Filipino Canadian comic Ron Josol / Courtesy of Ron Josol
In an period when international comedy success is commonly measured by viral clips and enviornment excursions, Ron Josol represents a quieter, extra enduring path. The Filipino Canadian humorist might not be a family identify, however after 30 years on stage, he has constructed one thing simply as sturdy: a loyal worldwide following that connects deeply together with his comedic sensibility.
“I noticed Eddie Murphy’s ‘Delirious’ after I was 7 and thought, ‘I need to do this,’” Josol stated. “Nevertheless it wasn’t till my first couple of years really doing stand-up that I noticed this could possibly be a full-time profession — one thing that might at the very least assist me survive.”
That survival intuition has formed Josol’s profession. Whereas some comedians break by way of with a single defining second, his trajectory has been slower and steadier. He has appeared on main comedy platforms equivalent to “Only for Laughs,” Comedy Central and Dry Bar Comedy, however a lot of his work has been constructed by way of fixed touring — performing in as many as 25 to 30 international locations annually.
Fairly than chasing mainstream fame, Josol has centered on refining his craft. “Stand-up all the time modifications,” he stated. “It began as a one-liner artwork kind within the Forties, and it’s advanced ever since. When you suppose you’ve figured it out, that’s once you begin going backward.”
Josol’s comedy attracts from his lived expertise, together with his Filipino heritage, although he resists being outlined by it. He estimates that cultural materials makes up solely about 20 % of his act. The remainder, he says, is rooted in shared human experiences — relationships, misunderstandings and on a regular basis observations that journey properly throughout borders.
“After I discuss an expertise on stage, it would join with Filipinos as a result of they’ve lived it,” he stated. “However it might additionally join with individuals who don’t know something about Filipino tradition. If the sensation is acquainted, the joke works.”
That universality has allowed Josol to take care of a loyal viewers, even with out the visibility of bigger comedy stars. His followers are typically listeners reasonably than spectators — individuals who acknowledge themselves in his tales and comply with him from metropolis to metropolis.
He’ll convey that strategy again to Seoul on Jan. 17, when he performs his newest present, “Large Flip Power,” at Lit Lounge in Itaewon. The night shall be hosted by comic Kris James, with further performances by Kristen Pimley and Choi Ki-moon, and music by DJs Bora and Hello-C throughout the after-party.
Josol has carried out in Korea earlier than and describes the native viewers as engaged and receptive. “Individuals listed below are open,” he stated. “They’re tuned in to Western-style comedy and English, however they’re additionally curious.”
The present’s title, “Large Flip Power,” displays each his onstage presence and his background. “I’ve large power after I carry out,” he stated. “And I’m Filipino. That’s actually all there may be to it.”
As for the vibe, Josol describes it as a mixture of outdated and new. “It’s fashionable comedy with basic writing,” he stated. “Clear, edgy, random strategies. It’s not simply boxing or karate anymore — it’s MMA. Comedy is similar means.”
For audiences unfamiliar with stay stand-up comedy, Josol encourages an open-minded strategy. “Let go of no matter you suppose stand-up is meant to be,” he stated. “Chill out and luxuriate in it.”
After Seoul, Josol will proceed a demanding tour schedule that takes him to Guam, Texas and Los Angeles, in addition to cruise performances and comedy festivals. The tempo is relentless, however it’s one he has chosen.
“I’ve all the time been an artist,” he stated. “If I wasn’t doing comedy, I’d be creating one thing else. Being on stage nonetheless makes me completely happy.”
The present begins this Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets price 15,000 gained prematurely, or 20,000 gained on the door.
Alice Hong is a contract author and comic primarily based in Seoul. Observe her at @hippohong on Instagram.
