'Tropa Mo Ko Unli' members give tips on doing gag shows

MANILA, Philippines - The main cast of the Kapatid Network's gag show "Tropa Mo Ko Unli" are as serious as they can be when it comes to their work as comedians.

During Philstar.com's visit in the set of the new gag show, its main cast including Ogie Alcasid, Gelli de Belen, Tuesday Vargas and Wendell Ramos gave their advices to the younger generation of artists.

“Mahalin nila ang trabaho nila,” Ogie said. “Be as professional as they can be. Those things matter. Be on time, ‘wag kang pasaway, 'wag kang bad. Kasi kahit papaano matututo ka naman e.”

Tuesday, meanwhile, told the younger artists to never be content in just one genre or style.

"Wag mag-stop mag-learn. 'Wag mo lalagyan ang sarili mo ng ending na, I’ll start here, I’ll end here. Wag mo ikakahon ang sarili mo," she said.

She’s not ashamed to admit that she’s also learning from the younger generation.

Being known for mainstream and independent projects, Wendell have tried every genre possible in the industry.

That’s why he said doing a gag show may be hard, but it becomes fun when you’re not hesitant to let go of your inhibitions and bring out your crazy side.

"'Di ba ang dami nang lumalabas na character actors ganyan, pero dito mo lang sa gag show malalabas lahat ng kalokohan na 'yon," he said.

Gelli, for her part, said that newbies are naturally shy and calculating when it comes to delivery of their lines and expressing themselves at the set.

She gave the younger ones a few tips: "Hindi mo lang bibitawan [yung linya], kailangan aware ka sa sitwasyon, aware ka sa environment, aware ka sa times, aware ka sa nangyayari sa buhay-buhay nating mga Pilipino, kailangan aware ka sa lahat.

“Tapos being aware of all those, tsaka mo gagawin yung trabaho mo. Hindi siya basta dadating ka, binasa mo yung script ayan na," she added. "Just be more observant and find your comfort level."

Ogie and Wendell had worked together in GMA's "Buggle Gang" while Ogie and Gelli were part of the defunc "Tropang Trumpo." Tuesday, meanwhile, was part of ABS-CBN's "Yes, Yes Show" and QTV 11's "H3O."

The other members of "Tropa Mo Ko Unli" are Empoy, Caloy Alde, Long Mejia, Edgar Allan Guzman, Alwyn Uytingco, Valeen Montenegro, Eula Caballero, Ritz Azul, Nicole Estrada, Stephanie Rowie, Sophie Albert, Vin Abrenica, Shaira Mae, Mark Neumann, Chanel Morales, and Akihiro Blanco.