Times like these, we could all use a good laugh.
Filipinos have been talking excitedly about the coming shows of two internationally famous stand-up comedians, Jo Koy and Dave Chappelle, who will perform in the country on the same dates: Jo Koy on Jan. 14 (Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, 8 p.m.) and Jan. 15 (Mall of Asia Arena); and Chappelle on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 (both at The Theatre at Solaire, 8 p.m.)
Jo Koy also has an earlier show on Jan. 11 at The Theatre at Solaire.
Born Joseph Glenn Herbert, Jo Koy is of Filipino-American-European descent.
His Filipino mother, Josie Harrison, serves as inspiration for his comic act. She figures prominently in his jokes, in which he often slips into a distinctive Filipino-English accent:
“My mom cured everything with Vicks Vaporub … I should have died nine times when I was a kid! One time I thought I had pneumonia and my mom said, ‘I’ll put extra Vicks on your body, Josep. Just rub it everywhere, Josep. Rub it at the bottom of the foot, and then put a sock on the foot, and then the pneumonia would come out of the foot, Josep.’”
Chappelle, born in Washington, D.C., has won two Emmy Awards and two Grammy Awards for his act.
He gained popularity in the satirical comedy sketch series “Chappelle’s Show” which ran from 2003 to 2006.
When the series ended, Chappelle was called the “comic genius of America” by Esquire magazine.
In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him No. 9 in its “50 Best Stand Up Comics of All Time.”
Chappelle’s wife, Elaine Mendoza Erfe, is Filipino.
Some of his jokes have a conscientious bent, such as the one on people who use drugs, in which he says, “These people are not criminals, they’re sick.”
Tickets to Jo Koy’s MOA Arena show have sold out, but fans are hoping the venue will open certain sections to accommodate ticket buyers.
Jo Koy: Just Kidding World Tour, smtickets.com; mmilive.com
Dave Chappelle Live at Solaire, ticketworld.com.ph
