The success of Filipino stand-up comedian Alex Calleja’s Netflix comedy special, “Tamang Panahon,” paved the way for many other projects for the writer/comedian. 

As of press time, the witty comedian has landed in the United States and is preparing for his show at Pasayahan Sa Nayon in Houston, Texas, on April 4. 

The following day, he will fly to California to perform in Frank's Place in Fresno and The Grill Hayward, California, on April 6. He will rest for a few days and then continue his U.S. Tour of Tamang Panahon at Nipa Hut Bar & Restaurant in Kissimmee, Florida, on April 11; Kusina Filipina Cerritos, California, April 12; and culminate the tour at Lola Happy Bistro in San Diego, California, on April 13.

I was able to interview the brilliant writer and stand-up comedian, and he particularly thanked Manila Bulletin for helping him promote Calleja's Netflix comedy special. “I just want to thank all the media and friends that helped me promote 'Tamang Panahon' most especially Manila Bulletin. My show has garnered widespread acclaim, quickly becoming the number-one show on Netflix Philippines in just a few weeks. Then, it remained in the top 10 most watched on Netflix Philippines for about a month. 

"To everyone who loves a good joke, thank you for your overwhelming support. I am also proud to announce that Giselle and I, along with K Brosas, Tuesday Vargas, Ethel Booba, and Imah Dumagay, will perform at the Dubai Stadium on June 29. OFWS in the Emirates, get ready to laugh!" Calleja proudly announces our show Comedy Mixtape: Pinoy Edition in Dubai.  

It is sad to say that you cannot please everybody. Last month, Calleja found himself at the center of a controversy when fellow comedy writer Chito Francisco accused him of plagiarizing a “carwash” joke featured in his Netflix special, “Tamang Panahon.” Francisco alleged that Calleja had appropriated his material, leading to a public dispute that garnered significant attention within the entertainment community.  

The contention began when Francisco posted on social media, stating that he had watched a Filipino stand-up comedian’s special on Netflix and recognized one of his jokes being used without credit. He insinuated that Calleja had stolen his material, saying, “Well, marami pa ako niyan brod. Madami ka pa pwedeng nakawin.” 

Calleja tells Gossip Girl: “This will probably be the last time I discuss this issue. I have moved on. But because you are asking … Giselle, you and I both know that we have been doing the 'carwash' joke since 2011.  When two comedians have similar or parallel jokes in the comedy writing community, the proper etiquette is to address the matter privately through direct communication rather than airing grievances on social media. Sana kinausap nalang niya ako. (He should have spoken to me). I was going to let it go, but my son confronted me about the issue and asked me if it was true. I do not care what others think of me, but when it comes to my family, especially my son, who looks up to his father… na-trigger talaga ako. So I sought  legal help against Francisco's public accusations."

The situation escalated as fans and fellow comedians weighed in on the dispute. Recognizing the gravity of his accusations and the potential legal consequences, Francisco publicly apologized to Calleja. In his statement, Francisco admitted his mistake, acknowledging that Alex had presented proof substantiating that he had written the joke earlier. Francisco expressed deep regret for his actions, recognizing that his comments had caused undue harm to his reputation. He also urged bloggers and netizens to delete any posts about his initial accusation to minimize the damage.  

Calleja accepted Francisco’s apology, responding on Facebook with, “Apology accepted. Let’s move on.” He also thanked his legal counsel and highlighted the continued success of “Tamang Panahon,” noting that it remained the number one show on Netflix Philippines.  

This incident underscores the importance of open communication within the creative community. It highlights the need for artists to address potential disputes privately and professionally, ensuring that misunderstandings do not escalate into public controversies. 

The resolution between Calleja and Francisco serves as a reminder of the value of humility and accountability in maintaining integrity within the entertainment industry.