Alex Calleja
Alex Calleja (born October 6, 1972)[1] is a Filipino stand-up comedian, director, podcaster, and screenwriter. He has worked as a writer for several television programs, including Goin' Bulilit, It's Showtime, and Umagang Kay Ganda.
Life and career
Before becoming a stand-up comedian, he held various jobs, including construction work, serving as a porter at a thrift shop in Bangkal, Makati, and working as a fast-food crew member. He later joined SGS Far East Ltd. as a data processing officer, even before completing his studies, and continued his education while working as a student employee. After graduating, he taught at AMA University and, by 2005, was working as an IT programmer. He eventually attended a stand-up comedy workshop at Accenture and began performing in bars, where he was later discovered by ABS-CBN. His fame further soared after he placed as runner-up in Laugh Factory's Funniest Person in the World in 2016.[2] He gained greater recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his viral jokes online brought laughter to many viewers. His punchlines resonated widely, as they were rooted in his real-life experiences and those of ordinary Filipinos.[3][4]
Calleja's career expanded as he became a television and radio host, as well as a podcaster. On February 7, 2025, he released his first Netflix comedy special, Tamang Panahon. It reached No. 1 and remained in Netflix Philippines' Top 10 for several weeks.[5][6][7][8] His story was featured on Magpakailanman in 2025, with Sef Cadayona portraying him.[9]
Controversy
Calleja was accused of joke plagiarism by screenwriter Chito Francisco, involving a car wash–related joke that gained attention during Calleja's Netflix special Tamang Panahon. In a Facebook post, Francisco alleged that one of his jokes had been used. Calleja responded by stating that the matter should have been addressed privately. He also shared screenshots of his car wash–themed jokes, which he claimed to have been performing since 2011. Francisco later issued a public apology, stating that the situation had escalated and that he wished to clarify the matter. He also urged bloggers and online users to delete his previous statements. In his apology, Francisco admitted fault and expressed remorse for the harm caused to Calleja. He acknowledged the possible legal implications of his actions and said he hoped his statement would help resolve the issue and bring closure between them.[10][11]
Filmography
As an actor
- Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011–2013 | Toda Max | Alex (85 episodes) |
| 2013 | Little Champ | Sarge |
| 2022 | BalitaOnenan | Seph "Patola" Balimbing |
| 2022 | Jose and Maria's Bonggang Villa | Joey Boy / Dr. Joe Marie Yan (2 episodes) |
| 2025 | Mga Batang Riles | Zeke Reyes (3 episodes) |
| 2026 | A Secret in Prague | Mr. President |
- Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Dyagwar: Havey o waley | — |
| 2014 | Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina at mga Anak | Ka Silbio |
| 2017 | Mang Kepweng Returns | Gabe |
| 2017 | Woke Up Like This | Lance |
| 2018 | Walwal | Bernardo |
| 2018 | BuyBust | Teban |
| 2018 | Unli Life | John |
| 2019 | Papa Pogi | Dr. Lito Sablayan |
| 2024 | My Future You | Samalamig Vendor |
| 2025 | One Hit Wonder | Sir Erik |
| 2025 | Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins | Bano (segment "2025") |
As a production crew
- Television
| Year | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Toda Max | Contributing writer (as Alexander Victor Calleja) (43 episodes) |
| 2022 | BalitaOnenan | Writer |
| 2022–2024 | Jose and Maria's Bonggang Villa | Creative consultant (26 episodes) |
- Film
| Year | Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | The Reunion | Additional screenplay |
| 2017 | Woke Up Like This | Creative consultant |
| 2018 | Unli Life | Screenplay / creative consultant |
| 2019 | Papa Pogi | Story / screenplay |
| 2025 | Right Time (TV Special) | Writer |
References
- ↑ "Alex Calleja Movies and TV Shows on Netflix". Flixboss. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
- ↑ "Alex Calleja among 20 funniest persons in the world". Manila Standard. November 7, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "'Tao Po': Alex Calleja, humuhugot sa personal experience para sa kanyang jokes". ABS-CBN. December 19, 2024. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Godinez, Bong (April 9, 2024). "Alex Calleja on how going viral can work against stand-up comedians". PEP. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Severo, Jan Milo (February 1, 2025). "Alex Calleja says stand-up comedy in Philippines still 'relatively new'". Philippine Star. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Donato, Jerry (February 7, 2025). "How Alex Calleja's birthday show led to first Netflix special". Philippine Star. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Krishnan, Ganiel (January 30, 2025). "Alex Calleja to debut Netflix comedy special 'Tamang Panahon'". ABS-CBN. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Villanueva, Angelica (February 12, 2025). "Alex Calleja debuts stand-up comedy special on Netflix". Manila Standard. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Ruiz, Marah (May 1, 2025). "Buhay ng komedyanteng si Alex Calleja, tampok sa 'Magpakailanman'". GMA Network. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Llemit, Kathleen (February 16, 2025). "'Let's move on': Alex Calleja accepts comedy writer's public apology over car wash joke". Philippine Star. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Lim, Ron (February 20, 2025). "Alex Calleja explains the joke stealing controversy on 'Fast Talk with Boy Abunda'". GMA Network. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)