Romeo Vargas, popularly known as “Choppy” of the iconic stand-up comedy tandem Porkchop Duo, passed away last Saturday, February 3, in New York at the age of 63.
Otan Vargas, Choppy’s son, announced his father’s passing via Facebook.
“My love forever, my idol, my hero, a legend among Filipinos, a legend in my mind and in my heart. My Father. I will be with you in Heaven soon. Rest with God, Dad. Thank you for all the love and lessons, I will take them to my own journey and continue your legacy of making people happy,” Otan wrote in his Facebook account.
The Porkchop Duo became popular in the 90’s for their unique style of comedy. They have performed in over 30 countries.
In 1987 until 1989, the comedic duo had a significant part in “Hatid-Saya”, which was a musical outreach program by the Overseas Welfare Workers Association (OWWA) that aims to entertain countless homesick overseas Filipino workers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
They earned the reputation of being “Filipino Superstars Abroad,” and were even recognized as “Showbiz Ambassadors of Goodwill”.
Choppy has also released an autobiography in 2011 titled, “The Making Of The Porkchop Duo,” where he described himself and his partner Porky as “superheroes” who just want to make people happy “one stage at a time” with their jokes that told a “fragment of their own personal lives.”
Choppy’s tandem Renato “Porky” Gomez passed away in 2009 due to cancer.
