Tessie Tomas looks back on her remarkable career journey

Seasoned thespian Tessie Tomas sat down with Snooky Serna for a candid and insightful conversation, sharing anecdotes from her extensive career and personal life. The vlog kicked off with a casual catch-up, where Tessie mentioned how busy she had been with her recent projects, particularly her role in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” following the success of “Dirty Linen.”

As the two actresses discussed their craft, Snooky asked Tessie about her approach to preparing for her roles. Tessie revealed that she often seeks advice from industry veterans like Laurice Guillen and Leo Martinez. She also mentioned about technique involving a “magic pocket”—an object she keeps on her person during shoots, which helps her connect with her character.

Tessie also recounted her early days in the industry, proudly noting her achievement of becoming the first Filipino creative director—a milestone she considers a dream come true. Tessie’s journey began with a 10-year stint at Pacifica Publicity Bureau, which led to an offer from McCann Erickson, where she was offered foreign training.

After her success in advertising, Tessie transitioned to television comedy, thanks to Noel Trinidad, who invited her to join a newscast. Writing her scripts, Tessie quickly became known for her unique comedic style, which involved adopting different personalities, costume changes, and monologues—setting her apart from other comedians of her time.

When Snooky asked if comedic talent is something that can be learned, Tessie affirmed that while it can be developed, a natural inclination for it is vital.

Few people know that Tessie is also a talented scriptwriter and lyricist. She shared that she wrote scripts for hit movies “Separada” starring Maricel Soriano and Edu Manzano and “Hanggang Dito Na Lang” with Edu Manzano and Hilda Koronel as lead stars. She also worked on the lyrics of “Magandang Gabi” performed by Nonoy Zuniga and “Promdi” sung by Regine Velasquez.

The vlog wrapped up with a fun game where Tessie was asked to pick names and share her thoughts on various actors. She praised Eugene Domingo for her humor and thanked Boy Abunda for his long-standing friendship and support. She has good words for Soliman Cruz for his talent, commended Janice De Belen for her acting skills, and complimented Dina Bonnevie for her cooking and business acumen.

Throughout the conversation, Tessie Tomas’s warmth, humor, and wisdom shone through, offering a glimpse into the life and career of a woman who has given so much to the entertainment industry. Whether through her pioneering work in advertising, her unforgettable comedic characters, or her heartfelt reflections on family, Tessie remains an enduring figure in Philippine showbiz.