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Waiting out for the interview with Jojo on the set of the weekly taping for a week’s worth of Episodes for Jojo All The Way was quite engaging. The ambiance of the studio was relaxed and you can just sense that people were just having fun while doing their jobs – from the band to those at the director’s table at the back, to the featured guests and a few seated at the audience. During a break in between episodes, a white board is held up for Jojo and with his forehead creased, he scribbled down on the board. One can tell by the looks of the whole scene that Jojo is a man who takes his job seriously. A few minutes after that, the same board stands up on the floor near the camera, and Jojo delivers a funny monologue that had the whole studio in fits of genuine laughter, delivered so candidly, one wouldn’t know he had a cheat sheet right in front of him. A series of interviews ensued, and Jojo engages each one of his guests as if he’d known them for years.

In between takes, we were able to get a hold of the studio’s star, and get a glimpse of the man behind the suit. We start off over a short discussion on the latest internet sensation, giving me a piece of his insights over the whole issue. There, I saw another side of the guy, which can easily be overshadowed by all the laughs. He is a very sensible man; discussing with me how an unfortunate event blown out of proportion by a discriminating internet audience, can be turned around to actually work for you – if you’d just learn how to laugh at yourself. If there was one thing I got out of the short time I had with Jojo – it’s that do not be afraid to laugh at yourself, “and turn this disadvantage to his advantage.”

Showbiz can be fickle. One moment you are the hottest thing this town has seen, and the next, you’re already a has-been. Staying on can be quite a challenge in this world which forever

looks for the newest star to launch. Staying on is a gift not all the “stars” who have passed by showbiz’s doors is given with. A gift Jojo Alejar has been blessed abundantly with. After more than 20 years in showbiz, and with most of his contemporaries fading into their private lives,

Jojo remained and has even managed to create his very own niche.

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Jojo has been one of the few who didn’t have to audition for That’s Entertainment back in the 80’s; he was actually handpicked to join the show. After his stint with That’s and some other showbiz gigs, he went on with his private life. In early 2000, he was working as a Chief of Staff of Paranaque Congressman Zialcita for a term and a half, and it was during this tenure when Paranaque was split into 2 districts. Not exactly the background your typical comedian. However, probably feeling his more creative side stifled by the formal halls of congress, he decided to make a comeback to the glitzy world of showbiz – but this time via a late night show. Asked how he planned his moves and what he thinks made his show go this far, he quickly attributes it to God’s grace, saying “I never planned for anything. I just went for it, gusto ko yung ganong types of shows.” Luckily for Jojo, things fell into place. He just went on doing what he likes doing best and with Ramon Jacinto as his first back-up, Jojo A. All The Way! was born. He has always been a fan of late night shows, and counts David Letterman, Conan O’Brien as his top icons. Going on, he would later realize how a market for late-night shows actually exist here in the Philippines, and as he had been first on the scene for Philippine, he had effectively carved his spot right on. His show has transferred across several stations and is currently showing in the new game player and very aggressive TV5. He and his staff are so far happy in their new home; and with the atmosphere in that studio was of any indication, they were definitely one, happy bunch.

On the family front, Jojo likes to keep his brood as low-profile as possible, maintaining normal live for his kids. He currently has 3 kids, the oldest being 7. Jojo and his family typically hang out at malls, amusement parts, and they enjoy dining and watching movies as much as the next household.

A league of his own and a comedian in his own right, Jojo has definitely made his mark – by creating how own market and staying on. Asked if he still sees himself hosting his late-night show in the next 5 years down the line, he actually says “I’d like to do this for the rest of my life.”