Imagine: It’s 2015, and everyone talks about a phenomenal love team that captivates audiences with split-screen interactions. Of course, who could ever forget that interaction ten years ago? People might, but not Filipino stand-up comedian Alex Calleja.
In a recent press conference, Alex recalled how the viral love team of Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards, collectively known as “AlDub,” shifted the entertainment landscape, significantly impacting the ratings battle between noontime shows.
“I was a writer for [It’s] Showtime and one of the things that made it difficult for me at Showtime in 2015 was the rise of ‘Aldub.’ It was 2015. July, I could still remember it. It was in July when Maine and Alden first looked at each other,” Alex revealed.
Months later, the two were finally able to see each other—up close—during a special event, “Tamang Panahon,” which took place at the Philippine Arena.
A decade later, the comedian-host finally has his own tamang panahon (right time), as his comedy special was just recently released on the streaming giant platform Netflix.
Released on Feb. 7, the comedy show Tamang Panahon is something that Alex looked at as an opportunity to further expand the reach of Pinoy stand-up comedy.
“I think this is the right time to go out on Netflix so that Filipino stand-up comedy can reach a wider audience and more people can appreciate this art form,” Alex stated.
His comedy journey began in 2007 when the local stand-up scene was still in its infancy. Performing in sparsely attended open mic nights, he persevered through the challenges of introducing the stand-up format to Filipino audiences.
Today, Alex is one of the top-grossing live acts, selling out bar shows and theater events across the Philippines with his group, The Comedy Crew. His relatability and ability to find humor in everyday situations have also made him a sought-after performer at corporate events and private functions.
When asked what Tamang Panahon can offer to the audience, Alex told Manila Standard Entertainment that it features a fresh set of material, diving into themes such as family dynamics, gossip culture, gender roles, social class contrasts, and uniquely Pinoy experiences. Unlike other stand-up comedians who court controversy, he aims to keep his comedy inclusive and engaging for all audiences.
“I prefer to focus on topics that don’t trigger or divide the crowd. We are still courting the audience, so the objective is really to make them laugh rather than shock them or be controversial,” he explained.
Beyond stand-up, Alex has established himself as a multi-platform entertainer. He has been a writer for the noontime show It’s Showtime, co-hosted Tiktalks, and Face 2 Face, and remains a staple on radio and podcasts such as Good Times with Mo and Punchline with Alex Calleja.
With his Netflix debut, he hopes to create more opportunities for Filipino comedians and further legitimize stand-up comedy in the country.
“My goal is really to bring stand-up comedians to different countries. We also need to establish stand-up comedy as a recognized art form here in the Philippines,” he emphasized.
As part of his international push, Calleja will embark on a world tour following his Netflix special. His Kuwentong Pag-Ibig: The Hilarious Side of Love show will take place on Feb. 16 at the Stephen Riady Auditorium in Singapore. This will be his fourth show in Singapore in under a year, following a successful sold-out theater show in July 2024.
He will then bring his comedy to North America, with performances in the United States from April 4 to April 13, followed by shows in Canada from May 23 to June 8. He also has plans to perform in the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand later in the year.
For those looking to break into stand-up, Alex’s advice is simple: “Head to an open mic night, perform with your fellow comedians, and aim for a three-minute set. If you receive laughs, great! If not, simply return to the stage. It’s that simple. Remember, consistent practice and refining your material are key.”