Norberto "Bert" Joya Marcelo Sr. (June 6, 1936 – December 16, 1995) was a Filipino actor, comedian, and television personality. His trademark high-pitched infectious laughter earned him the popular moniker "Tawa", the Tagalog word for laughter.

Background

Born in Baliuag, Bulacan, Marcelo's persona as the Filipino everyman, enhanced by his eloquency in the Tagalog language and his easy-going friendly nature, made him ideal as the most recognized endorser of the popular San Miguel Beer. Apart from his classic commercials for San Miguel Beer such as Isang Platitong Mani (A Saucerful of Peanuts), Marcelo was also best known as the co-host with Pilita Corrales in Ang Bagong Kampeon (The New Champion), a long-running television talent show which discovered Regine Velasquez (then-known as Chona) and among other talents. He was also an occasional actor in films, as well in television sitcoms such as Baltic and Company in 1974. Aside from his work on television, he also had a stint on radio, as he became one of the announcers who worked with the now defunct DWWW 630 (owned by Radio Philippines Network) in the '80s. In 1991, after throwing a joke on Rudy Fernandez in an awards night at CCP Main Theater, Fernandez approached to him in the backstage and said: '''Sa susunod, huwag mo akong lolokohin! Huwag mo akong mabiru-biro nang ganyan!'' '.

Personal life

He was married to Alicia Trinidad Castro; they had four sons.

Death

Marcelo passed away at the peak of his career when he suffered a fatal stroke on December 16, 1995, at St. Lukes Medical Center, months after losing his gubernatorial bid. He was laid to rest at Municipal Cemetery in Baliuag, Bulacan, beside Jose C. Marcelo (February 2, 1902-August 16, 1970), Aljandra Joya Marcelo (May 18, 1896-March 27, 1992), Genoveva Joya Marcelo, Susana Joya Marcelo, Benita Marcelo, and Girlie V. Marcelo.

Legacy

He was portrayed by comedian Jose Manalo on an episode in “Magpakailanman” in 2003.

Filmography

Film

Television