Comedy Cartel, the true pioneers in point-of-view stand-up comedy in the Philippines produced another quality comedy show last night as they held the 8th Leg of the Laugh and Stack Open Mic showdown.
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| Relik Olla Mia, Php. 1,150 |
Flaming Pork Belly Hamonado, hamonado, baked to it’s perfection placed in a bed of mashed potato and some veggies. I’m not really a fan of sweet meat but if you guys are…this could be a bang for your buck. It’s perfectly plated and it adds excitement when you see your food served at your table with flame.
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| Flaming pork belly hamonada, Php. 695.00 |
Chorizig. One of Relik’s most popular dishes. I’ve tried this before and this is really, REALLY good. Who doesn’t love chorizo and sisig?
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| Chorizig, Php 220.00 |
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| Relik Nachos, Php 275.00 |
I ordered some beer and Relik Spicy Beef barbeque (photo not available) as a token of appreciation for the bloggers whom I invited and showed up despite the short notice.
Comedy Cartel aims to develop fresh stand-up comics by giving them a room/venue with a real audience to practice their materials and hone their comedic skills. At the same time the genius behind the show(Patrick Cruz) spiced it up by turning it into an open mic competition with a cash prize for the champion.
All comics are being coached by veteran comedians right after their sets, and are also undergoing workshops to assure 100% improvement.
The open mic competition will run till the end of the year. They are already on their 8th leg. The audience, professional comedians and the open micers gets to vote who’s gonna be in the top 5 for each leg. The top 15 comics will qualify to hit the stage for the finals in December.
Comedy Cartel is known for producing good comedians like Alex Calleja (who was discovered by Tim Tayag and now writing for a Comedy show at ABS-CBN) and GB Labrador, one of the founders of Comedy Manila. Other talents of Comedy Manila like Victor Anastacio, Red Ollero, Ryan Rems, Ryan Puno, James Caraan and Jeps Gallon also started with Comedy Cartel and are now reaping the fruits of their hard work.
Here are the Top 5 for Laugh and Stack’s 8th Leg.
1. Walter Mark “Nonong” Ballinan.
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| current winner |
2. Haresh Daswani
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| 3 time winner |
3. Justin Harmon
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| first time open-micer |
4. Rene Cruz
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| consistent member of the Top 5 comics |
5. Juan Miguel Alejandrino
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| 2 time winner |
The Open Mic showdown started and ended well with closing performances by professional comedians, Uli Oposa and Mike Unson.
July 14, 2014 at 1:54 am
Indeed, very nice to know the Top 5 of comedy Cartel. They contributed much I think, to the success of this awesome place.
July 14, 2014 at 3:26 am
Stand up comedy is not yet too popular among filipino. The most popular kind is the one at comedy clubs but not something like this.
July 15, 2014 at 5:04 am
You're right and Comedy Cartel aims to change how Filipinos see stand-up comedy.
July 15, 2014 at 3:49 am
This is quite near and the food looks good! I should try this!
July 15, 2014 at 5:05 am
I hope you can watch the next leg! =)
July 15, 2014 at 4:38 am
Astig. At last a venue for real stand up comedians! Not a fan of what passes as comedy at bars with 'comedians' insulting customers' looks, etc. You know what I'm talking about (the ones with Vice Ganda and the slew of others) and I refuse to call it stand up because it's an insult to the greats like George carlin, Jerry Seinfeld, Louis CK, Chris Rock, et al. who actually work hard to write their material and have something to say.
I've read your previous posts about Comedy Cartel and I'm happy that there's a venue for aspiring comics and stand up comedy fans. That it serves seemingly (I have to try these enticing delights) good food is a bonus! I have to visit this when I go home in December. I liked one of Mig's sets, the one I saw on your post and I hope to catch him too.
July 15, 2014 at 5:07 am
You seem to know a lot about the real stand-up comedy scene. We need more guys like you here in the Philippines. Shoot us an email (migsandalaine@yahoo.com) if you want us to reserve a seat for you and your friends this December. I hope you get in time for the Finals!
July 19, 2014 at 2:27 am
nice place! the food looks delish. first time i head about chorizo + sisig. wow! must be really yummy! 🙂
July 19, 2014 at 3:29 am
Yes! You must try it… =)
July 20, 2014 at 2:31 am
The food looks good. I hope to attend in one of these as I have never been into.
July 20, 2014 at 8:36 am
Please do check out Comedy Cartel's facebook page for their upcoming shows. =)
July 20, 2014 at 3:28 pm
I heard Tim Tayag's cranking up with the Boys Night Out way back 2008 (too bad, my HD which contained that recording went corrupt). I also saw the peeps of Comedy Cartel for the first and last time in my experience at the Blogapalooza last year, and there's no question about this — they alleviate what the real stand-up comedy is all about.
They're not the type who just throw insults on somebody else like what those bars in Timog and Tomas Morato (and other venue) does, and that is something really appreciating at will. And at the same time, needs to hone more. I think that's the best thing aside from the likes of Isko Salvador, Michael V, and even the late Arvin Jimenez.
At the advent where those "slapstick" gags used to dominate the comedy scene, we need such comedy tactics like this.
July 21, 2014 at 12:17 pm
I haven't been to a stand-up comedy bar in a long time! The food at Relik looks really good, by the way.
July 24, 2014 at 11:57 am
I seriously want to attend that one when you were looking for bloggers to experience it. Still I am looking forward to watching the show! 🙂
July 26, 2014 at 10:18 pm
Wow the flaming pork ham looks veryy interesting!