The night I met ‘Fluffy’ Gabriel Iglesias: Viva La Risa!

There our moments in life that stay with you forever, moments so vivid that you can recall every detail even years later. Just recently for me, one of those moments happened a few nights ago and I will never forget—the night that I finally got the chance to meet the Legendary comedian, @Fluffy Gabriel Iglesias.

I’ve been a fan of Gabriel Iglesias for as long as I can remember. His ability to make you laugh, think, and feel all at once was something that captivated me. Close in age, I loved anything he was in whether movies, shows, guest appearances, and stand-up specials, he helped me to learn what it meant to use humor to heal and connect with others. To me, ‘Fluffy’ wasn’t just a comedian; he was a source of inspiration, a reminder of how laughter could make even the darkest days we face just a little brighter. One of the standup skits that he had performed back in the day was ‘The Fat and Furious’ it was so hilarious and just stuck with me especially in the development of the characters for Vatoman …and Ruben!! there personas were seemingly based on the relationship and life long friendship of Gabriel Iglesias and @MartinMoreno.

So, when I saw in Facebook post that a friend of mine @fredoontheradio from 101.7 the Beach had shared about Gabriel Iglesias and a last chance to get tickets to @SAP center in San Jose, about 45 min from @Salinas for the ‘Don't worry be Fluffy’ tour, my heart skipped a beat.

However, in all honesty I was a bit reluctant to respond but something in me which, I believe was the Holy Spirit prompting me to respond to Fredo and let him know about how Fluffy was a major inspiration to the recent launch of this comic book I had to at least try to make an effort even if nothing came of it. So I DM’d Fredo and shared with Him briefly in a awkwardly written short paragraph. Fredo, to my surprise, then responded right back! He then text me, ‘Let me see what I can do. What!? My first thought was, this can’t be real could this be really happening. Nah, I mean, Gabriel Iglesias—the Gabriel Iglesias—was performing locally... sort of and I might possibly could be there? It felt like a sign from above. Lord I prayed, please let me be there if it be your will not my will but your will be done. 

The day of the show, i was sitting at my desk in the afternoon when I get a rmessage from Fredo he said, ' I got a pair left you want em? I was completely shocked but in a good way so excitedly I thanked him and said yes!  Right away, couldn't wait to contact my wife, TJ to let her know although of no fault of her own, she wasn't that excited reason being those was since the reception on the phone was terrible and she had thought that I wanted to take her to see ‘Julio Iglesias’ who actually hasn't performed in years but after clearing up the misunderstanding she was elated and headed home to pick out something nice to wear. Needing to make some last minute arrangements for child care etc I contacted my wonderful suegra Maria and right away she agreed. Then it was off to share the exciting news with my kids. 

I jumped in my vehicle to pick them up and as i looked over to the right side i noticed a copy of the VR book on the passenger seat and on the cover I noticed the names. The comic book team consisting of the impressive creative script writings of @CarltonHolder and the illustrative talents of jedi master @AdrianIglesias and myself. but this time I saw it very differently matter of perspective I guess  because when read it again I saw Gabriel (my first name) and Iglesias (Adrian's Last name) Wow! I thought Thank you Jesus, that in that moment God winked My Heavenly Father had nudged me by showing his sense of humor in the matter. 

It all made sense it had dawned on me as I began to understand in my limited thought process was that the Lord knew, from the beginning how this was gonna play out and I was just barely catching up. So I thought to myself what would the chances of this book getting into Fluffy's or Martins hands then I thought there is nothing impossible for God. So we'll just ride it out and see what happens a small distinct voice told me to talk to Martin, not really even knowing what that could possibly mean at the time but just did my best to remain obedient unto the Lord by saying Yes, I will. 

That night we arrived just in time parking was crazy packed everywhere but TJ and I managed to find a spot, my mind racing with excitement and nerves. It wasn’t just about seeing a show. It was about being in the same room as the person who had shaped the idea of what I had fought and worked on for so long had inspired so many fond memories. I could barely concentrate as the lights dimmed and we rushed to our seats in section 206, Fluffy took the stage. His energy was electric running back and forth full of energy, his jokes as sharp witted as ever. Watching him perform live was surreal. Every word, every gesture was a reminder of how lucky we were to witness his genius in person. also some heartfelt moments that he mentioned that made me think often about my mother (wherever she is) and the difficult relationship that I have with my dad as he to struggles with dementia. 

But then something even more incredible happened. Martin had given fans the option to meet Fluffy and himself backstage after the performance.

I couldn’t believe it. It was an opportunity I never thought I’d get. I’ve been a fan from afar for so long, watching him on TV, wishing for just one moment to say “thank you” for all he had given me. And now, this was my chance. Time to break the bank spoke to my wife and she stood by me in the decision to do it.

Backstage, we stood there, me a bundle of nerves. I don't know how TJ was so cool and collected I couldn’t think straight, my heart was pounding in my chest there was a time there waiting in line I thought i wasn't gonna be able to even speak. This was Gabriel Iglesias—the man who made me laugh, almost cry, and believe in the power of humor to heal. And I was about to meet him. 

When we walked in, everything else just faded. The first person I met was Martin Moreno he was super cool looked me right in my eyes and was very genuine in his responses towards me I didn't know how much time we had I wanted to get their signatures on the book I brought because it was going to be my keepsake for me to remember how inspiring they were to the release of this comic book but things took a slightly different direction I explained to him that Fluffy and him were the inspiration for this book and i thanked and handed him the copies that I had as the gracious photographer shifted us around for some pics with Martin and Gabriel. I then had a chance to meet fluffy but i think I straight fanboyed out and didn't even know what to say. It took TJ to snap me out of my dream-like-state and introduce me to him. He had that same warm, contagious smile that I'd seen on screen so many times. His eyes sort of twinkled with mischief and kindness. And then, he reached out and fist bumped my hand.

"Hi Gabriel, that’s a great name." Fluffy says to me, his voice instantly putting me at ease. I couldn’t help but laugh and cheese out, even though my words stumbled out in a nervous rush. "I just... wanted to thank you, you been such an inspiration to me. and I just wanted to say thank you... thank you."

Fluffy then says to TJ ‘Sorry, I just had to pull your strings.’ adjusting the strings on her ‘Fluffy’ sweater. He then paused, looked me in the eye, and put a hand over my shoulder. as we all proceeded to take more pictures. He gave me a knowing look, like he had understood exactly what I was feeling. “It’s nice to meet you, Gabe.” We then switched and I took a few more pics with Martin and as we were about to be shuffled off I remember I had a few buttons and keychains from the comic book so just panicked and gave him everything had and thanking Martin again. 

As we were leaving Martin told me something that blew my mind he said to me thank you, we'll check it out. We then headed stage left or right I made one last ditch effort to thank fluffy again for his inspiration. Still reeling in shock over the fact that these two larger than life superstars were actually going to take the time to talk to us and look at the comic book I just couldn't believe it the Lord made this a reality wow! Feeling so blessed and knowing that, Con Dios, si se puede!

Looking back, in those moments, I couldn’t believe what was happening. Not only was I meeting my comic icon, but he was giving me something I never expected: connection. It wasn’t just the typical “thank you” or polite small talk. It was a real, heartfelt conversation. A moment I would carry with me forever.

As we briefly talked, I realized something. Gabriel and Martin weren't just comedians to me— they were a reminder of the power of laughter, of the human connection that we all crave. The impact Gabriel aka ‘Fluffy' had on my life wasn’t just in the jokes or the tv shows or movies; it was in the way he made me feel understood, seen, and less alone. 

Meeting Gabriel Iglesias aka ‘Fluffy’ and Martin Moreno wasn’t just a dream come true—it was a reminder that the things and folks that make us laugh can also make us feel alive, connected, human, and essentially seen. That along the way even when we least expect it we can to be an inspiration to others whether we have ever met them or not which is what Gabriel and Martin were for me. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful for this amazing experience. Please don’t ever retire Fluffy you got so much more to give to the raza as well as the rest of the world.

Much love and respect, till we meet again? Y que viva la Risa!!