Comedian and writer Alex Calleja is set to make waves as the second Filipino comedian to have a stand-up comedy special on Netflix, following Red Ollero’s ‘Mabuhay Is A Lie’ last year.
Titled ‘Tamang Panahon’, the special will be available for streaming starting February 7, marking a significant milestone in Calleja’s two-decade career.
“I think this is the right time for a Filipino stand-up comedy special to be on Netflix, so we can expand its reach and help more people appreciate this art form,” Alex shared during the press conference for his two-part comedy show.
When asked about his approach to ‘Tamang Panahon’, he emphasized his intent to focus on universally relatable topics rather than controversial or divisive material.
“Mas gusto kong mag-focus sa mga topics na hindi nangti-trigger o maghahati ng crowd,” he explained.
Alex recalled the challenges of doing stand-up comedy in the Philippines, pointing out that it remains relatively new compared to other Asian countries.
“Nililigawan pa din natin ang audience. Kaya ang objective talaga ay mapatawa mo sila kesa mang-shock lang o maging controversial,” he said.
Starting in 2007, Alex performed at open mic events with barely any audience. “Halos walang tao sa mga open mics namin noon. Minsan ‘yung madadatnan mo nagmi-meeting pa,” he recalled.
Despite the slow start, he and his fellow stand-up comedians from ‘The Comedy Crew’ gained recognition through live shows and theater performances across the country. Their acts eventually extended to corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions.
Alex describes his comedic style as mainstream and relatable, preferring simple but effective topics. “Ang lagi kong tina-topic ‘yung madali lang i-absorb kasi naniniwala ako na ‘yung stand-up namin parang nanliligaw pa lang kami sa Filipino audience,” he said.
Some of his go-to jokes center around everyday experiences, such as “butong pakwan,” “eye drops,” and “lamay.”
Getting a comedy show accepted by Netflix proved to be a tough but rewarding challenge for Alex. “Medyo mababa talaga ‘yung chances na ma-accept sila (Netflix), so nu’ng gumawa ako, buti na lang tinanggap! Pinitch ko ’to,” he revealed.
The special was filmed as part of his birthday celebration on October 4 and 5. “Sabi kasi, at least dalawa gawin mo, dalawang magkaparehong set para maganda ‘yung material. And luckily, parehong maganda resulta.”
After editing, Alex submitted the special to Netflix in November. A week later, he received an email requesting a call at 1 p.m. “Sabi ko, bakit kailangan pang tawagan kung ano lang? ‘Pag tawag sa akin, ang opening nila, ‘Alex, hindi talaga kami open, but we like your special so we’ll give this a chance. February 7 is your (showing date).’”
‘Tamang Panahon’ will be released in Tagalog with subtitles and will be available in Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. Alex believes the themes of relationships and everyday experiences will resonate with Filipino audiences worldwide.
Following his Netflix debut, Alex is set to take his comedy on tour:
- USA: April 4 to April 13
- Canada: May 23 to June 8
- UAE, Australia, and New Zealand: Dates to be announced
- Singapore: This February with The Comedy Crew
