Tessie Tomas

Tessie Tomas (born October 31, 1950) is a Filipino actress, copy writer, creative director, television host and stand-up comedian. Regarded as the original "Queen of Daytime TV", she is best-known for hosting some of the most successful TV programs in the Philippines such as Teysi ng Tahanan (1991), Compañero y Compañera (1997), and sitcoms including Onli in da Pilipins (1997), and Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata (1991). She was the first Filipino actress to score a nomination in the "Best Actress" category at the International Emmy Awards for her performance in the 1989 film, A Dangerous Life.Tomas is celebrated as one of the "country’s most brilliant artists" and one of the greatest comedians of all time, noted for her "style and distinctive approach on comedy." She began doing stints as a radio voice talent at the age of 10 and ultimately spent a decade working in the advertising industry at several companies before becoming the first Filipino creative director of McCann Erickson. She made her screen debut in 1981 thru the gag show Champoy. Dubbed as the second lady of television and the "Queen of Stand-up Comedy", she is cited as one of the pioneers of impersonation, famous for portraying the likes of Amanda Pineda, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Bonnie Buendia and Meldita aka Imelda Marcos.

In recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, she has won countless accloades including "Best Actress" at the Gawad Tanglaw Awards, "Entertainer of the Year" at the Aliw Award, Creative Guild's 'Hall of Fame' award, "Best Actress" at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, "Best Actress" at the QCinema International Film Festival, "Best Actress" at the Subic Bay International Film Festival and several nominations from Gawad Urian Awards and American Cable Awards.