NEWSFLASH

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BOLD STAR AL TANTAY NOW TV DIRECTOR

Manila, Oct. 13, 1997 - Al Tantay, introduced as a sex symbol in the 70s, has emerged from years of drugs and dejection to emerge as one of Philippine television's most successful directors.

Publicly admitting his drug dependence from 1986-1991, Al credits fellow actor and TV director Edgar Mortiz for encouraging him to shake off the doldrums and return to show business.

"If there's one person who truly believes in me, si Bobot iyon. He took me in, had faith in me, guided me through the first years after I emerged from my dark years," Tantay says.

From writing segments of Tropang Trumpo, Al graduated to become its first line director, gaining confidence and experience in the medium. When friend Bobot Mortiz found himself with more shows than he could direct, one of them landed in Tantay's lap. "Wow, Mali!" took the challenge and persevered to learn the technical aspects of TV directing.

"Wow, Mali!" is a Pinoy version of "Candid Camera" combined with "Bloopers and Practical Jokes" and "For the Money" all rolled into one. The success of "Wow, Mali!" and "Tropa" inspired Al to come up with new concepts for shows. One of them is now on the tube; "O Gag" is inspired by "Mr. Bean" and is also directed by Al.

Given a choice, Tantay would opt for directing over acting.

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