Norberto Joya "Bert" Marcelo Sr. (June 6, 1936 – December 16, 1995) was a prominent

Filipino Filipino may refer to: * Something from or related to the Philippines ** Filipino language, standardized variety of 'Tagalog', the national language and one of the official languages of the Philippines. ** Filipinos, people who are citizens of th ...

television Television, sometimes shortened to TV, is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertisin ...

personality whose trademark high-pitched infectious laughter earned him the popular moniker "Tawa", after the Tagalog word for laugh.

Background

Born in

Baliuag, Bulacan Baliwag or Baliuag, officially the City of Baliwag ( fil, Lungsod ng Baliwag), is a component city in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 168,470 people. Baliuag was founded in 1732 by Augu ...

, Marcelo's persona as the Filipino everyman, enhanced by his fluency in the Tagalog language and his easy-going friendly nature, made him ideal as the most recognized endorser of the popular

San Miguel Beer San Miguel Beer refers to San Miguel Pale Pilsen, a Filipino pale lager produced by San Miguel Brewery (a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation). Established in San Miguel, Manila in 1890 by the original San Miguel Brewery (renamed San Miguel Co ...

. Apart from his classic commercials for San Miguel Beer such as ''Isang Platitong Mani'', Marcelo was also best known as the co-host with

Pilita Corrales Pilar Garrido Corrales (born August 22, 1937) is a Filipino pop singer, songwriter, actress, comedian and television presenter. She is dubbed as "Asia's Queen of Songs" and is widely known for her rendition of "Kapantay ay Langit" which eventu ...

in '' Ang Bagong Kampeon'', a long-running television talent show which discovered

Regine Velasquez Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez ( ; born April 22, 1970) is a Filipina singer, actress, and record producer. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and beltin ...

among other talents. He was also an occasional actor in films, as well in television sitcoms such as ''Baltic and Company'' in 1974.

Personal life

He was married to Alicia Trinidad Castro; they had four sons.

Death

Marcelo died at the peak of his career when he suffered a fatal stroke on December 16, 1995. He was buried at Municipal Cemetery in Baliuag, Bulacan Baliuagmuseumjf1739 05

Filmography

Film

*''Everlasting Love'' (1989) *''Isang Platitong Mani'' (1986) *''Mga Mata ni Angelita'' (1978) *''Kapten Batuten en his Super Batuta'' (1977) *''Tisoy''! (1977) *''Wanakosay'' (1977) *''Oh Margie Oh'' (1974) *''The Panther'' (1973) *''Ang Pangalan Ko'y Luray'' (1971) *''Padre, si Eba'' (1971) *''D' Musical Teenage Idols!'' (1969) *''Tisoy'' (1969) *''Brownout'' (1969) *''Teenage Escapades!'' (1969) *''Tore ng Diyablo'' (1969) *''Pomposa: Ang Kabayong Tsismosa'' (1968)

Television

* ''Agrisiyete'' (GMA Network, 1991–1995) - his last TV appearance * ''Tanghalan ng Kampeon'' (GMA Network, 1987–1993) * '' Ang Bagong Kampeon'' (RPN 9, 1985–1988) * ''Kalatog Pinggan'' (BBC 2/ABS-CBN, 1985–1986/1987–1988) * ''Prinsipe Abante'' (GMA Network, 1977–1979) * ''Baltic and Company'' (GMA Network, 1974–1976)

References

External links

* 1936 births 1995 deaths Filipino male comedians Filipino television personalities Male actors from Bulacan 20th-century Filipino male actors 20th-century comedians Filipino actor-politicians Filipino male film actors Filipino male television actors GMA Network personalities {{Philippines-actor-stub