As the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) draws near, Pinoy movie fans and the local film industry are all excited to witness the return of the original Prince of Comedy, Herbert Bautista, to the big screen.

The beloved mayor of Quezon City, who has prioritized his career in public service is creating a stir in showbiz media, as he topbills the “Ang Pamana” episode of what is deemed as the longest running movie franchise Shake, Rattle & Roll XIV: The Invasion from Regal Entertainment.

Herbert’s film comeback is quite memorable considering that the horror series gave him a best actor award in the franchise’s very first outing. Thus, the episode “Manananggal” has always been a high point in his showbiz career.

Also known as “Bistek” for his character in an IBC 13 sitcom has long been recognized for his gift as a screen comic. His natural knack for comedy paved the way for countless projects in his teens when Viva Films built him up as the youngest “Prince of Comedy.”

After Shake, Rattle and Roll I, Herbert’s star shown brightly as the class clown in such youth-oriented blockbuster films as Bagets 1 and Bagets 2.

He then rose to become one of the movie company’s prime artists who headlined a string of box office hits including Ninja Kids, Hotshots, Kumander Bawang, Captian Barbell, Puto, and the remake of Jack En Jill with Megastar Sharon Cuneta, which immediately had a sequel titled, Jack En Jill sa Amerika.

Herbert’s other memorable outings before temporarily leaving the limelight to go into politics include Dunkin’ Donato and Ping Lacson: Super Cop.

His interest in public service began when he became president of the Kabataang Barnagay National Federation from 1986 to 1989.

He served as Quezon City councilor from 1992 to 1995, and became the city’s youngest vice mayor for three consecutive terms in 2001, 2001 and 2007.

He won the city’s mayoralty post via landslide victory in 2010, and is touted to win again in the 2013 elections.

A San Beda College Philosophy and Letters graduate, Herbert also took courses in public service before running for office.

But with talent running in his veins—his late father Butch Bautista, and siblings Harlene and Hero were also actors for TV and movie—Herbert is very excited to have been in front of the camera again, with no less than Chito Rono as his director, and longtime friends Janice de Belen and Arlene Muhlach as co-actors.

“Masayang masaya talaga ako to be part of Shake, Rattle and Roll again,” he told The Manila Times at a gathering on Monday night. “And I sincerely thank Mother Lily Monteverde [of Regal Entertainment] and everyone who made this return to the big screen possible for me.”