Rene Requiestas

Renato "Rene" Licup Requiestas (; January 22, 1957 – July 24, 1993) was a Filipino actor, comedian and politician. Requiestas was one of the top Filipino comedians of the late 1980s up to the early 1990s. Requiestas was known for his sidekick roles alongside other comedy actors such as Joey de Leon and his pairing with Kris Aquino in romantic comedies, as well as his fluent English speaking, distinctive gaunt, and toothless appearance.

Career Acting career On September 21, 1977, Requiestas, as a member of the newly established Kabataang Barangay, was among 15 recipients of a KB award for his active participation in cultural shows.

Requiestas' early appearances in films consisted of small incidental roles in dramas such as Ikaw Ay Akin in 1978 and Pabling in 1981. From 1987 to 1988, he was a cast member of the stage play WIS: Walang Ibig Sabihin at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, with critic Mike Feria noting his inclination to ad-lib.

He would later receive supporting roles in comedy films beginning with Sheman: Mistress of the Universe in September 1988. His performance in Smith & Wesson as the bumbling villain named Don Johnson Waks was praised by critic Lav Diaz, who considered him to have a natural talent in comedy.

Maricel Soriano, who collaborated with Requiestas in the film Leon at Tigre , expressed that unlike other lead actors she worked with in comedies, he was usually quiet and by himself on the set. Requiestas once remarked that the films he does is largely for his mother, stating that "She is already old and need to be sure that everything is for her. I don't want her to experience anymore hardships at her age."

After Requiestas' death in July 1993, critic Mario E. Bautista expressed regret that Requiestas was unable to star in a single good film in his career in spite of his comedic talents.

Political career In 1991, Requiestas filed his candidacy for Councilor of Taguig's 2nd (lone) district under the Party ticket of Dr. Loida Labao of Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) for the 1992 elections and later won. He proclaimed on July 4, 1992 after almost 4 weeks of canvassing of the votes, he place 2 out of 46 other candidates and garnered 20,909 votes and he sworn as Councilor of Taguig on July 6, 1992 until his death on July 24, 1993. Later that year, Requiestas adopted a daughter and named her Darren Krisnee, taken from his and Kris Aquino's names. She was born on November 11, 1989, to Requiestas' distant relatives, but due to their difficulty in raising numerous children, Requiestas decided to adopt the child as his own.

Death Requiestas died on July 24, 1993, at the age of 36 due to tuberculosis, liver and lung failure, and complications caused by alcohol abuse and smoking. He was initially buried in Manila Memorial Park – Sucat in Parañaque and later transferred to Cainta Public Cemetery in Cainta, Rizal.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Note(s) . 1978 Ikaw Ay Akin 1979 Salawahan Dimples 1981 Pabling 1987 Working Girls 2 Credited as "Rene Requiestos" 1988 Sheman: Mistress of the Universe Stallone I Love You 3x a Day Janitor Smith & Wesson Don Johnson Waks Kumander Anting-Anting 1989 Starzan: Shouting Star of the Jungle Cheetaeh Mars Ravelo's Bondying: The Little Big Boy Rene Barbi: Maid in the Philippines G.I. Joe Long Ranger & Tonton: Shooting Stars of the West Tonton Gutierrez Starzan II: The Coming of the Star Son Cheeta-eh Aso't Pusa Boboy Elvis and James: The Living Legends! (Buhay Pa... Mukhang Alamat Na!) James Dacuycoy SuperMouse and the Robo-Rats Doro Gawa Na ang Bala para sa Akin Rene Romeo Loves Juliet (But Their Families Hate Each Other) Himself 1990 Starzan III: The Jungle Triangle Cheeta-eh Last Two Minutes Himself Cameo Small, Medium, Large Pol Elvis and James 2 James Dacuycoy Ganda Babae, Ganda Lalake Ututino Camote Little and Big Weapon Sgt. Sam Flower Michael and Madonna Michael Jackstone Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo Pido Samson & Goliath Goliath Si Prinsipe Abante at ang Lihim ng Ibong Adarna Prinsipe Amante 1991 Cheeta-eh, Ganda Lalake? Cheeta-eh Alyas Batman en Robin Joker Pido Dida 2: Kasal Na Pido Luv Ko si Ma'am Felix Anak ni Janice Facundo 1992 The Return of Long Ranger & Tonton: How the West Was Wrong Tonton Gutierrez Leon at Tigre Leon Manzano First Time: Like a Virgin Father Big Ambulance: Call for Emergency PJ The Good, the Bad & the Ugly Nardo Takbo... Talon... Tili!!! Kiko "Mga Laruan nina Kiko, Tito at Toto" segment 1993 Hulihin: Probinsyanong Mandurukot Syano Pido Dida 3: May Kambal Na Pido Posthumously released Michael & Madonna 2 Michael Jackstone Posthumously released

Television Year Title Role Note(s) 1985–1989 U.F.O.: Urbano, Felissa & Others Unknown 1987–1989 Sic O'Clock News Cast member 1987–1993 Mother Unknown 1988–1993 Regal Shockers Unknown 1988 Lovingly Yours, Helen Unknown 1988–1993 Eat Bulaga! Himself (guest host) 1989 Coney Reyes on Camera Unknown 1989–1991 Bhoy Lead role 1990–1993 Sa Linggo nAPO Sila Unknown 1990 GMA Presents: Alice Unknown 1990 Palibhasa Lalake Adonis 1990–1992 Pandakekoks Unknown 1991–1993 Maalaala Mo Kaya Himself his last TV appearance 2013 Tunay Na Buhay Himself aired posthumously 20 years after his death in 1993

Awards Year Award-giving body Category Movie Result 1991 GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards