Pablo Martin Sarmiento (June 28, 1942 – August 27, 1998), better known as Babalu, was a Filipino comedian and actor. His screen name was a reference to his long, sharp chin ("babà" is the Filipino term for "chin"; babalu is a Filipino gay term derived from it), which was sometimes a subject of on-screen jokes, usually by himself.

Personal life Babalu grew up in Sampaloc, Manila in his grandmother's home with his mother, one sister and three brothers. Babalu was the nephew of comedian Panchito Alba and the grandson of character actress Etang Discher. Babalu fathered three children (1 boy and 2 girls). He was initially married to Liwayway Sarmiento, whose relationship bore him a son named Lyndon Sarmiento. The couple would eventually separate because of Babalu's alcoholism and Liwayway would migrate to the United States but they would still maintain close relationship up until his death. For several years he was living with his long-time partner, Lalaine, who eventually became his second wife prior to his death, with whom he had two daughters.

Acting career Babalu is considered "one of the most famous, beloved, and greatest comedians" in the Philippines. Initially serving as his uncle's personal assistant in the 60's and a bit-player at the same time, his Uncle Panchito's long-time comic partner Dolphy, the king of Philippine Comedy, discovered Babalu's talent as a comedian, however, it was Director Ading Fernando who gave him his stage name "Babalu" in reference to his chin, which eventually led him to be given a featured role on the Philippines' leading comedy-variety show Buhay Artista in the 1970s. Following a brief career stagnation in the 1980s, He eventually managed to stage a great comeback in the 1990s, appearing as mainstays in films and television which includes the shows Home Along Da Riles and Oki Doki Doc. He also gained and experienced further popularity during this time because of his comedy partnership with comedian Redford White, with whom he had a string of successful films. His life story was featured on the television show Maalaala Mo Kaya on the episode entitled, "Imahe ng Birhen" on July 3, 2003 where he was portrayed by Paolo Contis and Tirso Cruz III.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes1962 Lab na Lab Kita (Super Wonder Margarine) Seller Cameo The Big Broadcast Audience Member Uncredited 1965 Genghis Bond: Agent 1-2-3 Babalu 1966 Napoleon Doble and the Sexy Six Mariang Kondesa Wow na Wow!!1967 Ayaw Ni Mayor Uncredited Pitong Zapata1968 Ang Banal, Ang Ganid, At Ang Pusakal Berting Eskinita 29 Buy One Take One 1969 Banda 241970 El Pinoy Matador Babalu Boyoyoy Si Ponso, Si Elena At Si Boy1971 Toro! Tora! Toray! Bukid Ay Basa1972 Ibong Adarna Prinsipe Albano Love Pinoy Style Pinokyo En Little Snow White 1973 Ako'y Paru Paro, Bulaklak Naman Ako! Tutuboy Captain Barbell Boom! Petot Drakula Goes to R.P. Ambo Fefita Fofonggay Viuda De Falayfay 1974 Sarhento Fofonggay: A, ewan! Corporal Dela Cruz John And Marsha Guard Cameo 1975 Kung May Tiyaga May Nilaga O... Anong Sarap Romeo At Julio Doctor, Doctor I Am Sick!1976 Kaming Matatapang Ang Apog Bobby Cameo Ngiti, Tawa At Halakhak 1977 Omeng Satanasia Steve 1979 Buhay Artista Ngayon Chito 1980 Ang Bobo Kong Genie Juan Tamad Jr. Bertong Tapal Cameo 1981 Boljak Baba Milyonaryong Gipit Pamilya Antik 1982 My Juan En Only Ambo My Heart Belongs to Daddy Inmate Cross My Heart Ninong's Son 1984 Teppanyaki Uncredited Kapag Baboy ang Inutang Pepe 1985 The Crazy Professor Guard Cameo; first collaboration with Aga Muhlach 1986 The Buelta Force Babalu Sarmiento 1987 My Bugoy Goes to Congress Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay Chief Acosta Binibining Tsuper-Man Bob Bata-Batuta Policeman Cameo Suicide Pakners Policeman Cameo 1988 Enteng the Dragon Cameo Bakit Kinagat ni Adan ang Mansanas ni Eba? Doctor Cameo, The Voice has been Overdubbed. 1989 Balbakwa Floro My Darling Domestik Chino 1990 Og Must Be Crazy Et 1991 John en Marsha Ngayon '91 Delivery Man Cameo1993 Ang Boyfriend Kong Gamol Mang Pandong Ano Ba 'Yan 2 Policeman Home Along Da Riles Da Movie Sgt. Babalu Dizon Mama's Boys (Mga Praning-ning) Manong (Landlord) 1994 Once Upon a Time in Manila Carnapper Cameo Hataw Tatay Hataw Gilbert Hindi Pa Tapos Ang Labada Darling Andres O-Ha! Ako Pa? Raul Malino/Chief Greggy en' Boogie: Sakyan Mo Na Lang, Anna Boogie Si Ayala At Si Zobel Soriano 1995 Wanted: Perfect Father Bobby Boy! Gising! Totoy Buan Home Sic Home Robin Father & Son Clinton 1996 Oki Doki Doc: The Movie Mang Berto Da Best in Da West 2: Da Western Pulis Istori Col. Macanto Aring King King: Ang Bodyguard Kong Sexy Fulgoso 1997 I Do? I Die! (D'yos Ko Day!) Domeng Ang Pinakamahabang Baba sa Balat ng Lupa Bryan Home Along Da Riles Part 2 Richy 1998 Haba-Baba-Doo, Puti-Puti-Poo Domeng / Rosanna Magdalena Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong-kitong Bobby Tataynic Mr. Balboa Final film appearance

Television Year Title Role 1992–1998 Home Along da Riles Capt. Babalu (1992–1993 as guest) Mang Ritchie (1994–1998 as main cast) 1993 Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! Uncle Bob (as guest) 1993–1998 Oki Doki Doc Papsie / Mang Berto, the protagonist's landlord

Health problems and death Babalu was warned of his health condition in March 1998 but kept his health problems a secret from his co-stars, particularly from Aga Muhlach and the others in the weekly TV shows Oki Doki Doc and Home Along Da Riles, wherein he was a regular cast.

Babalu's last two movies were Tataynic with Dolphy and Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong-kitong together with Redford White, Bonel Balingit and Serena Dalrymple. He died of liver cirrhosis on August 27, 1998, two months after his 56th birthday, in his home in Antipolo. He was buried in Loyola Memorial Park in Parañaque. The film Tar-San is dedicated to his memory.

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