More than just a successful writer and actor in theater, TV, and film, Jon Santos is celebrated as a comedian at his best on the stand-up stage, where he hilariously tackles current social issues in the Philippines. Name a famous celebrity, an important issue, or a piece of controversial news, and it’s likely received the signature Santos treatment over the years.
In a press conference for his upcoming show, Santos shared how his comedic journey began during his school days.
“I started impersonating in school when I was young. There was this mischievous student who would always mimic the teacher whenever her back was turned. So all throughout elementary and high school, whenever the teacher wasn’t looking, I would bring her to life in front of my classmates,” he shared.
“It was a way for students to get back at authority figures — they could turn them into punchlines or parodies. I grew up naughty like that. We’d ‘playtime’ them in the classroom,” Santos added.
Over the years, Santos has masterfully impersonated public figures and celebrities, including Vilma Santos, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Joseph Estrada, among many others.
But while he is a master of comedy on stage, Santos admits he is serious and private offstage.
“Comedians tend to be serious when they’re not working or when the cameras aren’t rolling — like Dolphy, Tessie Tomas, and Joey de Leon. You can’t just ask them to crack a joke on the spot. Like them, I’m mostly serious and private,” he explained.
This year, Santos reflected on the importance of spending more time with family after a series of health challenges faced by his mother and his husband of 19 years, West Stewart, who underwent two heart surgeries.
“Before planning this concert, it was a year of being out of town. My life had changed — I spent more time with family. My mom has slowed down a bit, so I’ve been in the province taking care of her. At the same time, I was caught off guard by my partner’s health issues, which required trips to the US. There were two surgeries, but thankfully, both were successful,” Santos revealed.
Now, Santos is entering what he calls “gratitude mode” as he returns to the stage with his highly anticipated holiday show, “Naughty & Nice: Jon Santos Is Coming to Town!”
The show takes place on Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, promising an evening filled with laughter and unforgettable entertainment.
“This year, just opening the newspaper every other day, you’re bombarded with bad news — it’s so frustrating. Lately, there have been so many typhoons. But we Filipinos always find ways to bring ourselves joy, even for just two hours, whether it’s watching a movie, a show, or a play. I hope I can provide that escape with this concert,” he said.
The event features an impressive lineup of special guests, including OPM legends Apo Hiking Society, Ice Seguerra, and drag artist Viñas DeLuxe.
Directed by Sweet Plantado-Tiongson and produced by Ticket1 Concerts, the show blends comedy and music for audiences of all ages.
Tickets are available through SM Tickets and Ticket1 branches nationwide.
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