Big wigs and jabs

IN full force. Jon Santos has Marissa Sanchez and Eric Nicolas as guests for his 30th anniversary show on 13 February.

What do you expect when you have two colorful and interesting personalities leading a nation? Three years since both Donald Trump and Rodrigo Duterte took office in their respective countries, they have continuously hogged the limelight, even going beyond the front pages.

Their pompous acts and “colorful” languages have found a niche beyond politics and it’s proving to be exciting times for many impersonators. Alec Baldwin is doing a fine job of trying his best “Trump” in the cult favorite comedy show Saturday Night Live.

But why go far when we have someone here who is very much capable of donning that infamous yellow ‘do and dish out his takes on the world’s most parodied world leader.

Jon Santos takes on the challenge as he adds “MacDonald Trump” to his repertoire in “I Can DoTHIRTY! Da Jon Santos Thirtieth Anniversary Show,” on 13 February, 8 p.m., at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila. And he’s not only doing Trump but he’s also giving his best devil-may-care act with “Digong DuterTHIRTY-HARI.”

these two politicians, we have very strong feelings towards them and that is why we’re going to stay interested in them. “I had the feeling that the country was so divided so that means my audience is divided,” began Santos during the show’s recent press conference.

“I had that impression and so I had that challenge. It’s the first time for me to feel this kind of uncertainty because every one on each side is opinionated. Then I realized that there will always be that one thing that would unite us and it took that long. Prizes of basic commodities, horrible traffic, immigration, tourism and peace and order are issues that we all can relate to. Whichever side you’re on, you want to hear them talk about it. That’s where I gained more confidence that there’s a common ground that we can all laugh about. And that they were not that divided after all,” he explained.

Politics have always been a complicated subject but it has never been polarizing as it is now. With an uncanny mirroring of the American and Filipino electorates’ behaviors towards their leaders, does he have concerns about how the show is going to be received?

“I think we were able to prove that no matter what one’s opinion is, we all agree that life is hard so we all are curious how they will deal with these important issues. There’s a break from parodies in the middle of the show. If you’re looking for a little machismo, there’s macho gwapito. So there’s something for everybody. Girl, boy, bakla, tomboy. ABCD, whatever your political leanings are. And these two politicians, we have very strong feelings towards them and that is why we’re going to stay interested in them,” he said.

WHILE Jon will channel Trump and Duterte, Sanchez will try her best as Jessa and Kris. Eric will bring to life the humor and songs of Rico J. Puno. That’s why on his pre-Valentine’s eve show, it’s not just about jabs but there will be singing and more laughter with his guests Marissa Sanchez and Eric Nicolas.

Sanchez, a long-time collaborator, will channel her inner Jessa Zaragoza and “Krissy” Kris Aquino. Nicolas, on the other hand, does a spot-on Rico J. Puno.

The show will also bring back previous, well-loved Santos impersonations to set the stage for a frankly funny commentary on the Philippine political landscape such as Leila La Luna, the uber courageous political prisoner and Imelda, who is simultaneously celebrating the successful transfer of Ferdie McCoy to the Libingan ng mga Bayani, while mourning her son’s defeat in the vice-presidential race.

To give a more thorough look at all laughable things in the country, “I Can DOTHIRTY” also celebrates the lighter side of Pinoy pop culture with Miss Universe who will also be gracing the evening, matching beauty stats with DarNO!

Written by Jon Santos, Enrico Santos and Joel Mercado, with stage direction by Michael Williams, this one-night only comedy extravaganza is made extra meaningful as it coincides with Jon Santos’ 30th year in entertainment.

Special show promotions are available to Resorts World Manila members through the RWM Mobile App which is available for free download via the AppStore or GooglePlay.

Tickets are available at Ticket World (www.ticketworld.com.ph) and the RWM Box Office at GF Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila. Call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (02) 908-8833 for inquiries.