Filipino comedians Tekla and Ady with the Expat Media Special Edition magazine at their press conference at Lamesa restaurant in Dubai on August 28, 2025. EXPAT MEDIA

Filipino comedian and actor Super Tekla is back in Dubai this weekend, this time with his comedy partner Ady, promising a night of fun while drawing a clear line on what jokes they will never make. In a Q&A with Expat Media on Thursday (August 28) ahead of their August 30 comedy show at Khalidia Palace Hotel in Deira, the pair opened up about the boundaries of comedy, handling bashers, and the story of their long-running partnership. “As a comedian, you have to be responsible with your words, especially when talking about sensitive topics. You’ll never get a joke from me about persons with disabilities (PWDs) or body shaming,” Tekla told Expat Media in Filipino. “It’s up to you how to execute a joke so it’s not offensive. As much as possible, lahat ng jokes ko papunta sa akin, that I can absorb (I direct the jokes toward myself, something I can take).” Ady echoed the sentiment, citing a personal experience. “Before, I would make jokes about sickness. But when my father had cancer, I saw how hard it was for people with cancer. Since then, making jokes about sickness has been a no-go for me,” Ady told Expat Media in Filipino.

Comedy with responsibility

Both comedians stressed that while comedy should bring "good vibes", it must also be handled with care. “There are a few topics but handle it with care. Be responsible. Be sensitive. As much as possible, if it’s not needed, don’t bring it up,” Tekla said. Ady added simply: “What’s important is that everyone has fun.” When asked about colleagues who faced backlash for controversial jokes, the duo admitted that criticism is part of the job. “We cannot please everyone,” Tekla said. Ady agreed: “You can’t please everyone, so we just ignore it.” Tekla, ever the joker, added: “Kasi kita lang din naman yun! (At the end of the day, it’s just income!)” he quipped, laughing. Asked about their partnership, Tekla recalled how they first met in comedy bars before he became an actor. Ady laughed as he shared their quirky first encounter: “He didn’t have eyeliner back then, so he borrowed mine. That’s how our friendship started. Sometimes, when you meet someone, you just feel comfortable. That’s how it was with him.” Ady described Tekla as a down-to-earth person. “He’s not picky. Even when it comes to luxury, he’s not fussy,” he said. Tekla added: “Simple lang ako. I’m not materialistic.” For Tekla, Ady brings out his best energy onstage. “Ady is a very good performer. He brings out my aura, even though I can stand on my own.”

Dubai show details

The Tekla and Ady Comedy Show will be held on Saturday (August 30) at Khalidia Palace Hotel in Deira. Doors open at 6:30pm, with the performance starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are priced at Dh150, inclusive of a dinner buffet and raffle draws. The event is presented by Rose ‘N Butterfly and Goldenbel Creative Events Management. Tekla last performed in Dubai in 2019 alongside OPM band Aegis at the Dubai World Trade Center. This year, he also staged shows in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, with Donita Nose. As Tekla and Ady prepare to hit the Dubai stage, one thing is certain: their jokes will be sharp, fun, but never at the expense of those already carrying life’s toughest battles. PIA/Expat Media
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