Shalala was known as the 'Reyna ng Blind Item' in showbiz

Aside from giving laughs to a lot of Filipinos' homes, the late comedian Shalala was also known as the "Reyna ng Blind Item" in showbiz.

According to a 2014 episode of "Tunay na Buhay," this nickname started when he joined the showbiz talkshow "Tweetbiz: The Bizniz of Chizmiz" in 2010.

Radio personality Mr. Fu said the comedian was able to create a name for himself because he delivers his blind items in a unique way.

"His blind item performance, he incorporates comedy in it so that's what's different. He does not simply state it," he said in Filipino.

"He has a natural or innate talent when he delivers. His being a natural comedian helped him," showbiz expert Aster Amoyo added.

Shalala, meanwhile, thinks he was known as such because he is the only one who does tricks while saying his lines for the blind item.

"I'm the queen of blind items because I'm the only one who does tumblings and dances when I can simply do the lines while sitting down," he said.

On Wednesday morning, comedian and TV host Shalala passed away at the age of 61 after battling pulmonary tuberculosis.

Shalala, who was named Carmelito Reyes in real life, was born January 21, 1960.

He is well-known in the entertainment industry as "Shalala," a name given to him by Kuya Germs himself.

Apart from "Tweetbiz," he is also known to bring laughter through his TV programs such as GMA-7's "Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman" and films such as "Ang Darling Kong Aswang" (2009), "Agimat at Enteng Kabisote" (2010), "My House Husband: Ikaw Na" (2011), and "Echoserang Frog" (2014).

His brother, Anthony Reyes, called on our generosity to help with Shalala's medical expenses. People can send donations to:

Anthony M. Reyes
Metrobank Savings Account Number: 091-3-091-33785-2

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News