You’re a Batang Nineties kid if you’re amused by Rene Requiestas’s face.”

I once read in a magazine I can’t remember that idol Joey said that his simplest but most successful toilet humor he ever did was CHEETAE. Who else from the Batang Nineties could forget Starzan’s sidekick, the shouting star of the jungle?

According to those who know and recognize him, before he entered the world of showbiz, he worked as a “takatak boy” or cigarette vendor on the street. He tried to be an “extra” and was lucky enough to be in Ishmael Bernal’s movies like “Salawahan (1979)” and “Pabling (1981)”.

I first watched my idol Rene Requiestas after the EDSA Revolution. He was one of the comedians who really stood out from the group of Jaime Fabregas in “Sic O’Clock News”, a political satire that aired on the then-active IBC13. Although I didn’t really understand the talk about US Military bases at that time, I was already happy to see him in the characters he played in the program. Just look at his big eyes and wide mouth and you will laugh. He doesn’t need to act to make you laugh. He is that great! He also joined the naughty sitcom of ABS-CBN “Palibhasa Lalake” during the first year of Dekada NoBenta. He played the genius brother of Tita Minerva (Gloria Romero) who was not taken seriously by everyone.

In the world of movies, his being a sidekick in the solo career of master Joey De Leon became a big factor. Late eighties when he was given a break in three series of “Starzan” as Cheetae with Noel “Ungga” Ayala as a sidekick. In two installments of “Long Ranger ang Tonton” he played the character of Tonton who is still Joey’s sidekick. After this movie, his roles on the silver screen were consecutive. I still remember that I loved to text Tonton’s face because I always won. Tsubtsatagilidaken!!

“Elvis and James” also had two parts where he played James Dacuycoy. Aside from his eyes and gaping mouth, Rene is also known for his weird hairstyles in movies. My very shallow self laughed out loud in “Barbi: Maid in the Philippines” because of the memorable scene where Barbi (Joey) said “I need time.” then Rene answered her with “You want time? I’ll give you time.” while taking off his wrist watch. Other movies where Rene and Joey were together are “Romeo Loves Juliet…But Their Families Hate Each Other!”, “SuperMouse and the Roborats” which had difficulty being released at the box office because the MTRCB censored the sound “burat” in the dialogues, and “Little & Big Weapon”.

He also had roles in the movies “Aso’t Pusa” with Tito Sotto and child star Aiza Seguerra. “Gawa na ang Bala Para sa Akin” with Vic Sotto is another name play in a movie by FPJ. He is still with boss Vic in “Samson & Goliath”. Movie producers also tried to make them a trio with Ungga Ayala and Jimmy Santos in the movie “Small, Medium, en Large”. I will also never forget his performance in “Michael & Madonna” which was a remake of the school I attended in high school, St. John’s Academy. Regal Films is just near our school in San Juan. The best for me was his cameo in “Last Two Minutes”, a movie about famous basketball players at that time. He’s a complete jerk, but when he enters the cubicle, he gets yelled at. The scene ends with him cleaning the toilet sink! His delivery there is so good…his jerky look is killer!

His first solo movie was “Ganda Lalake, Ganda Babae” with sexy star Maricel Laxa. This was followed by “Cheeta-Eh, Ganda Lalake” with another sexy star Cristina Gonzales. By this time, he had joined the ranks of Box-Office Kings of Philippine Cinema. The movies he starred in were popular with the masses.

When it comes to famous Filipino comedians, one name that cannot be forgotten is **Rene Requiestas**. Although he passed away in 1993, his death still leaves an indelible mark on the public. What makes people wonder is why **Rene Requiestas’ death caused such a strong shock, far surpassing the popularity of other stars** during the same period?

Rene Requiestas was not a traditional movie star. He was not a leading actor in big movies with tragic roles, but it was his **approachable, lovable personality and talent in humorous acting** that made him an icon in the hearts of Filipino audiences. With movies like *”Huwag Mong Buhayin Ang Pagdapo ng Ulan”* and appearances in television shows, Rene captivated millions of viewers with his natural comedy performances.

Not only was he exceptionally talented in humor, he also possessed a unique style that made his fans feel like a close friend, close and approachable. This created a very special relationship between Rene and the audience, making his passing a great loss in the Philippine entertainment industry.

When Rene Requiestas passed away in 1993, his fans and colleagues were shocked and could not accept the truth. **His death was not only the loss of a talented artist but also the loss of a friend and colleague whom everyone loved**.

Moreover, Rene Requiestas was also known to have a rather complicated and tragic personal life. Throughout his career, he faced many challenges in his personal life, from financial problems to difficulties in family relationships. However, his optimism and talent still made him shine in the eyes of the audience.

When he passed away, not only those in the entertainment industry but also the entire Philippine society felt the absence of an important part. His sudden departure made people reflect on how a person could have a great influence on society, not only through his talent but also through the sincerity in each role and each sentence he brought to the public.

Although during that time, the Philippines also had many prominent stars with brilliant careers, **the death of Rene Requiestas caused a special sadness and emotion**, perhaps because he was not only an artist but also a symbol of optimism and efforts to overcome difficulties in life.

His death was not only the loss of a celebrity, but also the loss of a friend to the public, someone who everyone felt close to, genuine and could sympathize with the hardships he went through throughout his career.

In addition, the fact that he passed away at a young age, when his career was on the rise, made Rene Requiestas’ death even more tragic. Fans not only regretted the passing of a talented artist, but also regretted that he had not had time to show his full potential in his next big projects.

Although Rene Requiestas is no longer with us, his career and legacy will always be remembered. **Many years after his death, audiences and those who loved him still remember the joyful and humorous moments he brought**. His films are still rebroadcast on television and always attract a large number of viewers, proving that **the love that audiences have for him has never faded**.

Rene Requiestas lives forever in the hearts of those who loved him. **His death is not just the loss of an artist, but also the loss of a person whom we all loved and sympathized with**.

Rene Requiestas’ death is an unforgettable event in the history of Philippine entertainment, not only because of his successful career, but also because of the sincerity, resilience and optimism he left behind in this world.