204. PHILIPPINE TV SITCOM ADS 1975-1987

A COLLAGE OF TV SITCOM STARS AS PRODUCT ENDORSERS.

TV situation comedy shows rose in popularity in the 1970s, and spawned many characters that were loved, adored and worshipped, even if they were fictional figures created by imaginative television creatives. Advertising agencies realized the pulling power of these sitcoms and the believable characters that animated them, and before long, these sitcom personas, began appearing in print ads to endorse products and push services.

JOHN EN MARSHA for LIBBYS’ (1975) and IMARFLEX (1987)

WATCH "JOHN EN MARSHA" HERE:

 “JOHN EN MARSHA” was a hugely-popular TV sitcom that ran for over 16 years (1973-1990) on RPN Channel 9. The sitcom starred no less than the King of Comedy, Dolphy as the impoverished John Puruntong, with Nida Blanca as his wife, Marsha Jones, who comes from a family of means. Mother-in-law Doñya Delilah (Dely Atay-Atayan). is the foil who often provides the conflict, berating John no end for his lack of drive when things go awry (“Kaya ikaw John, magsumikap ka…). The Puruntong children were played by Rolly Quizon and Maricel Soriano as the young Shirley. Matutina played Doña Delilah’s side kick.

 

MATUTINA & SHIRLEY PURUNTONG for Libby's Pork & Beans, 1975

The JOHN EN MARSHA characters appeared in a few ads, and the earliest from 1975 featured Matutina (Evelyn Bontogon, in real life) and Shirley (Maricel Soriano, for LIBBY’S PORK & BEANS. “Libis is di Bis!” became the brand’s battlecry which caught on wit the public. Maricel Soriano would grow into a fine, award-winning TV & movie actress, and is dubbed as the “Diamond Star” for her achievements.

MARSHA, DELILAH, AND MATUTINA, for 3-D Turbo  Iron 1987

A decade later,  JOHN EN MARSHA characters (Marsha, Doña Delilah and Matutina) were tapped to promote IMARFLEX Turbo Cordless Iron in print ads that ran in women;s magazines in 1987.

 CHICKS TO CHICKS for LIGO SARDINES (1984)

WATCH 'CHICKS TO CHICKS' HERE:

Freddie Webb was Jimmy Capistrano to Noval Villa’s Ines, who portrayed his wife in this zany 1984 sit-com called CHICKS TO CHICKS.Aired every Wednesday on Channel 13, CHICKS TO CHICKS traces the hilarious goings-on in the Capistrano house that counts sexy belles like Carmi Martin, Ruby Anna, Maria Teresa Carlson, Bong Dimayacyac and Lorraine Schuck as co-residents. Chiqui (played by Chito Arceo) was the testosterone-driven brother of Ines. In 1987, it moved to Channel 2 (ABS-CBN) and retitled Chika-Chika-Chicks.

THE CAPISTRANOS (Freddie Webb & Nova Villa) of CHICKS TO CHICKS, 1984

The Capistranos, Freddie and Nova,  were the featured endorsers for LIGO Sardines, in this print ad that came out in the 80s.

CHAMPOY for 3-D DEBONAIRE ELECTRIC FANS (1980)

LISTEN TO 'CHAMPOY' THEME SONG HERE:

The revolutionary comedy show that did not sit too well with the Marcos administration, began in 1980 as CHAMPOY. The gag show often featured politically-inspired characters and sketches, performed by Subas Herrero,Noel Trinidad, Tessie Tomas, and featuring Mitch Valdez. Aired on RPN Channel 9, CHAMPOY’s popular segments included “Mr. Boom-Boom”, “Walang Sisihan”and Tessie Tomas’ impersonations—including Meldita, a parody of Imelda Marcos.

SUBAS HERRERO, TESSIE TOMAS & NOEL TRINIDAD of Champoy for 3-D Fans

On its first year, CHAMPOY bagged its first endorsement for 3-D products. This print ad, which is part of a series is for 3-D Debonaire Fan models.

SOURCES:

DOLPHY`S BEST JOHN AND MARSHA FUNNY VIDEOS, uploaded by JBDONJ De Leon, Published on Nov 19, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXhpXO7RCyw

Chicks to Chicks (April 16, 1980 full episode), uploaded by inthiscorner100

Published on Sep 4, 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCqL3XfFSmo

CHAMPOY Theme Song - Subas Herrero and Noel Trinidad, uploaded by

Jennychicolini, Published on Jan 20, 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW7m7nOwP-c