Babalu

Pablo Martin Sarmiento (June 28, 1942 – August 27, 1998), better known as Babalu, was a Filipino comedian and actor. His screen name was a reference to his long, sharp chin ("babà" is the Filipino term for "chin"; babalu is a Filipino gay term derived from it), which was sometimes a subject of on-screen jokes, usually by himself.

Babalu grew up in Sampaloc, Manila in his grandmother's home with his mother, one sister and three brothers. Babalu was the nephew of comedian Panchito Alba and the grandson of character actress Etang Discher. Babalu fathered three children (1 boy and 2 girls). He was initially married to Liwayway Sarmiento, whose relationship bore him a son named Lyndon Sarmiento. The couple would eventually separate because of Babalu's alcoholism, and Liwayway would migrate to live in the United States but they would still maintain a close relationship up until his death. For several years he was living with his long-time partner, Lalaine, who eventually became his second wife prior to his death, with whom he had two daughters.

Babalu is considered "one of the most famous, beloved, and greatest comedians" in the Philippines. Initially serving as his uncle's personal assistant in the 60's and a bit-player at the same time, his Uncle Panchito's long-time comic partner Dolphy, the king of Philippine Comedy, discovered Babalu's talent as a comedian, however, it was Director Ading Fernando who gave him his stage name "Babalu" in reference to his chin, which eventually led him to be given a featured role on the Philippines' leading comedy-variety show Buhay Artista in the 1970s. Following a brief career stagnation in the 1980s, He eventually managed to stage a great comeback in the 1990s, appearing as mainstays in films and television which includes the shows Home Along Da Riles and Oki Doki Doc. He also gained and experienced further popularity during this time because of his comedy partnership with comedian Redford White, with whom he had a string of successful films. His life story was featured on the television show Maalaala Mo Kaya on the episode entitled, "Imahe ng Birhen" on July 3, 2003 where he was portrayed by Paolo Contis and Tirso Cruz III.

Babalu was warned of his health condition in March 1998 but kept his health problems a secret from his co-stars, particularly from Aga Muhlach and the others in the weekly TV shows Oki Doki Doc and Home Along Da Riles, wherein he was a regular cast.

Babalu's last two movies were Tataynic with Dolphy and Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong-kitong together with Redford White, Bonel Balingit and Serena Dalrymple. He died of liver cancer on August 27, 1998, two months after his 56th birthday, in his home in Antipolo. He was buried in Loyola Memorial Park in Parañaque. The film Tar-San is dedicated to his memory.