Send in the Clowns

If you simply want to roll on your chair from wholesome entertainment, don't miss Manila's top comedy bars as Paolo Lacsamana takes us on a "laughing trip."

The next time that someone tells you that he's going to the library in Manila, you might want to tag along. There are no stern librarians, and no musty old books in the pioneer comedy bar called The Library (Adriatico St., Malate, Manila).

Their roster of performers includes some of the city's most established comedians, who have perfected their punch lines over the Library's 20-year existence, including Ai-Ai de las Alas (who is the comedy box-office queen) and Allan K. (who put up his own comedy bar called Klownz). The comedians are not just there to crack jokes, they can belt out a Whitney Houston song with ease. One of them, Monica Valdez of the group Far Luck, even won the first prize at a Tokyo Search for a Singing Star talents and beauty contest.

These sing-along master/comedians routinely pull audience members up the stage and subject them to a round of "okrayan,: an intense session of teasing that's all in good fun.

Publication: Mabuhay
Publication Date: December 2005
Article Page: 30
Article Title: Send in the Clowns