Willie Nepomuceno with daughter Frida

MANILA, Philippines -- Saturday, Oct. 22, marks the final extended run of Willie Nepomuceno’s hit show “STOP! In the name of Laugh.”

The much talked about show began as a fund raiser for the families of media killing victims. Soon word spread about the very funny yet stimulating experience one gets after the performance. “It makes one feel proud of being a Filipino,” said one of the audiences... “kinilabutan ako sa ending ng show!”

It has attracted quite a number of personalities who’ve seen the repeat performance last September. Spotted in the audience were Boots Anson Roa, Dulce, Rep. Butch Aquino, former Mayor Lito Atienza, Atty. Romy Macalintal, the new Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Dennis Villa Ignacio of the Sandigang Bayan, Mrs. Ming Ramos, the “Dragon Lady” herself Lenny de Jesus, Presiding Judge Conrado Vasquez, National Scientist Teodulo Topacio, composer Nonoy Tan, media personalities Alex Tinsay, Kata Inocencio, Ishko Lopez, Ester Dipasupil, Tintin Bersola, Bibsy Carballo, this writer and PDI columnist Neal Cruz to name a few.

What caught Willie’s attention though was the heartwarming response of the senior citizens who braved the traffic, the rains and the crowd that trooped to the venue. Some were in wheelchairs and a few who had to be bodily carried up the stairways of the Music Museum. Willie’s first reaction was “wow, these are my fans? Ang tanda ko na pala!” but soon tears welled in his eyes as he realized what “his fans” had to go through just to watch him perform live on stage and how much happiness he is able to give them. Some were already in their mid ’80s that reminded Willie of his mom, his No. 1 fan, who ironically is a little too weak to watch her own son’s live performance on stage.

The show opens with a Presidential forum of past Presidents and the present one from “Macoy to P-Noy.” They are asked controversial questions pointblank by a panel of media personalities that include Karen Davila, Vic de Leon Lima, Julius Babao, Amy Perez, Anthony Taberna, Bernadette Sembrano and “Action Lady,” Ms. Kaye Dacer.

Willie then showcases his not obviously known talent for mimicking musical instruments like the saxophone, trumpet, drums, maracas, violin and harmonica and creating believably real sound effects with his vocal chords. A feat he acquired even as a little boy.

A perennial favorite of the audience is his impression of Dolphy where he magically transforms onstage into the King of Comedy right before their very eyes. He then shares his hilarious words of wisdom or tips on how to combat “senior moments.”

Frida debuted at the Music Museum where she did a take off on Kris Aquino, acting as host of the reality show inspired “Presidentiables’ Gut Talent,” another Willie Nep blockbuster staged last year shortly before the Presidential elections. Frida also reprised the roles of Tita Cory and GMA. Already some quarters are betting she could be a real chip from the old block, her father’s daughter indeed.

Jazzing Jenifer

Friends of mine who love standards and light jazz have been giving me glowing reports about an attractive and svelte singer named Jenifer Rawolle who, despite being only in her mid-20s, dishes out favorites from the past and gives them her own treatment. “Hindi siya plakado. She’s got her own style,” one of them remarked.

Jenifer was born and raised here by her Australian father and Filipina mother. She’s a crowd-drawer in the music lounges where she regularly performs: Hyatt Hotel lobby bar in Malate, Celebrity Lounge in San Juan and at the Top of the Century in Ermita. I was told she’s also a favorite at special events.

I plan to catch her act one of these nights.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Friday, Oct. 21, go to Henry Sy, Irma Potenciano, Mitch Valdes, Gabby Claudio, Jose Javier Reyes, Kookoo Gaonzalez, Marirose Sison Garcia, Chelo Banal-Formoso,Tessie E. Rodrigo, Charing Dulalia, Celia Martinez-Flores, Mary Kathleen Joseph, Ernest Tagle, Celia Cunanan, Delfin V. Cruz, Jr., Joan Menguito, John Lawrence and John Mark Dela Cruz, Jesus Reynaldo V. Palma, Analiza R. Velasco, Stephen Thomas Flores Joseph, Edwin Costa, Kathy Tanjuatco, Beth Gelema and Pica Lozano of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to former Pres. & Mrs. Fidel V. Ramos (nee Amelita Martinez)…