Alex Calleja's 'Tamang Panahon' to premiere on Netflix

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

Alex Calleja, of the Philippines' top stand-up comedians, is set to make history with the release of his highly anticipated Netflix comedy special, "Tamang Panahon," streaming worldwide starting Feb. 7.

One of the Philippines’ top stand-up comedians, Alex Calleja PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/ALEX.CALLEJA

The special marks a major milestone in Calleja's nearly two-decade career, further cementing his role in bringing Filipino stand-up comedy to a global audience.
"I think this is the right time to be on Netflix so that Filipino stand-up comedy can reach a wider audience and more people can appreciate this art form," Calleja shared at a media conference recently held in Ortigas Center, playfully referencing his special's title.
He recalled his humble beginnings in stand-up back in 2007, when open mic nights often had more empty seats than spectators. "There were barely any people at our open mics back then. Sometimes, the only ones there were having a meeting."
Today, Calleja is one of the country's most successful stand-up acts, consistently selling out comedy bars and theaters across the Philippines with his group, The Comedy Crew. He has also become a staple in corporate events and private gatherings, thanks to his knack for delivering relatable and side-splitting takes on everyday Filipino life — touching on family, gossip, gender and the social divide between rich and poor.

"I prefer to focus on topics that don't trigger or divide the audience," he explained, emphasizing his commitment to making people laugh without resorting to shock humor. "We're still courting the audience, so the real objective is to make them laugh rather than just shock them or be controversial."
For his Netflix special, Calleja took an active role in production, using footage from his birthday shows on Oct. 4 and 5. He intentionally kept his plans to use this footage a secret, aiming to capture authentic reactions from his audience. After adhering to Netflix's technical guidelines, he submitted the final product with little expectation, only to be thrilled when the streaming platform agreed to showcase the special not just in the Philippines, but across Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

To reach an even broader audience, the special will feature English subtitles, ensuring its accessibility to viewers from diverse backgrounds.
The Manila Times asked if doing so will keep the effectiveness of Filipino jokes.

"Even though we can't translate everything perfectly into English, foreigners who read the subtitles will still get it. Our humor is already starting to click with international audiences," Calleja answered.
"Of course, I have jokes that are very specific to the Philippines, but I also have material that, when translated into English, works in other countries. Topics like relationships and traffic resonate everywhere. When I joke about politics, it's very neutral — it's usually about traffic, airports and everyday inconveniences," the ace comedian added.

Calleja's influence extends beyond live performances. He is a familiar face on television, having co-hosted hit shows like "Tiktalks" and "Face 2 Face," and is a mainstay on popular radio and podcast programs, including "Good Times Radio," and his own "Punchline with Alex Calleja." His viral comedy clips have further solidified his presence in the digital space, drawing millions of views from fans worldwide.

In celebration of his Netflix special, Calleja is set to embark on a world tour, bringing his signature humor to Filipino communities and international audiences alike.

The tour kicks off on Feb. 16, with a post-Valentine's show titled "Kuwentong Pag-Ibig: The Hilarious Side of Love" at the Stephen Riady Auditorium @ NTUC in Singapore. This marks his and The Comedy Crew's fourth show in the Lion City in less than a year, following a sold-out theater performance in July 2024.
The tour will continue in North America, with US dates from April 4 to April 13, followed by a Canada leg from May 23 to June 8. More shows in the UAE, Australia and New Zealand are also in the works.

For updates on tour dates and tickets, visit alexcalleja.com.
Alex Calleja's "Tamang Panahon" streams on Netflix starting Feb. 7.