{{short description|Filipino comedian}} {{Multiple issues| {{BLP sources|date=February 2014}}{{notability|Biographies|date=February 2014}}}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2020}} {{Use Philippine English|date=March 2023}} {{Infobox person | name = | image = | caption = | birth_name = Gil Aducal Morales | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|8|12}} | birth_place = Tondo, Manila, Philippines | other_names = | years_active = 1995–present | occupation = {{flat list| * Comedian * television host * singer * actor }} }} {{Filipino name|Aducal|Morales|ph=default}}
'''Gil Aducal Morales'''<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mallorca |first1=Hannah |title=Ate Gay reveals stage 4 cancer diagnosis: 'Wala raw lunas' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/629836/ate-gay-reveals-stage-4-cancer-diagnosis-wala-raw-lunas |access-date=September 22, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=September 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250922205821/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/629836/ate-gay-reveals-stage-4-cancer-diagnosis-wala-raw-lunas |archive-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> ({{IPA|tl|hil moˈralɛs|lang}}; born August 12, 1971) is a Filipino comedian and television host. Known professionally as '''Ate Gay''' ({{IPA|tl|ˈʔate|lang}}), he is an impersonator of actress Nora Aunor, whose nickname was Ate Guy.{{efn|name=fn1|''Ate'' ({{IPA|tl|ˈʔate|lang}}) is a Filipino honorific for an elder sister or any young female perceived to be older than the speaker. See wikt:ate#Tagalog}} He co-presented the variety shows ''Comedy Bar'' (2010–11) and ''Wowowillie'' (2013). He is also known for his comedic mashups of popular songs.
==Career== Morales was a member of the Singing Cooks and Waiters of Barrio Fiesta restaurant. In 1995, he started performing in comedy bars, particularly Music Box.<ref name= "UAE">{{cite news |title=Ate back in the UAE |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/ate-back-in-the-uae?_refresh=true |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=Khaleej Times |date=April 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250922162148/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/ate-back-in-the-uae?_refresh=true |archive-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref name="AlDub">{{cite news |last1=Concepcion |first1=Pocholo |title=AlDub handlers decline P20-M Valentine show; producer taps Papa Jack, 3 hot comedy acts instead |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/221047/aldub-handlers-decline-p20-m-valentine-show-producer-taps-papa-jack-3-hot-comedy-acts-instead/ |access-date=September 22, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=January 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427093208/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/221047/aldub-handlers-decline-p20-m-valentine-show-producer-taps-papa-jack-3-hot-comedy-acts-instead/ |archive-date=April 27, 2023}}</ref> He is best known for his Ate Gay persona, an impression of actress Nora Aunor, whose nickname was Ate Guy.{{efn|name=fn1}}<ref name="Cancer_diagnosis">{{cite news |last1=Mallorca |first1=Hannah |title=Ate Gay gets support from Allan K, other comedians amid cancer diagnosis |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/630021/ate-gay-gets-support-from-allan-k-other-comedians-amid-cancer-diagnosis |access-date=September 22, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=September 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250922164045/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/630021/ate-gay-gets-support-from-allan-k-other-comedians-amid-cancer-diagnosis |archive-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> Morales said of the actress: "I became a fan of Nora Aunor when I started working. I'm very grateful to her … She was supportive of her impersonators. She was not selfish. She didn't stop us from impersonating her."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mallorca |first1=Hannah |title=Nora Aunor's impersonator Ate Gay performs 'Kahit Konting Awa' during wake |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/606542/nora-aunors-impersonator-ate-gay-performs-kahit-konting-awa-during-wake |access-date=September 22, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=April 20, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250627081931/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/606542/nora-aunors-impersonator-ate-gay-performs-kahit-konting-awa-during-wake |archive-date=June 27, 2025}}</ref>
As Ate Gay, he performed stand-up comedy and made film and television appearances. He was a regular performer at the comedy bars Klownz and Zirkoh, both owned and founded by Allan K.. In 2009, Ate Gay met Boobay who was then starting his stand-up career in Baguio. Ate Gay invited Boobay to Klownz, allowing the latter to establish himself in Manila.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Garcia |first1=Cara Emmeline |title=In Photos: Popular stand-up comedians at performers ng Klownz at Zirkoh |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/photos/in-photos-popular-stand-up-comedians-at-performers-ng-klownz-at-zirkoh/12755/162247/ |website=gmanetwork.com |publisher=GMA Network |access-date=September 22, 2025 |language=fil |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250922194841/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/photos/in-photos-popular-stand-up-comedians-at-performers-ng-klownz-at-zirkoh/12755/162250/ |archive-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Malig |first1=Kaela |title=Boobay says his standup comedy career in Manila began at Klownz |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/745468/boobay-says-his-standup-comedy-career-in-manila-began-at-klownz/story/ |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=GMA News |date=July 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250922200114/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/745468/boobay-says-his-standup-comedy-career-in-manila-began-at-klownz/story/ |archive-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref> Ate Gay was also a co-host of the variety show ''Comedy Bar'' (2010–11) on GMA, supporting the main hosts Eugene Domingo and Allan K.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Francisco |first1=Butch |title=A dose of laughter and entertainment |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2011/08/30/721493/dose-laughter-and-entertainment |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=August 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250922172648/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2011/08/30/721493/dose-laughter-and-entertainment |archive-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref>
On November 30, 2012, Ate Gay headlined his first major concert, {{lang|fil|Ako Naman… Ate Gay sa Arena}}, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Among his guest performers were the SexBomb Girls, KZ Tandingan, The Company, Aegis, Aiza Seguerra, Allan K., Boobay, John Lapus, Kevin Balot, and Nora Aunor as the special guest.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sibonga |first1=Glen |title=Ate Gay successfully stages first major concert in Arena |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/11157/ate-gay-successfully-stages-first-major-concert-in-arena |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=Philippine Entertainment Portal |date=December 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205021252/https://www.pep.ph/news/local/11157/ate-gay-successfully-stages-first-major-concert-in-arena?s=8nq8oe09i2t5knsjkrq57ggk6i |archive-date=December 5, 2024}}</ref>
In 2013, Ate Gay was a co-host of the noontime variety show ''Wowowillie'' on TV5. On the February 28 episode, producer and main host Willie Revillame castigated Ate Gay and Ethel Booba on air. Revillame called the two co-hosts unprofessional and ungrateful after they were allegedly angry backstage for losing the costume contest, one of the show's segments.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ranada |first1=Pia |title=Willie Revillame scolds Ethel Booba, Ate Gay on TV |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/22840-willie-revillame-scolds-ethel-booba-ate-gay-on-tv/ |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=Rappler |date=March 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525002401/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/22840-willie-revillame-scolds-ethel-booba-ate-gay-on-tv/ |archive-date=May 25, 2025}}</ref> Ate Gay eventually left ''Wowowillie'' in June due to several disagreements with the production staff, but made it clear that Revillame was not the reason for his departure.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Serato |first1=Arniel C. |title=Ate Gay will not return to Wowowillie because of his "tampo" with the production staff |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/39237/ate-gay-will-not-return-to-wowowillie-because-of-his-tampo-with-the-production-staff |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=Philippine Entertainment Portal |date=June 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250922180346/https://www.pep.ph/news/39237/ate-gay-will-not-return-to-wowowillie-because-of-his-tampo-with-the-production-staff |archive-date=September 22, 2025 |language=fil}}</ref> He then portrayed Elsa in the drama action series ''Batang Quiapo'' from 2023 to 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Antonio |first1=Josiah |title=4 'Batang Quiapo' characters bid farewell after chaotic rumble |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/4-batang-quiapo-characters-bid-farewell-after-chaotic-rumble/ar-AA1rPXV1?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1 |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=MSN |date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250922202427/https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/4-batang-quiapo-characters-bid-farewell-after-chaotic-rumble/ar-AA1rPXV1?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1 |archive-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref>
Ate Gay is also known for his comedic mashups of popular songs.<ref name= "UAE" /><ref name="AlDub" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Alegre |first1=Dianara |title=Ate Gay continues to spread happiness amid pandemic |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/ate-gay-continues-to-spread-happiness-amid-pandemic/67605/ |website=gmanetwork.com |publisher=GMA Network |access-date=September 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250922201422/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/ate-gay-continues-to-spread-happiness-amid-pandemic/67605/ |archive-date=September 22, 2025 |date=August 18, 2020}}</ref>
==Personal life== In March and April 2021, Ate Gay was hospitalized for severe pneumonia.{{efn|He tested negative for COVID-19.<ref name="Pneumonia" />}}<ref name="Pneumonia">{{cite news |last1=Biong |first1=Ian |title=Ate Gay recovers from pneumonia: 'Pangalawang buhay ko na raw ito' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/408344/ate-gay-recovers-from-pneumonia-pangalawang-buhay-ko-na-raw-ito |access-date=September 22, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923004246/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/408344/ate-gay-recovers-from-pneumonia-pangalawang-buhay-ko-na-raw-ito |archive-date=September 23, 2023}}</ref> Then in June that year, he was hospitalized for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).<ref>{{cite news |title='Sana mapatawad niyo ako': Ate Gay says sorry to Vice Ganda for detailing his monetary help |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/09/20/21/ate-gay-says-sorry-to-vice-ganda-for-listing-his-monetary-help |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250922211208/https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/09/20/21/ate-gay-says-sorry-to-vice-ganda-for-listing-his-monetary-help |archive-date=September 22, 2025}}</ref>
In September 2025, Ate Gay disclosed that he was diagnosed with stage IV mucoepidermoid carcinoma.<ref name="Cancer_diagnosis" />
==Filmography== ===Film=== {|class="wikitable sortable" ! Year !! Title !! Role |- |1999 |''Sa Paraiso ni Efren'' | |- |2001 |''Kapitan Ambo: Outside de Kalambo'' | |- |2006 |''Jupit'' |Tetay |- |rowspan="2"|2010 |''Pendong''<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reyes |first1=William R. |title=Intriguing scenes at the premiere of indie film Pendong |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/25989/intriguing-scenes-at-the-premiere-of-indie-film-pendong |accessdate=July 22, 2019 |work=PEP.ph |date=June 25, 2010 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722025321/https://www.pep.ph/news/25989/intriguing-scenes-at-the-premiere-of-indie-film-pendong |url-status=live }}</ref> |Assunta |- |''Mamarazzi'' |Impersonator |- |2013 |''Bekikang: Ang Nanay Kong Beki'' |The midwife |- |2014 |''Maria Labo'' | |- |2015 |''Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers'' |Ora's costumer |- |2021 |''Ayuda Babes'' |Tet |- |2022 |''Yorme: The Isko Domagoso Story'' |Dindin |}
===Television=== {|class="wikitable sortable" ! Year !! Title !! Role |- |2002 |''!Oka Tokat'' |Bona |- |2007 |''Whammy! Push Your Luck'' |Himself/Guest |- |2010–2011 |''Comedy Bar'' |Himself/host |- |rowspan="3"|2012 |''Extra Challenge'' |Himself/Guest |- |''Sarah G. Live'' |Himself/Guest |- |''Gandang Gabi Vice'' |Himself/Guest |- |rowspan="5"|2013 |''Wowowillie'' |Himself/host |- |''Celebrity Bluff'' |Himself/Guest |- |''Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho'' |Himself |- |''Picture! Picture!'' |Himself/Guest |- |''Sunday All Stars'' |Himself/Guest |- |rowspan="4"|2014 |''Tunay Na Buhay'' |Himself |- |''Chef Boy Logro: Kusina Master'' |Himself/Guest |- |''Sarap Diva'' |Himself/Guest |- |''Sunday All Stars'' |Himself/Guest |- |rowspan="2"| 2015 | ''Eat Bulaga!'' | Himself |- | ''Tonight with Arnold Clavio'' | Himself/Guest |- |rowspan="2"| 2016 | ''Sunday PinaSaya'' | Himself/Guest |- | ''Rated K'' | Himself/Guest |- |2023–2024 |''FPJ's Batang Quiapo'' |Elsa |}
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{IMDb name|id=5609416|name=Ate Gay}}
{{authority control}}
Category:1971 births Category:Living people Category:Filipino gay actors Category:21st-century Filipino male actors Category:Filipino male television actors Category:Filipino television personalities Category:Male actors from Manila Category:Filipino male film actors Category:21st-century Filipino LGBTQ people Category:GMA Network (company) people Category:ABS-CBN people Category:TV5 Network people Category:People from Tondo, Manila Category:Comedians from Manila Category:Filipino gay comedians Category:Filipino male comedians