ''Enter the Dragon ''Enter the Dragon'' ( zh, t=龍爭虎鬥) is a 1973 martial arts film directed b ...

'' (1988) *'' Sheman: Mistress of the Universe'' (1988) - Tio Paeng *''Jack and Jill sa Amerika'' (1988) *''

Smith & Wesson Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (S&W) is an American Firearms manufacturer, firearm manufacturer headquartered in Maryville, Tennessee, United States. Smith & Wesson was founded by Horace Smith (inventor), Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson as the ...

'' (1988) - Major Mayumi *'' Bakit Kinagat ni Adan ang Mansanas ni Eba?'' (1988) - Tiago *'' Starzan: Shouting Star of the Jungle'' (1989) - McDoogan *''Si Malakas at si Maganda'' (1989) - Ka Ponso *''Mars Ravelo's Bondying: The Little Big Boy'' (1989) *''Balbakwa: The Invisible Man'' (1989) *''Da Best in Da West'' (1989) - Inkong Gaspar *''Long Ranger & Tonton (Shooting Stars of the West)'' (1989) - General Alfonso Gutierrez *''Bote, Dyaryo, Garapa'' (1989) *''Starzan 2: The Coming of Star Son'' (1989) *''Aso't Pusa'' (1989) *''Elvis and James: The Living Legends! (Buhay Pa... Mukhang Alamat Na!)'' (1989) *'' Pulis, Pulis sa Ilalim ng Tulay'' (1989) - Nato *'' SuperMouse and the Robo-Rats'' (1989) *''

Gawa Na ang Bala para sa Akin ''Gawa Na ang Bala para sa Akin'' () is a 1989 Filipino comedy film directed by Efren M. Jarlego and starring Vic Sotto, Monica Herrera, Panchito, Nova Villa, Paquito Diaz, Ruel Vernal, Larry Silva, and Rene Requiestas. It is Sotto's first solo ...

'' (1989) *''Romeo Loves Juliet (But Their Families Hate Each Other)'' (1989) *''My Darling Domestic (Greyt Eskeyp)'' (1989) *''Starzan III: The Jungle Triangle'' (1989) *''Hotdog'' (1990) *''Twist: Ako si Ikaw, Ikaw si Ako'' (1990) - Ka Limot *''Small, Medium, Large'' (1990) - Ma El *''Crocodile Jones: The Son of Indiana Dundee'' (1990) *''Ganda Babae, Ganda Lalake'' (1990) *''Og Must Be Crazy'' (1990) - Temyong *''Bagwis'' (1990) *''Samson & Goliath'' (1990) *''Espadang Patpat'' (1990) *''Goosebuster'' (1991) *''Barbi for President: First Lady Na Rin!'' (1991) *''

'' (1991) - Tiyo Paeng/Penguin *''Rocky Plus V'' (1991) *''Ali in Wonderland'' (1992) *''Sam & Miguel (Your Basura, No Problema)'' (1992) (as Panchito Alba) - Tomas *'' Home Sic Home'' (1995) *''Father en Son'' (1995, posthumously released)

TV shows

*''Buhay Artista'' (1964) TV Series *''Sa Kabilang Ibayo'' (1965) TV Series *''Iyan ang Misis Ko'' (1970) TV Series *''Bahay-Bahayan'' (1972) TV Series *''Barok-an Subdivision'' (1977) TV Series

Notes

He has an extended family in

Texas Texas ( , ; or ) is the most populous U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. It borders Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the we ...

Washington Washington most commonly refers to: * George Washington (1732–1799), the first president of the United States * Washington (state), a state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States * Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States ** A ...

, and

California California () is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States that lies on the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. It borders Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, and shares Mexico–United States border, an ...

References

Panchito Alba, Viva Cable TV, Viva.com
retrieved on: June 15, 2007

retrieved on: June 14, 2007 * ttp://www.search.com/reference/Etang_Discher Biography: Etang Discher (1908-1981) (a.k.a. Nena Discher), Search.com retrieved on June 14, 2007
Nostalgia Manila: Do You Know Who This Is? (''Sino Nga Ba Yan?''), Panchito Alba's Photograph
retrieved on: June 15, 2007

External links

* *, retrieved on: June 17, 2007 {{DEFAULTSORT:Alba, Panchito 1925 births 1995 deaths 20th-century Filipino comedians 20th-century Filipino male actors Comedians from Manila Filipino male child actors Filipino male comedians Filipino male film actors Filipino people of German descent Filipino television personalities Male actors from Manila People from Paco, Manila