Finding the will for comedy in times of grief and sadness is a challenge every comedian must face

Making a crowd laugh on the day of his father's death is perhaps one of Alex Calleja's most difficult stage performances.

'If you want to be a successful comedian, you need to pick a topic that people can relate to and avoid religion, politics, and other sensitive topics.' Alex Calleja on becoming a successful comedian Credit: RAISAH DELA VEGA SHOOTINGBAN

Key Points

• Alex Calleja started as an emcee for corporate events while he worked a 9-5 job.
• Before becoming a stand up comedian, he worked as a writer for live TV shows 'It's Showtime' and 'Umagang kay Ganda', where he learned how to think and write comedy under time pressure
• Alex Calleja's 'Tamang Panahon' will stage in melbourne and Sydney this October.

LISTEN TO

Finding the will for comedy in times of grief and sadness is a challenge every comedian must face

SBS Filipino

16:15Filipino

I can say I am happy 90% of the time; may mga malungkot din sa buhay naman, lahat naman tayo tao. Minsan din pagod, napapagod din kami. Kapag nakita ninyo ang artista na mukhang masungit, pagod 'yun, hindi masungit.

Alex Calleja on life as a comedian

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