The Philippines’ premiere stand-up comedian Alex Calleja released a brand-new comedy special on streaming giant Netflix last Feb. 7.

The much-awaited special, entitled “Tamang Panahon,” marks a significant milestone in the comedy icon’s nearly two-decades-long career.

“Tingin ko ito na ang tamang panahon na lumabas sa Netflix para mas lumawak pa ang reach ng Pinoy stand-up comedy at mas marami pang maka-appreciate ng ganitong art form,” he said while playfully doubling down on the title of his special. Calleja explains his humble beginnings when he started doing stand-up back in 2007. “Halos walang tao sa mga open mics namin noon. Minsan yung madadatnan mo nagmi-meeting pa.”

Pinoy humor

Today, Alex has become a top-grossing live act routinely selling out bar shows and theater events in Metro Manila and all over the Philippines with his group, The Comedy Crew. He has also become one of the most sought-after performers at corporate events and weddings mainly because he focuses on topics deemed “very relatable.” 

The Netflix release promises to deliver his hilarious takes on family, gossip, gender, the contrast between rich and poor, and everyday Pinoy life experiences.

“Mas gusto kong mag-focus sa mga topics na hindi nangti-trigger o maghahati ng crowd,” Calleja said. He says stand-up comedy in the country is still relatively new and, as such, Pinoy audiences are still getting acclimated to this form of entertainment. “Nililigawan pa din natin ang audience. Kaya ang objective talaga ay mapatawa mo sila kesa mang-shock lang o maging controversial.”

World tour

Aside from his side-splitting humor, the demand for Alex can also be attributed to his steady presence in the entertainment industry. He’s been a prominent fixture on TV as co-host of hit shows “Tiktalks” and “Face 2 Face.” On radio and podcasts, you can hear him on “Good Times with Mo,” “Good Times Radio,” and his very own “Punchline with Alex Calleja.” 

All these, on top of numerous clips and videos of his jokes that have gone viral online.

Alex’s meteoric rise has also prompted him to tour other countries performing English and Tagalog sets for Filipino communities and foreigners. 

He will embark on a world tour to promote his Netflix release this year. This kicks off Feb. 16, 2025 with a post-Valentines show entitled “Kuwentong Pag-Ibig: The Hilarious Side of Love” at the Stephen Riady Auditorium @NTUC in Singapore. 

The show is his and The Comedy Crew’s fourth in the Lion City in less than a year, including a theater show last July 2024 that sold out at ticketmaster.sg.

In the following months, Alex will also perform in North America with shows in the USA from April 4 to April 13 and Canada from May 23 to June 8. Also lined up within the year are shows in UAE, Australia, and New Zealand. For details and updates, visit alexcalleja.com and thecomedycrew.com.

Alex Calleja’s “Tamang Panahon” is now streaming on Netflix.