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Spend Lent this year at "Asian AF Presents: Filipino AF" this Friday, March 2, 2018 at 9:30pm at the Upright Citizens Brigade's Inner Sanctum Stage at UCB Sunset in Los Angeles. FREE Admission!  "Asian AF Presents: Filipino AF" is a comedy variety show featuring the best Filipino American talent in Los Angeles. Improv, sketch, standup, and maybe even some music and dance.
STAND UP by Nico Santos (Superstore) CHARACTER by Marques Ray SKETCH by Jason Palmer Featuring Jason Palmer, Gilbert Galon, Tony Garbanzos, Daryl Jim Diaz, and Vince Yap Directed by Allyn Pintal MUSICAL COMEDY by Alfred Aquino II COMEDIC SPOKEN WORD by Laurie Len Magers CHARACTER by Mark Bertuldo, Madonna Refugia, and Angelie Meehan VIDEO by Alfred Aquino II & Gilbert Galon HIP HOP DANCE SKETCH written by Joy Regullano Choreographed by Ally Vega Featuring John Bacolores, Melanie Anne Padernal, Joy Regullano, Jeffrey Sabino, and Ally Vega IMPROV with Sini-Gang, a UCB Fil-Am mashup team with guest monologist Tess Paras (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) guest improviser Rene Gube (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) guest accompanist AJ Rafael and improvisers Albert Andrade, Kay Kaanapu, PJ McCormick, Allyn Pintal, Joy Regullano, Christopher Renfro, and Erich Tamola ACHARA the food truck will be providing a special seafood option for those observing Lent. Hosted/Produced by Allyn Pintal, Joy Regullano, & Erich Rheinhart Tamola Executive Produced by Will Choi & Asian AF Asian AF Presents: Filipino AF Friday, March 2nd at 9:30pm UCB Sunset Inner Sanctum - 5419 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027 (entrance through the cafe) FREE ADMISSION - seating first come, first served. The space will be able to fit everyone! Parking: RIDE-SHARING RECOMMENDED. Valet for $5 (may fill up quickly) or street parking available.
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I just realized that after originally writing these memories back in February 13, 2018 - when it was announced that iO West was closing - that I never took a class in improv or sketch writing there...
I knew of Improv Olympic's existence since its Complex Theater years and while I was with Monkey Butler Comedy (the latter closed in 2014). After studying improv at Upright Citizens Brigade in 2012, I was indecisive on which sketch classes I'd take... iO West or the Pack Theater?
During that time, I joined the sketch comedy team, Oi! Oi! Oi! (Elizabeth Ebeling, Javier Ortiz, Kate Rodman and Corey Slater) and we performed live at iO's Mainstage in the last three consecutive Saturday nights of 2013 -- performed a Christmas sketch called Twas The Night Before Drunk at the Sketch Holiday Theme Party Show hosted by Animal Style... 
...performed a musical sketch at the Comedy Music Circus! show hosted by Keith Saltojanes...
...and performed a sketch I originally wrote for Go Sketch Yourself hosted by CLIVE RICE! -- in front of Saturday night audiences (except for the one drunk guy in the back who was booted out of the club).
Recorded the 13th 'Super Awkward Funcast' episode with Elle Latham and Linnea Snyder at iO during the SNL 40th anniversary year...
...help in making the documentary short for the host about improvisor, actor and teacher Craig Cackowski about improv at iO...
Our team "The Olympian Beers" from the last two games became "Brainiac 3" and won the Pub Quiz hosted by Suzi Barrett. Also, I joined the three-persons team at the "Win, Lose, Draw, or Drink...The Booty Call" drawing competition at iO WEST Main Stage (April 27, 2012). We were tied from the get-go against the other team but, sadly we lost. But, I did learn how to draw simpler illustrations to get my team to guess the right answers quicker.
Received words of wisdom and practical applications from casting director Dorian Frankel, Jessica Makinson, actress Janet Varney, comedian Jason Horton and Joshua Mattingly at iO's 10th LA Improv Comedy Festival. And, supported my friends' (Nick Rasmussen, Moses Storm, etc.) shows by seeing their shows at iO. Lastly, assembled and edited a video tribute about my late friend, Billy Spindler. It was screened at his memorial hosted by Joanna Ke and Ai Yoshihara held at iO West in 2014
Participated in afternoon trivia games with other improvisors and comedians while I wondered if that one comedienne/actress who hosts a popular podcast stared at me or stared out the window from the bar, attended live WWE Viewing Parties hosted by Joshua Lassman and Steve Kaufmann along with other improvisors and comedians who happen to be wrestling fans (thank you!).
...and took a date to see a show at iO only to be abandoned when she went to Second City to get her friends yet never returned. Still wondering if that was a bit? In any case, iO West will surely be missed especially all my favorite improv teams. Most importantly, the trio of Dasariski. Because with them, it is okay to perform improv slowly...and not always quick and fast all the time. The trio consists of Bob Dassie, Rich Talarico, and Craig Cackowski. And, Dasariski is known for their “slow play” style of longform improvisation, creating an hour-long piece of theater with a focus on believable characters and relationships inspired from a single audience suggestion. Love them! iO, thanks for the crazy and humble memories -- like this February 23, 2013 (4 years ago today) Harlem Shake video we did at iO.
Edwin Performs on Super Awkward Funcast's Staged Reading of Tommy Wiseau's Original "The Room"12/23/2017
This is off my bucket list -- to record and perform on a radio play...or, in this case, a podcast play at Super Awkward Funcast! Been wanting to this sort of performance ever since I was a little boy listening to mystery detective thrillers presented as radio plays on the AM dial.
This staged reading (recorded earlier this month) is of the modern classic cult hit "so bad it's almost good" film titled "The Room" by misunderstood genius Tommy P. Wiseau ("The Disaster Artist"). I was sent the screenplay in late November and were given the characters I would be playing. Not having seen the film, I read the script and broke it down. The not proper screenplay format and its run on lines were almost easy to catch on and the description of the characters (based on their dialogue) I didn't take offense since it took place a decade ago when unlike my peers are deemed blasphemous. As much mockery and insults the film receives, I planned on performing the characters of 'Mark,' 'Billy,' 'Neighbor #2' and other characters as straight and serious as possible. If you're not familiar with the film, you don't have to watch it before listening in order to properly appreciate this original version but it helps. This reading is as serious an interpretation as we could manage and we hope you enjoy our work. Bloopers will soon follow, I assure you. I had a lot of fun and I would love to do more of these staged readings / radio plays! CAST OF CHARACTERS Brandon Burkhart (The Pack Theater) as Lisa, Bran, Crowd, Other Guys and Neighbor #1 Steven Robles (World Domination Designs) as Narrator, Johnny, Michelle and Crowd Edwin A. Santos (Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance) as Mark, Billy, Crowd, Other Guys and Neighbor #2 Elle Latham (SciFi4Me) as Claudette, Jimmy, Peter, Susan and Crowd  SEATING IS LIMITED!! PLEASE RSVP at: [email protected] ** Created and produced by Edwin A. Santos, FilAm Creative hosts the Hollywood Actors Panel for Actors -- a panel discussion and networking event featuring our special industry guest panelists who represent the craft of acting across the board. Hear the panelists discuss about their explorations of the process and profession of acting; their reflections on personal experiences and artistic influences that informed and shaped their careers; their discussions of past and current projects and share valuable insights into the craft and the industry. Get a chance to ask the panelists questions, learn about open opportunities, and build your network. INDUSTRY PANELISTS INCLUDE: - Billy DaMota (casting director, CSA). He has cast more than a hundred of films, TV shows, plays, music vides, commercials, "God's Not Dead," "America's Most Wanted," "Above The Law." https://filamcreative.wordpress.com/2015/09/01/hollywood-actors-panel-september-19-2015-industry-guest-panelist-casting-director-billy-damota-csa/ - Janet Tscha (talent agent at Arlene Thornton & Associates). She is also Head of the On-Camera Department. She loves working with performers and takes pride in seeing her clients in the media everyday. https://filamcreative.wordpress.com/2015/09/16/hollywood-actors-panel-sept-19-2015-industry-guest-panelist-janet-tscha-talent-agent-of-arlene-thornton-associates/ - Tess Paras (actress / writer) known for her viral videos “Typecast” and “What If Catcalls Were Cheeseburgers?” She is currently recurring on The Disney Channel's "Girl Meets World" and most recognized for her role as “Dana Tomas” on NBC’s hit drama, "Grimm" - introducing the first Filipino-American storyline on primetime television. https://filamcreative.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/hollywood-actors-panel-sept-19-2015-industry-guest-panelist-working-actress-tess-paras/ - Eugene Cordero (actor / comedian) who teaches long-form improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles. He regularly performs as a member of THE SMOKES - every Monday night - as well in Toledo Rep and ASSSSCAT at UCB, too. He has appeared in various films and television shows including "Kings of Summer," "Drunk History," "Kroll Show," and "Silicon Valley." He currently plays Officer Michael Newman in Paul Feig's Yahoo Screen original show, "Other Space." https://filamcreative.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/hollywood-actors-panel-sept-19-2015-industry-guest-panelist-eugene-cordero-actorcomedianteacher/ The panel will be moderated by Edward J. Mallillin (co-founder of FilAm Creative and serves on its Board of Directors. His credits include "Brown Soup Thing" [writer/director] and "Flipped Switch" [host/producer]. An outspoken advocate for education, he is the creator of "Rumor on the Playground," a multimedia assignment). Saturday, September 19, 2015 From 12pm to 2pm THE CLUBHOUSE IMPROV http://www.clubhouseimprov.com/ 1607 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA. 90027 * (between Hollywood & Sunset, inside and next door, right of Jons Marketplace. Free parking available inside the Jons Marketplace parking lot). FREE ADMISSION -- but donations welcome! FilAm Creative (FAC) is an all volunteer community organization dedicated to the advancement of Filipino-Americans in entertainment and media. Newsletter subscription: [email protected]  It was March 8, 2010 that my actress friend and I decided to study long form improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade here in Los Angeles. Unlike my friend, I have already studied short form improv at a couple of places in town, have seen Room To Improv perform live on stage and, of course, splintered my ribs when I watched Comedy Central's "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" (both the British and American versions). Moreover, it was redemption for me because in the late '90s when improv was hot (then), I was standing outside Groundlings trying to convince myself to not be scared, walk in and sign up. In seconds, I found myself driving away due to fear (I'm shy at heart). Anyway, Improv 101 at UCB was easy to pass despite my thinking head getting in the way. I thought I'd stop there. But, I didn't. I got addicted. Before we performed the first of two student showcases, to get over my stage fright, I did UCBTLA's Long Hard Improv Jam. I did fine for a while; holding my own with the vets while the laughs continued -- until I went blue. That's what I realized was a big no-no. Obviously, there are things I need to improve or just be smarter in my initiations. One of our classmates from the Level 1 class at UCB, Nick Rasmussen mentioned Monkey Butler to us. So, on January 13, 2011, I contacted the Artistic Director of Monkey Butler, David Magidoff. He confirmed what Nick said. We can go to any beginning class and they are free. Our first class was a Sunday afternoon at a Pasadena church with Nathan Davis for the Foundations Level which was okay...because I decided early on that I will complete the Basic Program at UCB (all four levels) and figured after a month at Monkey Butler, I'll sign up for Improv 201 at UCB. That one month became two months, then later six months and so on. My friend dropped out of MB due to a language barrier (which is understandable). I remember one rainy afternoon where only 12 of us showed up to class and Nathan decided rather than teach, we just do a full improv show in class. I was so excited! At first, I was trying to avoid jumping in or take the initiative. But, classmates kept pulling me in to the scenes (thank you!). At one point, I played the father whose daughter wanted to be a dancer and I happen to mention in character that I once had a dream of becoming a dancer. As soon as I said that, it was time for a flashback. It was happening so fast I had no time to really think or decide what to do. Just do what came to mind first. So, I saw myself doing Robin Williams dancing as Twyla Tharp. Then, I had to mirror it the second time after I said, while in a prison scene, as Donald Duck in character, I once did Shakespeare in the park...and of course, the next thing was a flashback. The last time I did a Donald Duck impression was when I was a boy and the last time I did anything Shakespeare was writing a report about the guy for my friend's final term paper. Let's just say with a growing sore throat and sniffles because of the rainy weather, I did the best Donald Duck impression I could while reciting the soliloquy in the "Nunnery Scene" of William Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet.' I will never ever forget that experience because we were all having fun!  On January 24, 2011, I volunteered to be one of the performers to represent Nathan Davis' Level One Workshop class in a Showcase called One Buck Butler which was held at the Oneonta Church in South Pasadena. Just short form improv games were done on stage. Which was fine. I just needed to get over my stage fright. Being in front of the camera is a whole lot easier than being on stage, for me. Being with Monkey Butler Comedy, I found balance. The other one thing Monkey Butler did for me was to be clean with my initiations as, again, I tend to go blue (which seems to be the norm at other improv shows). But, either indirectly or directly, because Monkey Butler Comedy was part of a faith group called Mosaic -- and also there were children in the audience, I really had to clean up my act.
On Thursday, March 24, 2011 at the One Buck Butler show at the Oneonta Campus, I was a guest performer for another class Level One Workshop taught by Lynn Downey Braswell. This was a test for me. Never having played with other scene partners before, more so, not know them...it was a challenge. The two photos above were of my new scene partner and I performing the improv game, "Whose Line." To me, this was more about acting and reacting than it was about improv. Those little notes helped carry the scene very well especially in the end. I think we did our job when we made a little girl laugh!   Another factor was performing improv with different people from all walks of live in various levels of their improv studies -- at other locations. This is where the support comes in. Supporting your scene partners and each other. Monkey Butler had a show at Alhambra, CA. (above) on April 23, 2011. Just did the improv jam and performed with the MB vets. I remember right after this show, one improv teacher at UCB believed doing jams are a waste of time. I beg to differ but, to each their own, I guess.. I continued to practice with Monkey Butler Comedy at the Level One Workshop. And, even though, I really wanted to advance to the Level Two Workshop and so on, I felt I'd stay in the basic level while I pursue the advance levels at UCB. On August 30, 2011, I signed up for Improv 201 at UCB. Advance weekly practice and study at UCB while having basic weekend practice and study at MB was the thing for a while; also doing student showcases at UCB and MB for the public was good because I was getting comfortable and less nervous being in front of a live audience. Also include doing various improv jams around the city not only Monkey Butler's One Buck Butler and Two Buck Butler shows but also at Crashbar Improv, Tuesday Night Thunder and Room 101, watching shows at UCB and Room To Improv and studying the books. Monkey Butler Comedy was the Winner of the Harold Competition at the 9th Annual Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival 2011 held at iO West.   While studying the 2nd level of improv at UCB, I did two more shows at MB. Then, after a year with them, I stopped and focused more on my UCB's studies. I passed Improv 201 at UCB. Then, I signed up for Improv 301 at UCB on November 3, 2011 and failed the class (because of the teacher; totally confused me and others students in the class). So, I went back to Monkey Butler to re-learn the basics of improv. I came to realize that once I advanced in improv, other disciplines and approaches come into play. So, I had to be solid with the basics again for the next four months until I signed up again for UCB's Improv 301 on March 6, 2012. Passed the class! Before I signed up for UCB's 401 class, I knew I didn't want to repeat another class. So, I went back to Monkey Butler on the weekends and also signed up for a daily improv intensive boot camp and later improv scene work. On July 13, 2012, I signed up for UCB's Improv 401 -- and passed!
I continued going to Monkey Butler Improv afterwards but mainly to their Halloween events. I was always El Santo! Monkey Butler Comedy was the Winner of the Harold Competition at the 12th Annual Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival 2014 held at iO West. On August 25, 2014, Monkey Butler Improv Comedy announced they have ended operations. I don't what happened but, if I have to guess -- Monkey Butler was gaining more popularity than Mosaic. On September 19, 2014, Monkey Butler hosted their celebration party. Since then, members and students of MB Improv Universe opened new places to teach a new generation of improvisors, comedians and performers for the servitude of the community. A lot of cool people I met during my time spent at MB such as Nick, Moses, David, Gabe, Ai, Charles, Cristina, Billy, Skyler, Nathan, G., Jane, Ken, Greg, Jessica, Laura, Lynn, Max, Patrizia, Rey, Sean, Steve, Jason, Tad, Zach, Brittany, Janet and others. To which I say, "thank you, Monkey Butler, for everything!"   Edwin in Chicago Shazbot... very, very sad to hear about Robin Williams' passing today. He was my first and all-time favorite stand-up comedian and comedy actor! Since I first saw him in an episode of "Happy Days" as 'Mork from the planet Ork.' Then, he appeared as the same character in a short lived ABC-pilot sitcom called "Out Of The Blue" during his juggernaut success of "Mork & Mindy" (despite being a boy, all the sexual jokes & innuendos went over my head but, laughed anyway). I collected all of that show's bubblegum cards (still have them) and read his first autobiography (still have it). Then, he hosted SNL, then, did movies & TV (sometimes in dramatic turns which, in my opinion, he excelled in), a Broadway play with his then stand-up rival, Steve Martin in "Waiting For Godot" (I missed) in New York and more of his rapid fire stand-up especially for the cause, "Comic Relief." I've never met him in person despite I've been to iO and UCB for shows. But, at least I saw him again...on television in "The Crazy Ones." Below are my favorites from Robin ~ both comedy and drama!
Prior to that, he spoke of his continuous pain, his love for his family, his children and grandchildren...in a sad, almost surrendering, tone. Generally, people will agree with me and tell me that suicide is an act of desperation by someone in intense pain. Let me take it further by adding that with people who suffer with depression (and it doesn't have to be physical pain but mental pain, social pain, stress, everyday pressures of life, basically surviving), all that will blind common sense thus "deciding" that the act in itself is the only way to get rid of the pain, escape, OR, just to let go. There was a late '80s report about a Chinese UCLA student jumping from her dormitory window because her parents were dissatisfied she scored an A on her term paper. Her parents expected their daughter to only excel with A+ scores. Never anything lower than an A+.  Performing improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade I know from this week to the next, we'll learn more. As for myself, I am at a loss. Most definitely, I will be crying for a while. It's like losing a funny uncle. Other than my parents' funny people like Don Rickles, Jerry Lewis, Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway and Johnny Carson as well as the ones I grew up with but were well before my time (Abbott & Costello, The Three Stooges, Bugs Bunny), Robin Williams was my first contemporary funny man that enabled me to break out of my own shyness growing up and that being crazy is okay....but, to me that was a private thing I did with my family and friends. Never thought I'd consider publicly pursuing it. I became an actor because I wanted to do the dramatics! Until the late '90s, I almost got the nerve to walk inside The Groundlings to take my funnies to professional and public opinion. Almost got the nerve...because I walked back to my car and drove away. In 2004, I studied short form improv but, it was the safe kind. In July 2008, to celebrate my sibling's birthday, we went to check out Anthony Cools in Las Vegas. And, when he asked for volunteers who wished to be hypnotized, I was the first one to jump on stage initially to debunk hypnosis. And, I'm still not a believer. I proved to myself that hypnosis didn't work on me but, I was already knee deep as a participant in his show (his people were eyeing us so they can remove those who were just messing around). In my silent observation, I didn't want to call his bluff and publicly cry out fraud live on stage (because it wasn't him - I just wasn't a believer). But, since I was already on stage, the show must go on. So, I decided to commit. So, ninety-nine percent of the suggestions he gave me, I did them without hesitation. It's that one suggestion which is NSFW for me to say here, I almost didn't do. I discovered this suggestion was a test to see how far I would go. So, in a split second without showing too much hesitation for the audience to notice, "I gave that chair a good lickin'". (if you can paraphrase that last line, then you know what I did on stage). The laughter was overwhelming. That experience proved to me that I'd give long form improvisation another shot. Robin studied improv first before he studied the craft of acting and before he did stand-up. I studied at Monkey Butler Comedy in 2009 and the Upright Citizens Brigade (above photo) in 2010 while taking improv bootcamp & intensives between them. I'm glad I did because honestly, it's freeing. And, very supportive. And, finally a place where I can share my experiences with others. Below is Robin Williams' 1983 HBO comedy special (my first time seeing his standup) and the second video is from the non-televised 8th Annual Critics' Choice Awards in 2009 where you can see Robin just improvising all his own!
 "The Fix Up Show" by J. Keith van Straaten; ACME Comedy Theater. In 2010, I was invited by Kristina Wong to be one of the suitors to win a romantic date on the live stage show, "The Fix Up Show" hosted by J. Keith van Straaten at the ACME Comedy Theater (right photo). Alex Borstein was guest matchmaker. I had no intention getting a date but no one knew. My intent was to see how I can take a real life situation (finding a date) and make it funny. Much like Robin Williams, a lot of my memories of dating are already written inside my head and all I had to do is pull one out of my hat trick and use it as a response! It paid off. Audience members came up to me saying I was very funny and they had a great time. One nice lady said, "my image on stage didn't fit what was coming out of my mouth." I took those notes and co-wrote an internet dating web series in 2013. It was fun because I was able to take my real-life dating experiences into hilarious situations either as a character of myself or just a character (as shown below). The Santa Monica photo was not scripted. Every response I gave to her questions about dating have all been written and archived in my mind's memory banks! Later that year, I created my own web series to premiere this October. Below the small thumbnails is a preview episode of "No Regrets," a lightly scripted and highly improvised series.
 Cancelled my standup debut at the Comedy Store In the Summer of 2012, a friend of mine found out I do comedy and offered me to perform stand-up at the Comedy Store (left photo). He was (and still is) hosting a weekly show there in the Main Room. (Improv and stand-up are two different animals). I've never written material before; my jokes comes to mind at the spur of the moment (much like Robin Williams and improv). Anyway, to make this long story short, the stand-up comedian I was sent to didn't do a great job teaching me the fundamentals of technique. He wanted me to watch Jim Gaffigan and do his style. No offense to Mr. Gaffigan, but, my standup heroes are/were Robin Williams and Steven Wright. Yes, two sides of extremes. But, it was the teacher who said to me, I have to find a middle ground. Before my stand-up debut at the Comedy Store (which was the same place Robin Williams made his stand-up debut), I sent this out on my Facebook: "Due to an unforeseen event, what was originally scheduled as my standup comedy debut tonight, August 16, 2012 at the World's Famous Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip is cancelled." However, I did go to the Comedy Store to see and support two other friends' first times. In standup, you're on your own. I'll be ready soon. The door is always open...to take on a new risk and succeed. And, if I don't, at least, I can say, I did it. Like the time I was invited to an optional clothing resort and the year after, to a private naturist barbeque party at someone's backyard. I went au natural (with beginning with fear first) but, now I can say, I did it. Both are the same -- "you got to be raw to take a risk." :) Rest in peace ... and a final Na-nu, Na-nu, Robin Williams... You'll always be an inspiration.
 This Sunday night, December 29, 2013 at 10:30pm, I'm premiering a sketch I wrote (and revised by Elizabeth Ebeling) to be performed with our sketch team, the dangerous punk rock infused, Oi Oi Oi! at Go Sketch Yourself hosted by CLIVE RICE! on the MainStage at iO West.
Get your $5 tickets here today: http://ioimprov.com/west/io/shows/go-sketch-yourself-with-clive-rice Catch Me at The Comedy Music Circus, December 22, 2013 @ 10:30pm at the MainStage at iO West.12/21/2013  This Sunday night, December 22, 2013 at 10:30pm, I'm doing a musical sketch with Oi Oi Oi (with Elizabeth Ebeling, Javier Ortiz, Kate Rodman & Corey Slater) at the ¡The Comedy Music Circus! show hosted by Keith Saltojanes at iO West. Come by and have a great time!
Get your $5 tickets here: http://ioimprov.com/west/io/shows/the-comedy-music-circus I was just sitting in the middle of the stage after accepting a one word suggestion when suddenly I transformed into a Luchador wrestler defending myself against a baby elephant's deadly tusks?!? I had fun doing this video with Elizabeth Ebeling and my comedy friends at Improv Olympic West in Hollywood. Enjoy!  |
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