Jonathan Aguilar Garcia (; June 25, 1972 – March 9, 2019), better known by his stage name Chokoleit (), was a Filipino comedian, actor, and TV host. He was best known for his role as Pearly Shell in the Philippine television series Marina. He is recognized as one of the pioneers of stand-up comedy in the Philippines.
Early life and education Chokoleit was born on June 25, 1972, in Davao City, Davao.
Chokoleit attended Ateneo de Davao University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication.
Career
Chokoleit's showbiz career started in 1994 when he was discovered by movie director/talent manager Maryo J. de los Reyes. His contemporary was fellow stand-up comedian Gil "Ate Gay" Morales. Not soon after, he became a bit player in the GMA Network sitcom Haybol Rambol, sharing screen time with lead stars Dennis Padilla, Benjie Paras and Nida Blanca. He managed to stay with the sitcom until it was cancelled in 1995. He also became part of the talk show Brunch as comic relief to main hosts Bing Loyzaga and Michelle van Eimeren from 1998 to 1999 and started to appear in movies also as a bit player, while continuing his work as a stand-up comedian in The Library, Punchline and Laffline.
In 2004, Chokoleit bagged the role of Pearly Shell in the ABS-CBN fantaserye Marina after being recommended by director Wenn Deramas, who became instrumental to his career until the director's untimely death in 2016. From Marina, more TV shows and movies came for Chokoleit. His life story was essayed in the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya and became a talent of the Kapamilya Network's "Star Magic".
Death Chokoleit died of a heart attack on the evening of March 9, 2019 at the age of 48, shortly after a performance at the Kawayan Festival in Bangued, Abra province. Before his death, he experienced difficulty breathing after his performance and was rushed to a local hospital. His remains were brought to Davao City for the funeral. He was cremated afterwards on March 17. His ashes were interred in Davao Memorial Park.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes Source 1990 Kakampi Ko Ang Diyos 1995 Rollerboys Perla 1997 Bawal sa Halik 1999 Sa Paraiso ni Efren Chokoleit 2004 Volta Denden 2005 Bahay ni Lola 2 Glory 2006 D' Lucky Ones Bar host Kapag Tumibok ang Puso: Not Once, But Twice Metlogs (Metrosexual Adventures) Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh Didi 2007 Pasukob Inang 2008 One Night Only Edward Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat Cabinet member 2009 BFF: Best Friends Forever Bona OMG (Oh, My Girl!) Toll Gay 2010 Tarima Gringo 2012 Shake Rattle and Roll Fourteen: The Invasion fat man/barber Segment: "Unwanted" 2013 Call Center Girl Trainer 2015 Etiquette for Mistresses Bailey 2016 Echorsis The Devil Gay 2018 Da One That Ghost Away Chicken feet Kusina Kings Mr. Tsin Tsan Shih TzuGuest appearance Sol Searching Cameo Fantastica Princess Beauty Final film appearance
Television Year Title Role Notes Source 2004 Marina Pearly Shell Maalaala Mo Kaya Himself Episode: "Comedy Bar" 2005 Kampanerang Kuba Otlum 2006 Komiks Dexter Episode: "Paa ni Isabella" Tonette Episode: "Inday sa Balitaw" Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko Bungisngis 2007 Love Spell Kitchi Episode: "Click na Click" 2008 Ligaw na Bulaklak Aljon Volta Denden 2010 Wansapanataym Dexter Episodes: "Inday Bote Part 1" & "Inday Bote Part 2" Pilipinas Win na Win Himself/co-host 2010–11 Mara Clara CG 2012–13 Aryana Dikya 2013 Wansapanataym Tinay Episode: "Daddy, Daddy, Doggy!" Juan dela Cruz Lorelei Cortez 2015 Wansapanataym Gammy Episode: "Selfie pa More, Sasha no More" Ipaglaban Mo! Minnie Episode: "Ang Aking Pagkatao" Mac and Chiz Thief 2016 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Jonel 2018 Asintado Gracia Nuevadez Wansapanataym Albularyo Episode: "Switch Be With You" It's Showtime Chokoleit Gil Miss Q & A: Fantastiktakan (last TV appearance before his death)
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