Jon Santos: The man with many faces

Jon Santos has been doing impersonations for almost four decades. And in local showbiz, you know you’ve made it when the so-called “man with many faces” has done an impersonation of you  – Ate Vi, Sherap Estrada, Sen. Meeryam, and Krissy Anino, to note a few.

In his “Powerhouse” interview with Kara David, Jon Santos talked about some of his memorable performances, how he prepare his materials and why he chose to impersonate the following personalities.


Ate Vi

Vilma Santos is Jon Santos’ “eternal favorite.” When asked why he chose to impersonate the “Star for All Seasons,” he said popularity was key. He said it was not difficult to understand her character, since her fame made materials very accessible. “Noong mid 80’s, saan ba siya wala? Television, advertising,” he said. “Mahirap makatakas sa TV o sa pelikula o sa billboard na hindi mo siya nakikita eh.”

Aside from Ate Vi’s popularity, Santos also loves how she is very opinionated. “Mayroon at mayroon siyang sasabihin. You talk about the country, about motherhood, about maturing gracefully, mayroon at mayroon siyang pag-uusapan,” he said.


Sen. Meeryam

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is one of Jon Santos’ favorite personality. “[Sen. Miriam’s] speech pattern and personality are quite distinct. Too many people like her. And perhaps, even in the lower house, even in your house, I’m sure there’s no one who sounds like her!” he said with a laugh.


Sherap Estrada
 

Another colorful politician that Jon Santos loves to impersonate is former President Joseph Estrada. “Masarap siyang i-portray kasi pag-ibig, pulitika, international news, mayroon at mayroon siyang mapapag-usapan,” Santos said. In portraying Erap, Santos shared how he would use paddings to fully impersonate the former president’s physique.


Pres. Gloring

Impersonating a powerful politician takes a lot guts, but to impersonate in front of the actual politician? Only Jon Santos can do that.

“Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon makapag-GMA sa harap ni GMA,” he shared. Santos as Pres. Gloring performed at the Ad Congress in Baguio. “Nandun siya [GMA] bilang panauhing pandangal,” he said.


FVR

Jon Santos was able to dabble in the military world, somehow, when he impersonated Fidel V. Ramos. Proving he can charm anyone, Santos was able to take a photo with FVR while he was dressed as FVR himself. “Nakakapagpatawa naman ako ng sundalo, tinawanan naman ako ni FVR,” he said.

— Bernice Sibucao, CM/GMA News