“Live, laugh, love.” Just like the saying goes, Manila’s vibrant culture can be found beyond the walls of Intramuros or the historical streets of Manila. We Filipinos are also known for our fun personalities, which clearly resonate with these stand-up comedians who brighten up the stage with their presence.
If you need a good laugh, The Beat Asia has listed a couple of must-see Filipino stand-up comedians for you to enjoy.
Red Ollero
Red Ollero might be one of the most familiar faces among the bunch, thanks to his frequent appearances in mainstream media. Red has long proven his comedic stunts both onstage and onscreen, earning a reputation for his spontaneous wit and humor during performances.
In addition to his stand-up comedy gigs at various venues, you can also experience Red's comedic genius in films, like his Netflix special "Mabuhay Is a Lie."
GB Labrador
GB Labrador plays a big role in the comedic scene in the country. Known as the founder of Comedy Manila, he has also showcased his comedic prowess on the international stage and was named the first runner-up at the Hong Kong International Comedy Festival.
While his accolades certainly contribute to the appeal of his shows, his conversational way of delivering his banter and establishing genuine connections is what truly sets him apart as a standout comedian.
Issa Villaverde
In the sea of male comedians, there stands out a woman who offers a breath of fresh air in the stand-up comedy scene. Issa Villaverde started as an advertising copywriter, creating scripts for advertisements we watch daily on our televisions, before taking her comedic antics on stage with a sprinkle of dark humor.
Issa's show is a must-see, particularly for the younger audience, as she effortlessly captures the essence of their experiences and sensibilities.
Victor Anastacio
While many may recognize him as the O Shopping guy, Victor Anastacio’s familiarity in front of the camera seamlessly translates to his prowess on the comedy stage when he stands in front of the crowd to throw a joke. His mastery of crafting his own jokes and delivering comical narration is what makes Victor one of the faces of the future of stand-up comedy in the country.
James Caraan
You might see and hear his voice on one of today's well-loved podcasts, “The Koolpals," with GB and more of their stand-up comedians. James Caraan’s humor is relatable, with his banter often resembling a friend's daily rants from love life or simply reminiscing about their childhood. It’s familiar, it’s funny, and his easy-to-understand humor resonates with his audience and makes him feel like part of the gang.
