Mariano Contreras (July 12, 1910 – December 12, 1978), better known by his stage name Pugo, was a Filipino actor, comedian, vaudevillian, and film director, famous as one half of the comedy team Pugo and Tugo during the 1930s up to 1950s.[2][3] He was sometimes credited as Mang Nano and was known as the original King of Philippine Comedy.[4]

Pugo
Birth nameMariano Contreras
Born(1910-07-12)July 12, 1910
DiedDecember 12, 1978(1978-12-12) (aged 68)
Resting placeManila Memorial Park, Parañaque, Philippines[1]
MediumFilm, vaudeville, television
NationalityFilipino
Years active1938–1978
Relative(s)Antonio P. Contreras (grandson)

As an actor, Contreras has performed in movies such as Nukso ng Nukso, released in 1960, 2 Sundalong Kanin (1952), and Kambal Tuko (1952), in which he portrayed Momoy. Pugo was also a film director and has worked on Kababalaghan o Kabulastugan?, released in 1960.

After Tugo's death in 1952, Contreras teamed up with Bentot in movies, radio and television.[5] His popular TV shows were Tangtarangtang, Si Tatang Kasi, and Wanted Boarders.

Death edit

Pugo died on December 12, 1978, in Manila, Philippines at the age of 68.

Legacy edit

Pugo & his fellow on screen comedian partner Togo were both posthumously featured on the YouTube channel Graveyard Pinoy TV, a Filipino inspired version of Graveyard Hollywood TV of California was launched in 2020.

Filmography edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Our Heritage and the Departed: A Cemeteries Tour". Presidential Museum & Library (Philippines). Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  2. ^ Pugo, people.theiapolis.com
  3. ^ Pugo, movie-industry.blogspot.com
  4. ^ "Remembering Departed Stars".
  5. ^ Pugo and Bentot, qrst.wordpress.com

External links edit