Babalu is Pablito Sarmiento, another Dolphy sidekick best remembered for his longer than normal chin that was part of his comedic charm. He first worked as the driver for Panchito, where the comedy king discovered his natural knack for telling jokes, and then gave him a featured role on the television show Buhay Artista. He was introduced in 1965 in the movie Genghis Bond.
Genghis Bond (1965)- Stars Dolphy, Alona Alegre, Lucita Soriano, Val magno, Chona Delgado, Aruray/ Introducing Babalu/ Directed by Luis San Juan
From then on, he appeared mostly in Dolphy movies until in the 70s where he was given some important and meaty roles, in such movies as Boyoyoy, Love Pinoy Style, Drakula Goes to RP and Ang Hiwaga ng Ibong Adarna.
In 1975, Babalu was given his biggest break and first starring role in Doctor, Doctor I am Sick, his first crack at stardom. After two or three starring roles movies however, his career turned sour. Like most stars that gained instant popularity, success somehow got to his head. But you can’t put a good and talented comedian down forever, and in the 80s made a comeback in several Dolphy movies. Since then, Babalu appeared in several lead roles in countless movies and television shows, and established himself as one of the
Boyoyoy (1970)- Stars Dolphy, Pilar Pilapil, Panchito, Katy dela Cruz, Wing Duo, Gina Laforteza, Martin Marfil, Bino Garcia, Teroy de Guzman, Georgie Quizon and Bayani Casimiro/Featuring Ben David, Babalu, Babalina/ Directed by Armando Garces
Love, Pinoy Style (1972)- Stars Dolphy, Panchito, Connie Marie Hoffman, Bayani Casimiro, Dely Atay-Atayan, Teroy de Guzman, Babalu,Balot, Aruray, Metring David, Pepot and Golay
Ako'y Paru-Paro, Bulaklak Naman Ako (1973)- Stars Dolphy, Rosanna Ortiz, Panchito and Babalu/ Directed by Pablo Santiago
Ang Hiwaga ng Ibong Adarna (1973)- Stars Dolphy, Rosanna Ortiz, Panchito and Babalu/ Directed by Pablo Santiago
Doctor, Doctor I Am Sick (1975)- Stars Babalu (in his first lead role), Rosanna Ortiz, Eddie Garcia, Edna Diaz/ Directed by Ading Fernando
O...Anong Sarap (1975)- Stars Babalu, Lotis Key, Pugo, Paquito Diaz, Roldan Aquino, Amanda Suarez/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao
Left- Kung May Tiyaga May Nilaga (1975)- Stars Babalu, Pinky de Leon, Romy Diaz, Roldan Aquino and Bentot/ Directed by Ading Fernando
Right- Romeo at Julio (1975)- StarsRamon Zamora and Babalu, Alona Alegre, Rolda Aquino/ Directed by Jun Gallardo
Among Babalu's filmography, I like best those that are in the latter part of his career: 'Ang Pinakamahabang Baba sa Balat ng Lupa' (1997) and 'Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong-kitong' (1998)
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