In the glittering world of Philippine showbiz, stars often burn bright and fade away, but few disappearances have been as abrupt and baffling as that of Super Tekla. Known for his quick wit, infectious laughter, and undeniable chemistry with co-host Boobay, Tekla—whose real name is Romeo Librada—seemed to be at the peak of his career. He was a staple on GMA Network, commanding the stage on The Boobay and Tekla Show (TBATS) and appearing in various variety programs. Then, silence. The laughter stopped, the screen went dark, and fans were left asking: Where is Super Tekla?

For months, rumors swirled in the vacuum of his absence. Social media whispered of suspensions, internal conflicts, and even worsening health conditions. But the truth, as it turns out, is far more human and poignant than any tabloid gossip. The comedian who brought joy to millions had to make the heartbreaking decision to step back from the very dream he fought so hard to achieve, trading the dazzling lights of the studio for the quiet, unpolished reality of province life.

The Vanishing Act

It feels like just yesterday when Tekla was delivering punchlines that left the audience in stitches. His rise to fame was meteoric, a true rags-to-riches story that resonated with the masses. From singing in videoke bars to being discovered by Willie Revillame, and eventually landing his own show, Tekla was the underdog everyone rooted for. However, the pressures of maintaining that persona took a toll that the cameras didn’t show.

Reports confirm that Tekla’s disappearance from TBATS and other engagements was not a disciplinary action, but a necessary retreat. The relentless grind of taping schedules, combined with the emotional weight of past controversies and personal health battles, led to severe burnout. It wasn’t just tiredness; it was a soul-deep exhaustion. The comedian realized that to save Romeo Librada, Super Tekla had to take a break.

A New Reality: The Simple Life

Today, if you look for Super Tekla, you won’t find him in a makeup chair or a dressing room. Recent updates and vlogs reveal a man transformed. He has retreated to his roots in North Cotabato, embracing a life that is starkly different from his days in Manila. Gone are the designer clothes and the stylized hair. In their place are simple t-shirts, sweat-drenched brows, and a genuine, albeit tired, smile.

Video snippets show him engaging in farm activities, fishing for his daily meal, and spending quality time with his family. It is a humbling sight. The man who once commanded a studio audience is now finding joy in the stillness of nature. He cooks using traditional wood fires, walks through muddy paths, and lives without the conveniences of celebrity status. For many fans, seeing him this way is a shock, but for those who know his history, it is a return to form. Tekla grew up in hardship, and this return to simplicity seems to be his way of grounding himself after the dizzying heights of stardom.

The Reason Why

Why leave it all behind? The decision wasn’t made lightly. Tekla has been open in the past about his struggles with personal vices and the immense pressure to provide for his family while battling public scrutiny. The industry can be toxic, and for a sensitive soul like Tekla, the negativity can be overwhelming.

His retreat to the province is largely seen as a move for mental and physical health preservation. By stepping away from the noise of the city, he is allowing himself to heal from the traumas of the past few years, which included highly publicized domestic disputes and health scares involving his children. In the province, he is not a commodity; he is a father, a brother, and a son. This period of isolation allows him to reconnect with his core values and recover from the fatigue that threatened to consume him.

Super Tekla: beneath the funny facade | PEP.ph

Will He Return?

The question on everyone’s lips is: Is this goodbye forever? The answer remains ambiguous. While his absence from GMA is deeply felt, and the void he left on TBATS is undeniable, his supporters are rallying behind his decision to prioritize his well-being. There have been whispers of a possible return once he is fully recovered, but for now, Tekla seems content with his quiet life.

His journey serves as a powerful reminder that fame is not everything. Success is meaningless if you lose yourself in the process. Super Tekla’s brave choice to walk away when the applause was loudest is a testament to his resilience. He may have vanished from our television screens, but in doing so, he managed to find something far more valuable: his peace. Whether he returns to the spotlight or remains in the serenity of the farm, one thing is certain—Romeo Librada is finally taking care of himself, and that is the best plot twist of all.