🎤 “The Clones” Strikes Again! Boss Joey De Leon Amused by Yoyoy Villame Sound-Alike Contestant

Iconic Filipino novelty legend gets unexpected tribute on national TV

June 7, 2025 | 10:15 AM

It was laughter, nostalgia, and applause at full volume during the June 6 episode of “The Clones”, the hit noontime segment known for showcasing talented individuals who impersonate legendary Filipino personalities. This time, the spotlight fell on a contestant who bore a striking vocal resemblance to no other than the late novelty king, Yoyoy Villame—and none other than Boss Joey de Leon couldn’t help but express his delight.

🗣️ “Parang nabuhay si Yoyoy!” says Joey de Leon

During the show’s live airing, one contestant—identified only as “Ronnie from Bohol”—delivered an energetic and near-perfect vocal imitation of Yoyoy Villame’s iconic style. From the rapid-fire delivery to the whimsical diction, Ronnie had the audience clapping and the judges, especially Joey de Leon, laughing uncontrollably.

“You don’t just sound like Yoyoy, you also captured his soul! Parang nabuhay si Yoyoy dito sa studio!” Joey said mid-segment, still chuckling.

The audience roared in agreement.

📺 A Tribute Worthy of the Legend

Yoyoy Villame, known for his novelty hits like “Butsekik”, “Mag-exercise Tayo”, and “Philippine Geography”, is remembered as a national treasure in Filipino pop culture. His one-of-a-kind comedic style combined with clever lyrics made him a household name throughout the 1970s to 1990s.

Ronnie’s performance included a medley of Yoyoy’s classics, complete with a straw hat, vintage microphone, and exaggerated dance steps. The segment felt less like an impersonation and more like a lovingly crafted tribute.

😂 “The Clones” Keeps Bringing the Icons Back to Life

“The Clones” has recently enjoyed renewed popularity for tapping into Filipino nostalgia. The concept is simple: contestants must not only look like a star—they must sound, move, and perform like them too. It’s part talent competition, part tribute concert, part comedy skit—and viewers can’t get enough.

Recent episodes featured impersonators of April Boy Regino, Freddie Aguilar, Regine Velasquez, and even foreign acts like Elvis Presley and Whitney Houston. But it was Ronnie’s channeling of Yoyoy Villame that seemed to resonate most deeply with viewers and judges alike.

👥 Netizens React: “Yoyoy Lives On!”

After the show aired, clips of Ronnie’s performance quickly trended on TikTok, Facebook Reels, and X (formerly Twitter). The hashtags #YoyoyLivesOn, #TheClones, and #BossJoeyApproves dominated Filipino social media spaces for hours.

One user posted:

“Grew up hearing Yoyoy every Sunday with my Lolo. Hearing Ronnie today brought tears and laughter. Salamat, The Clones!”

Another joked:

“If you close your eyes, akala mo 1985 na ulit!”

Even some younger fans admitted to Googling Yoyoy Villame afterward, proving that the legend’s legacy is reaching new ears in 2025.

📣 What’s Next for Ronnie?

While “The Clones” doesn’t always lead to long-term fame, standout contestants like Ronnie often get invited for guest appearances, mall shows, and even local comedy gigs.

Rumors are already circulating that he might be featured in an upcoming tribute concert celebrating novelty artists in Philippine music, set to take place later this year in Cebu—Yoyoy Villame’s home province.

When asked backstage how he felt, Ronnie humbly said:

“Wala akong ibang gustong gawin kundi ipagpatuloy ang saya na iniwan ni Yoyoy. Idol ko siya simula bata pa ako. Kung mapasaya ko ang tao kahit saglit, ayos na ako.”

🎶 Why We Still Love Yoyoy

In an age of autotune and highly produced pop music, the raw, humorous, and often educational style of Yoyoy Villame continues to find relevance. His songs were quirky but smart, funny but thought-provoking. Teachers used them, drivers blasted them, families danced to them—and thanks to Ronnie and The Clones, that legacy lives on.

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