Comedian Joy Viado passes away

MANILA - Joy Viado has passed away, a source close to the comedian confirmed to ABS-CBN News Saturday evening. She was 57.

After suffering a heart attack, Viado was taken at the Quezon City General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 8:55 p.m., according to her best friend, Annete Lucido, per ABS-CBN News' MJ Felipe.

In an interview with DZMM, Viado's son, Joseph Cristopher, said she had difficulty breathing after arriving home from a friend's place Saturday.

"Galing siya sa bahay ng kaibigan niya, at paguwi niya ay medyo nahihirapan na siyang huminga," Joseph shared. "Tapos nung tinakbo namin siya sa hospital, sa kotse pa lang eh talagang nahihirapan na siya. Sa hospital, sinubukan i-revive pero [dead on arrival]."

A wake for Viado will be held at the Arlington Memorial Chapels Sunday afternoon, added Joseph.

A veteran comedienne who has featured in numerous television series and films, Viado last made headlines in 2015 when she broke down as she appealed for help to save her foot from amputation due to diabetes complications.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

John Prats, Jason Francisco in brawl

Actor John Prats was hit by comedian Jason Francisco during rehearsals for a late-night gag show in San Juan City on Thursday.


Prats was hit three times by Franciso on his cheek and chin Thursday night at the Music Museum during a taping for an upcoming episode of "Banana Split."

"I was watching sa rehearsal ng 'Banana Split' then from behind sa likod ko, sinapak niya ako sa mukha, dito at dito (pointing to chin, cheek). Na sa likod siya. Tapos nung humarap na ako, sabi ko, 'Anong problema mo?'" Prats told ABS-CBN News.

"Hindi ko alam kung bakit niya ako biglang sinapak. Para akong nakakita ng demonyo," he said.

Prats has already reported the incident to the San Juan police.

Jemster Reyes, the director "Banana Split," recalled the incident, saying they immediately tried to restrain Francisco.

"Akala ko tatapikin lang si John, tapos 'yung tapik niya isang malakas na sampal, tapos isang suntok sa kaliwa tapos suntok ulit, bali tatlo. Tapos inawat na namin kasi nagulat kami pareho," he said.

Prats surmised that Francisco was angered by the group's constant teasing of the comedian's former girlfriend Melai Cantiveros, who is also part of the cast of "Banana Split."

"Kasi sa amin sa 'Banana Split' talagang asaran talaga kami, inaasar ko si Jason na malaki ulo, ako tinutukso na maliit, and it's normal," he said.

Asked on why he suspects he was the one hit by Francisco, the actor added, "Wala, I felt that I was the one available that time."

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Francisco admitted that he was hurt by the jokes about him and Cantiveros. He also apologized to Prats and the staff of the program.

Francisco, who left with Cantiveros following the encounter, added that he hopes to speak with Prats personally to apologize.

source: abs-cbnnews.com