Did Jose Manalo replace this Dabarkad as lead star of 'Boy Tokwa?'
Was Jose Manalo the first choice as lead star of the comedy film "Boy Tokwa: Lodi ng Gapo?"
This movie, which is currently being screened in cinemas, is the first feature film offering of the Vicente "Tito" Sotto-owned outfit VST Productions.
According to Direk Tony Reyes, they initially thought of tapping another comedian to bring life to Rodrigo Morelos (aka Boy Tokwa).
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Direk Tony disclosed the first choice of the producers.
"Actually, nung una, gusto sana nila Joey de Leon. Pero nung nakita ko 'yung picture ni Boy Tokwa, kamukha sila ni Jose Manalo.
"Sabi ko sa kanila, mas maganda siguro kung si Jose."
"Boy Tokwa" is based on the true story of a con ar$st who only targets foreigners.
During his stay in Olongapo, Boy Tokwa met and courted Naval officer Anne McArthur, granddaughter of General Douglas McArthur but was turned down.
He eventually met Patricia Woods who is also a Naval officer whom he married. They were blessed with a daughter. In the movie, Karel Marquez was cast as Annabelle, the daughter of Boy Tokwa.
When Jose was asked if he knew that Joey was the first choice for Boy Tokwa, he admied:
"Si Tito Joey yata 'yung gusto nila noon, matagal na. Mahaba pa 'yung buhok niya noon kaya pwedeng siya.
"Siguro nung $me na ito, hindi na pwedeng mag-shoot si Tito Joey kaya sa akin napunta."