Comedy Bar
Entering a comedy bar may be a unique experience for anyone. Some take it as a risk, knowing that he or she can be the center of attention. Bawal ang pikon. Here too, social realities are reflected through the performers’ spiels and jokes. The venue may be a rich resource for someone who wants to know Philippine culture.
Attention mostly centers on balikbayans whom performers aim to entertain because of their homesickness. It is also recognized that these Filipinos went abroad because they will earn double or triple. “Kung dito, kahit nagtapos ng kolehiyo, wala pa ring trabaho,” said one of the comedians.
Once when I went inside one of the comedy bars in Quezon City, three men became instant stars of the night: Clark from U.K., Paul from England, and Rey from Australia. They were favorites as the performers asked for “donations.”
We had a full night with Ate Gay, Petite, Boobay (this batch performing from 9pm-12mn), Allan K., Jose, and Wally (from 12mn-3am). For the entrance fee, I remember it was P400 at that time.
Usually, partners (or soon-to-be) also become the topic of the comedy skit. And maybe due to peculiar characteristics, age differences, or other reasons, you could hear lines such as: “Jowain mo na ‘yan! Iaangat ka sa kahirapan niyan! Mamahalin mo ba ‘yan nang walang dahilan?“
Some families also bring a number of children with them, even seated at the front row. And then we heard: “Ang daming bata! Jollibee na ba ito?” Indeed, they may be too young for their “virgin ears” to get violated.
For a number of guests, the comedy bar also gives the chance for karaoke singing onstage. Apart from singing, they can tell part of their life stories later. Young or old, anyone may participate.
One of the highlights during Jose and Wally’s portion was the impersonation of Willie Revillame by singing “Ikaw na Nga” and delivering the famous line “Bigyan mo ng jacket si nanay.”
Back then, I couldn’t help but wonder if the servers and other employees were already so used to the funny scripts, hearing them every night. There were instances when the crowd would roar in laughter and I see some of them keeping serious faces! Asking one of them to check if punch lines are often recycled, or if they are at times scripted, he said “Pinag-aaralan din lahat nila ‘yon. Mas malakas kasi yung comedy skit pag may kabatuhan ng joke. ‘Yung iba halos paulit-ulit pero halos kadalasan adlib sila kung sa tingin nila mas papatukin ng mga guest yung atake nila. O kaya naman depende siguro sa pagkakataon ‘yun. Pero kami sanay na sanay na naririnig yung mga joke nila. Kabisado na nga namin kadalasan e.” (September 19, 2011)
Attention mostly centers on balikbayans whom performers aim to entertain because of their homesickness. It is also recognized that these Filipinos went abroad because they will earn double or triple. “Kung dito, kahit nagtapos ng kolehiyo, wala pa ring trabaho,” said one of the comedians.
Once when I went inside one of the comedy bars in Quezon City, three men became instant stars of the night: Clark from U.K., Paul from England, and Rey from Australia. They were favorites as the performers asked for “donations.”
We had a full night with Ate Gay, Petite, Boobay (this batch performing from 9pm-12mn), Allan K., Jose, and Wally (from 12mn-3am). For the entrance fee, I remember it was P400 at that time.
Usually, partners (or soon-to-be) also become the topic of the comedy skit. And maybe due to peculiar characteristics, age differences, or other reasons, you could hear lines such as: “Jowain mo na ‘yan! Iaangat ka sa kahirapan niyan! Mamahalin mo ba ‘yan nang walang dahilan?“
Some families also bring a number of children with them, even seated at the front row. And then we heard: “Ang daming bata! Jollibee na ba ito?” Indeed, they may be too young for their “virgin ears” to get violated.
For a number of guests, the comedy bar also gives the chance for karaoke singing onstage. Apart from singing, they can tell part of their life stories later. Young or old, anyone may participate.
One of the highlights during Jose and Wally’s portion was the impersonation of Willie Revillame by singing “Ikaw na Nga” and delivering the famous line “Bigyan mo ng jacket si nanay.”
Back then, I couldn’t help but wonder if the servers and other employees were already so used to the funny scripts, hearing them every night. There were instances when the crowd would roar in laughter and I see some of them keeping serious faces! Asking one of them to check if punch lines are often recycled, or if they are at times scripted, he said “Pinag-aaralan din lahat nila ‘yon. Mas malakas kasi yung comedy skit pag may kabatuhan ng joke. ‘Yung iba halos paulit-ulit pero halos kadalasan adlib sila kung sa tingin nila mas papatukin ng mga guest yung atake nila. O kaya naman depende siguro sa pagkakataon ‘yun. Pero kami sanay na sanay na naririnig yung mga joke nila. Kabisado na nga namin kadalasan e.” (September 19, 2011)
