This Wednesday, Oct.18, two emerging stand-up comediennes will shine and add to the roster of very few female stand-up comediennes in the country. 

My beloved readers, meet Diana Aaron and Jeannie Lacay. Let’s start with Diana. “You can call me Di. I am usually mistaken as a konyo, but I identify as dyologs! People think I am poised and quiet, but on the contrary, I’m kengkoy, unconcerned about the usual superficialities that most girls get conscious of. My stand-up comedy journey started during the pandemic (2021). 

"While the world was on pause, I had to stop, reflect, and find myself again. Amidst uncertainty, comedy was my therapy. I’ve always looked up to comedians like Miss Giselle, Mitch Valdez, and Ellen DeGeneres. I found it courageous for women to joke about taboo topics. Back then, I didn’t even know it was called 'stand-up'. I didn’t know anyone in my close circle who had done stand-up, but I knew I needed it. So, I joined Comedy Manila’s online stand-up comedy workshop and open mics. 

"At that time, I was already 40 years old, which proves that it's never too late to start something you are passionate about. I have 16 years of experience in marketing and sales, handling various local and multinational brands. 

"The first time I watched you live, Miss Giselle, was during our corporate events. I was starstruck. Hehe. During the pandemic, I left the corporate world and decided to help our family business, Villa Socorro Farm.  We manufacture (Sabanana Banana Chips and Camote Chips. I am happily married with two kids, and I am currently expecting my turd. Ako’y nagdadalang tae. Hahahaha! I mean third.

"Currently, my jokes are about the dichotomy of social classes, Pinoy culture, generational differences, Womanhood, Motherhood, Marriage, Aging, and Death. Through stand-up comedy, I learn more about myself. It’s all about discovering and accepting your inner self, good or bad. Comedy can communicate truth in a subtle and positive perspective. I am trying to thrive in a male-dominated field because I want to speak out and stand up for women through stand-up comedy!"

Jeannie started as a fangirl of famous standup comedienne GB Labrador, following him in all his gigs, “GB and I became a couple in 2012, and that's when I realized it's difficult being with a stand-up comedian. When he is not around people he tends to be 'tulala,' thinking of jokes for every situation he is in. That's when I thought of trying stand-up comedy to understand him better rather than picking a fight with him every time. 

"I did my first open mic at a coffee shop in Katipunan, it felt good and addicting. So, from then on pareho na kami laging tulala ng boyfriend ko.I mostly do my comedy in Filipino or taglish for the kabataan. I only do my sets in English whenever we have gigs abroad, we have a mixed culture audience, so we do our sets in English. 

"Yes, I need to stick with my husband because he is funnier than me and brings the money in. Kidding aside, comedy can sustain my needs and my family's as long as I continue to hit the stage and be funnier than my last performance. Eventually, people will like my humor and keep hiring me. 
My topics are about poking fun at myself, being a flight attendant, my husband and kids, being a woman, and my angst in life. Everything I observe around me kaya tulala narin ako most of the time when I am observing people around me. 

"I am quite excited to watch these fresh faces. I can count on my fingers ladies who do English stand-up comedy. From me, there’s Mitch Valdez, Nannette Inventor, Fe de los Reyes, and that’s about it. Although I am pretty sure my other fellow comediennes can do straight English stand-up comedy when needed."

Wicked Dogs in Uptown Parade will have a riot of laughter as the “Lady Boses: Women of Power” performs on Oct. 18, 8:30 p.m. Di will also perform in “Spooky Comedy" with Stanley Chi” on Oct. 28, 8 p.m. at Hobby Stadium in New Manila, Quezon City. Jeannie has regular open mics every Tuesday at Wicked Dogs BGC, every Wednesday on Mow's Matalino St., and every Thursday at Gighouse Muntinlupa. From a fellow stand-upper who has done English sets for two decades and counting, I wish the two of you the best in your chosen field. Make us stand-up comediennes proud!