Phillip talks about directing co-comedians

Author: Jill Beltran
Column: Manila, Jill Beltran, Lifestyle

MOST people know Phillip Lazaro as one of the finest stand-up comedians.

But little did we know that he is also a stage director. In fact, he already contrived shows and concerts featuring famous artists like Akafellas and actress-comedienne Gladys Guevarra.

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Phillip shared that directing is the second field of expertise he wants to explore and to master as time goes by.

As his grounding, he involved himself in directing concerts and stage shows and the most recent is the highly anticipated comedy series "Da Spooftacular Showdown."

"This show is more on showbiz personalities. We are not making fun of these people but we are trying to bring out what's funny about them," Phillip said.

Three talented comedians and friends of Phillip will act on the show -- John Lapus, Jon Santos, and Candy Pangilinan.

When asked who the best among the three stand-up comedians is, he said: "Ayokong maging showbiz na lahat sila, pero for a person like me who is also a stand-up comedian, lahat sila iba-ibang klase. Parang tunog showbiz, pero hindi e. Lahat sila may weaknesses may strengths. Si Candy malakas sa ganito, si ano sa ganito pero ang strength talaga 'We are all together in one show.'"

The casts of "Da Spooftacular Showdown" have been rehearsing for three weeks now.

And being close to each other, the three comedians is an advantage, said Phillip. "Lahat nagtatawanan, nagtutulungan like kapag nagre-rehearse si Jon nakikinig lahat," he added.

"I work with them as co-performers before so alam namin yung timing namin. Yung repertoire namin napakadali na," the new director said.

According to Phillip, directing friends in a show is much easier for him and he makes sure that their friendship doesn't interfere with their work.

"We'll these people are very professional. They know how to differentiate work from friendship. They call me 'Direk'. After work pangalan na namin. And pag call time, darating sila on-time. They do their part, I do my part," he said.

Speaking of call time, he was asked who among the cast he had scolded because of being late. "I am not prepared for that question," he said while the press noticed that Candy was hiding herself at the back of John Lapus and after few seconds admitted that she came late once during their rehearsal.

"Pamilyado po akong babae. Ako po ay may anak na noong araw na yon ay may kinailangan po akong gawin. Alam ko po na hindi dapat maging dahilan ung kung anuman ang problem sa bahay. But we're okay now, nagkapaliwanagan na kami," Candy explained.

Phillip ventured into directing because he also wanted to experience how it is working behind the scenes of a show. "It's another feather in my cap."

What people could expect from "Da Spooftacular Showdown," the director himself said, are "new breed of comedy, of attacks, of texture, and definitely a fresh show."

Phillip added that if he has a chance to direct a movie, he will do it but as of now, he will try to learn the ins and outs of directing first. "Live muna ko I-perfect ko muna ung craft ko dito and pag may chance pwede."

(November 2, 2008 issue)
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Source: Sunstar Daily