Anecdotes

His death has been described by Philippine entertainment media as "the day the laughter died."

Distinguished himself as the only actor who championed the Chinese people in his films by celebrating their industry and practical sense through his Mr. Wong character.

An accomplished politician, he was an undefeated councilor of Makati City until the time of his death in July 2, 1997. He served as the city's Vice Mayor for sometime.

A sportsman, he was a good boxer, a motor racer, a professional jai-alai player, a champion bowler and an excellent jockey. He was also one of 'Efren Bata Reyes'' mentors, having notched a world championship title in billiard.

The origin of his long love affair with his Mr. Wong character started with his Clover Theater days where he appeared with a face full of white powder. Noting that Chinese were often portrayed as 'taho' (a white Chinese food from soybeans) vendor, he uplifted their image with his Mr. Wong character.

He invented a water heater out of an empty albatross container. He also made an electric tester using an empty ballpen and a cap of Vicks Vaporub. All his 'inventions' are being kept by his family.

Served as councilor of Makati, a suburb of Metropolitan Manila in the Philippines, from 1988 to 1992, then from 1995 until his death in 1997.

Arch rival of Dolphy as the top comedian during their prime.

An actor, poet, dancer, director, writer, and producer.

His production company is Sotang Bastos Productions.

He discovered Alma Moreno, who also became her leading lady in the movie Kambal tuko (1952).

Seven children daughters with Ely "Vilma" Isidro: Remedios ( Medy Valdes ), Elisa ( Bukol Pangan ), Marian Melodia (Buma), Victoria (Princess), and Tiny (Chiquita) and sons Augusto Jr. (Gus) and Archie.

He figured in a motor mishap that almost crushed his face.

Got his break in the film industry from Larry Santiago.

Member of the "Low Waist Gang" that include Fernando Poe Jr., Zaldy Zshornack and Jess Lapid to showbiz fame in the movie Lo' Waist Gang (1956).

Started his showbiz career when he was seven years old. His first foray into the field of entertainment was at Clover Theater during the early 40s. He was joining the impersonation contest of Togo when Lou Salvador spotted him, and gave him the break as a performer during theater intermissions.

His parents belonged to a wealthy family in San Miguel, Bulacan. His ancestor was the famous Epifanio delos Santos whose main thoroughfare, EDSA, in the capital region was named after.

Wife Vilma was the dancing partner of Ramon Zamora in the Jumping Jack act at Dalisay Theater. He was 19, and she was 16 when they were married.

Wanted to become a doctor or lawyer but mustered only a high school education from Mapua because of his great demand in showbiz.

All of the first-born males bear their granddad's name, Augusto -- Marco Augusto, Ethan August, and Augusto Nicko.

Children Bukol Pangan and Medy Valdes also appeared in movies.

Sotang Bastos (1959), his very first title role, became the name of his movie production company.

His first starring role was as a member of the Lo' Waist Gang in the group's fourth movie, Lutong makaw (1958).