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Alex Calleja laments lack of opportunities for local comedians: ‘It’s always associated with the big stars’

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In celebration of The Filipino Channel’s 25th anniversary, a comedy show honoring our Overseas Filipino Workers (TFC) will be launched sometime this year. Right after the taping of the show, Alex Calleja along with other comedians from Comedy Manila, faced the entertainment press to talk more about the online comedy show dubbed Stand Up For Laugh. Here, Alex Calleja lamented the fact that stars with big names are being given more opportunities compared to equally talented up-and-coming comedians. This, after Calleja was asked if they plan to bring the show Live to other countries in the future. “Pero honestly kami nina GB [Labrador] ang goal talaga namin, ang aming dream is to perform sa mga OFWs. Pero sad to say, we’re waiting for the opportunity. Of course, the opportunities are being given to another person. So we have to wait for our turn. Pero you know what, noong nakita niyo it’s just a mic. We’re so cheap. We’re not yet superstars. We get to tell stories na matagal niyo nang ‘di naririnig,” he said. He then went on: “Ginawa ko ‘tong show na ‘to para malaman kung oobra. Na-try na namin ‘to sa iba’t-ibang bansa. And na-try ko ‘to UK. But we haven’t been to America. Surprisingly, maraming clamor. Pero you know naman, ‘pag hindi ka big star. It’s always associated with the big stars.”Calleja also strongly stated that he believes that the group who performed for Stand Up for Laugh could bring the same amount of entertainment as that of big comedians - only cheaper when it comes to talent fees. “Itong grupo na ‘to, I can vouch for their talent na mabibigay namin sa entertainment dun sa ibang OFWs on a cheaper scale. It’s all about the money, let’s face it. Kumbaga, sing-galing pero ‘di sing-mahal. Kaya lang, ‘yung clamor will always be the big stars,” he said. “Kaya sana kung ano ‘yung nakita niyo, mai-share sa labas. Pinaghandaan namin ‘yung TFC presentation para makita nila na there are talented comedians na hindi pa big stars,” he added. Meanwhile, Alex Calleja also made it clear that while the scenes in the stand-up comedy show reflect the sad realities of OFWs, they mean no offense to them. Rather, they want to educate those who will watch it online.<div>“Meron akong isang video na nag-viral. Nakaka-receive ako ng message on average sa isang araw coming from mga OFWs. Gusto nila ‘yung mga ganitong style ng comedy. Ito lang ang gusto namin sabihin, itong ginagawa namin, we’re looking for the funny side of everything. Kasi ‘pag ‘di mo tinitingnang nakakatawa sa ibang bagay, masisira ulo mo. So this is also a form of education. I’m educating also the audience. </div>The premiere date for Stand Up For Laugh on TFC Online has yet to be announced.

Alex Calleja believes up-and-coming comedians could deliver the same amount of entertainment at cheaper talent fees.