Fausto Mata (Genaro) and Tony Pascual (Chelo), two of the stars of the famous Dominican comedy Sanky Panky, were guests this week on the podcast Destino Tolk, where they expressed the deep affection they have for the Cuban audience.
“Puerto Rico loves us, but Cuba idolizes us,” Chelo stated, mentioning how on the island, the film spread like wildfire when someone brought it on a CD.
Genaro, who acknowledges that he does not support any of those governments, recalled that several years ago he traveled to Cuba through a nonprofit organization for a talk in which they wanted one of the comedians from the film.
"When I arrived in Cuba with my little suitcase, wearing flip-flops and ripped pants, I never expected to be treated like someone significant in Cuba. I was admiring the sights, the vintage cars, when suddenly they took my suitcase from my hand and pulled me away from the line I was in. Given the circumstances, you know there are people who are unaware of the situation in Cuba, especially the political context. I thought, 'Oh my God, what has happened? I haven't said anything, I haven't spoken at all,' and then they told me, 'They’re waiting for you in a room,'" the artist recounted.
The comedian described the warm welcome he received in the country and how, everywhere he went, people recognized him and treated him with great affection.
"I was wearing a red jacket, and I didn't know that red was the color of the Revolution. I mean, I was also caught off guard, but at least I didn't choose a color that was opposed to those inside. I was just there, trying not to overstep or say anything because I was overwhelmed with fear," Fausto recounts.
Outside of Karl Marx, it is said that many people wanted to see him, but they did not allow him to come out. Until one moment of distraction, he went out to greet them, and he was welcomed with a sea of hugs and photos, even by journalists from the official media outlet Gramma: "The next day, they gave me a page."
"I was living a dream," he confessed, as he never expected to receive such warmth from the Cuban public. He also met the Cuban comedian El Habanero and was astonished and amazed by his talent. I told him, "You come to Miami and you'll be a millionaire."
Fausto reaffirmed his desire to return to Cuba with Tony Pascual, but for a trip that they organize themselves, without any intermediaries, with nothing political—just to share with the people.
"We love all Cubans because they love us. We don't get involved in politics," Chelo asserted.
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