Comics among 100 to lose jobs with shutdown of Zirkoh, Klownz

More than 100 employees of the two comedy bars of TV host and comedian Allan K will lose their jobs after he announced their permanent shut down amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among them are some 30 stand-up comedians who for the past years have been bringing laughter to the patrons of the establishments.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, Allan K decided to file for bankruptcy for his comedy bars Zirkoh and Klownz given the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

“Di natin alam kung hanggang kailan eh, ‘di ba? Kaysa naman lumaki nang lumaki ‘yong babayaran namin sa rental at iba pang expenses eh better yet i-close na lang talaga,” Allan K said.

He, however, said the employees will still receive their unpaid salary, 13th month pay and additional cash assistance.

Among those who will lose their jobs were famous stand-up comedians Boobay, Philip Lazaro  and Boobsie.

“‘Yong Klownz din saka yung Zirkoh ang nagbigay sa’kin ng pagkakataon na makapag-tour sa iba’t ibang mga bansa, mapuntahan ‘yong mga lugar na hindi namin inakalang mapupuntahan namin… Pamilya na rin talaga ang turingan talaga namin,” Boobay said.

“Kung saan ako nagsimula, I’m a different person when I’m on stage kasi iba ang stand-up comedy and live comedy, ang reaction is continuous,” Lazaro said.

However, despite the bars’ shut down, Allan K said he will try his best to reopen them when the health crisis is over.

“Kumbaga, matapos lang siguro ‘yong pandemic na ‘to at puwede naman sigurong magbukas ulit ng bagong comedy bar because ito talaga ‘yong negosyong gusto ko eh. Ito talaga ‘yong negosyong alam na alam kong patakbuhin kahit nakapikit ako,” he said.

“Wala pong imposible kay Papa Hesus eh. Kaya naniniwala pa rin po ako na magiging maayos ang lahat,” Boobsie added.

Meanwhile, Boobay and Lazaro said they are already starting to prepare new jokes so that they can provide laughter to the public when the pandemic is over.

“‘Wag kayong mag-alala kasi hindi kami titigil magpasaya sa inyo. See you again soon,” Boobay said.

“Nag-iimbak na kami ng mga bagong jokes… Don’t worry, ‘pag nagkita-kita tayo muli, we will not just bring laughter to your faces but also into your hearts,” Lazaro said.

Zirkoh and Klownz, both located in Quezon City, have operated for 16 and 18 years, respectively. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News