Babalu

Pablo Martin Sarmiento (June 28, 1942 – August 27, 1998), better known as Babalu, was a Filipino comedian and actor. His screen name was a reference to his long, sharp chin ("babà" is the Filipino term for "chin"; babalu is a Filipino gay term derived from it), which was sometimes a subject of on-screen jokes, usually by himself.

Personal life Babalu grew up in Sampaloc, Manila in his grandmother's home with his mother, one sister and three brothers. Babalu fathered three children (1 boy and 2 girls). For several years and until his death, he was living with his long-time partner, Lalaine, who eventually became his wife prior to his death, with whom he had children with her.

Acting career Babalu is considered "one of the most famous, beloved, and greatest comedians" in the Philippines. He is the nephew of the famous actor Panchito Alba. Dolphy, the king of Philippine Comedy, discovered Babalu's talent as a comedian. Babalu was given a featured role on the Philippines' leading comedy-variety show Buhay Artista. His appearances in movies and television included the shows Home Along Da Riles and Oki Doki Doc. Babalu's life story was featured on the television show Maalaala Mo Kaya "Imahe ng Berhen" on July 3, 2003.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes1962 Lab na Lab Kita (Super Wonder Margarine) Seller Cameo The Big Broadcast Audience Member Uncredited 1965 Genghis Bond: Agent 1-2-3 Babalu 1966 Napoleon Doble and the Sexy Six Mariang Kondesa Wow na Wow!!1967 Ayaw Ni Mayor Uncredited Pitong Zapata1968 Ang Banal, Ang Ganid, At Ang Pusakal Berting Eskinita 29 Buy One Take One 1969 Banda 241970 El Pinoy Matador Babalu Boyoyoy Si Ponso, Si Elena At Si Boy1971 Toro! Tora! Toray! Bukid Ay Basa1972 Ibong Adarna Prinsipe Albano Love Pinoy Style Pinokyo En Little Snow White 1973 Ako'y Paru Paro, Bulaklak Naman Ako! Tutuboy Captain Barbell Boom! Petot Drakula Goes to R.P. Ambo Fefita Fofonggay Viuda De Falayfay 1974 Sarhento Fofonggay: A, ewan! Corporal Dela Cruz John And Marsha Guard Cameo 1975 Kung May Tiyaga May Nilaga O... Anong Sarap Romeo At Julio Doctor, Doctor I Am Sick!1976 Kaming Matatapang Ang Apog Bobby Cameo Ngiti, Tawa At Halakhak 1977 Omeng Satanasia Steve 1979 Buhay Artista Ngayon Chito 1980 Ang Bobo Kong Genie Juan Tamad Jr. Bertong Tapal Cameo 1981 Boljak Baba Milyonaryong Gipit Pamilya Antik 1982 My Juan En Only Ambo My Heart Belongs to Daddy Inmate Cross My Heart Ninong's Son 1984 Teppanyaki Uncredited Kapag Baboy ang Inutang Pepe 1985 The Crazy Professor Guard Cameo; first collaboration with Aga Muhlach 1986 The Buelta Force Babalu Sarmiento 1987 My Bugoy Goes to Congress Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay Chief Acosta Binibining Tsuper-Man Bob Bata-Batuta Policeman Cameo Suicide Pakners Policeman Cameo 1988 Enteng the Dragon Cameo Bakit Kinagat ni Adan ang Mansanas ni Eba? Doctor Cameo, The Voice has been Overdubbed. 1989 Balbakwa Floro My Darling Domestik Chino 1990 Og Must Be Crazy Et 1991 John en Marsha Ngayon '91 Delivery Man Cameo1993 Ang Boyfriend Kong Gamol Mang Pandong Ano Ba 'Yan 2 Policeman Home Along Da Riles Da Movie Sgt. Babalu Dizon Mama's Boys (Mga Praning-ning) Manong (Landlord) 1994 Once Upon a Time in Manila Carnapper Cameo Hataw Tatay Hataw Gilbert Hindi Pa Tapos Ang Labada Darling Andres O-Ha! Ako Pa? Raul Malino/Chief Greggy en' Boogie: Sakyan Mo Na Lang, Anna Boogie

Health problems and death Babalu was warned of his health condition in March 1998 but kept his health problems a secret from his co-stars, particularly from Aga Muhlach and the others in the weekly TV shows Oki Doki Doc and Home Along Da Riles, wherein he was a regular cast.

Babalu's last two movies were Tataynic with Dolphy and Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong-kitong together with Redford White, Bonel Balingit and Serena Dalrymple. He died of liver cirrhosis on August 27, 1998, two months after his 56th birthday, in his home in Antipolo. He was buried in Loyola Memorial Park in Parañaque. The film Tar-San is dedicated to his memory.