Born out of casual conversations among friends, it has evolved into one of the country’s most recognizable platforms for stand-up comedy.
Composed of comedians GB Labrador, Muman Reyes, Nonong Ballinan, James Caraan, Ryan Rems, and now with Roger Naldo, The KoolPals has built a following with its barkada-style conversations, quick wit, and humor drawn from everyday life.
During a sideline interview at a recent Lucky Me! x Linya-Linya event, stand-up comedians Nonong and James brought their brand of humor to the stage, turning the intimate event into an afternoon of laughter. For them, these moments are just as much about connection as they are about jokes.
The growth of their podcast still feels surreal to some members. James admitted that what started out as friends casually recording conversations has become bigger than they imagined.
“We didn’t expect this kind of attention. What we’re doing on the podcast is just barkada talk. But it turns out people missed that kind of no-holds-barred conversation with friends,” James told Manila Standard Entertainment.
Part of the appeal, he explained, is its spontaneity. There’s no script or list of talking points, just whatever comes on their minds.
“We don’t plan topics. Whatever we’re annoyed about, whatever we see on social media, or even frustrations about corruption in the country, we talk about it. It’s like when you’re with friends. Someone just opens up, and it flows from there,” he continued.
For Nonong, the rise of stand-up in the Philippines shows how much audiences are embracing comedy in new ways. He noted how the scene has transformed from a niche craft into a viable livelihood for performers.
“It’s exciting to see more people watching and more comedians getting into it. The scene has evolved, and now it’s something we can live off,” he explained.
Still, both comedians acknowledged that the stage is where comedy feels most alive and where the risks are highest. James pointed out that audiences in person have a different understanding of context compared to those online.
“On stage, people understand it’s all from a comedian’s point of view. But online, it gets misinterpreted, so we’d rather keep the edgier stuff to live shows. That’s why open mics are so important, it’s where we test if a joke really works,” he explained.
Though the work of creating and performing can be demanding, the comedians credit their bond as their biggest anchor. James noted that their unity helps them navigate both wins and failures.
“Failures are easier when you’re together. We’re not chasing titles or fame. We just want to go through everything—success, failure, whatever—as a group,” James continued.
That unity also shows in how their audience connects with them. James recalled being surprised by the variety of fans they meet.
“From security guards to vice presidents, people approach us and ask when the next episode is. It shows our humor reaches everyone, and that’s meaningful for us,” he shared.
Even when burnout sets in, both comedians said the friendship keeps them motivated. James explained that negative feedback can sting, but support from fellow KoolPals makes a difference.
“Bad comments can be draining, but when we’re together, it’s easier to laugh it off. Comedy always comes from something heavy, but we find a way to make it light,” he stated.
