Is the stand-up comedy scene in the country [really] growing?
Red Ollero and Ryan Puno, the opening acts for JR De Guzman’s Later That Evening show in Manila, discussed on May 3, how the stand-up comedy scene is evolving.
Ollero, a viral comedian, shared how difficult it was to perform stand-up comedy when he was starting in 2013, saying, “Locally, stand-up here is like a developing scene. If you had performed when JR was here before, around 2013-2014, it could have been very hard because people didn’t know how to behave in a stand-up comedy scene.”
According to Ryan Puno, founder of SOLID OK Comedy Studio, “I think what I’ve seen has really developed, definitely in the performers and the number of performers. When Red and I started, it was just the two of us and a handful of guys.
“Now, if you sign up for an open mic, there’s a waiting list, and there’ll be around 30 people on the lineup,” Puno said.
De Guzman, despite his Filipino roots, cannot comment on the Filipino stand-up comedy scene, saying, “I was only there for one year, and I only performed once. But from the outside, looking at how much you guys have grown, I’m actually interested in how you guys are developing.”
In addition, De Guzman mentioned how he felt he gained more audience during the pandemic.
“It’s interesting because I feel like I built my fanbase more during the pandemic.
“Working with your friends is really fun,” De Guzman said, referring to his long-time friends Red Ollero and Ryan Puno, who are both set to open for his Manila show.
Following the success of his US tour, JR De Guzman, the internationally acclaimed Filipino stand-up comedian, is set to perform at The Theatre at Solaire on June 3, 2023, at 7:00 P.M. as part of his Later That Evening Asia Tour.
