01/17/2025 03:22:12 PM
Six years since its inception – or from their humble beginnings of doing podcasts using the equipment they purchased at Raon – The KoolPals found its newest home at Century Plaza Hotel in Manila.
One of the country's top podcasts in comedy, the five-man gang behind the show launched its venue to do live recordings at the spaced previously occupied by the Cellar Pub and Deli this past Saturday. The upcoming go-to destination is now called The KoolPals Bar at Cellar, thanks to the partnership between this podcast and Century Plaza Hotel, led by its managing director JJ Tan. If that's the case, there'll definitely be more tawanan and even kuwentuhan sessions ahead.
For founding member James Caraan, having a venue to do their own brand of entertainment was something they envisioned for a long time. “Ever since we started our group, we have always dreamed of having our own bar. The podcast has played a huge role in promoting stand-up comedy, and it’s amazing to see how it has helped us achieve this dream. Now, we have a venue where we can expand our reach and share our humor with even more people.”
The KoolPals Bar may appear to be another typical comedy bar in the metro. However, aside from doing live episode recordings and interviews in front of a studio audience, the venue is also set to house countless shows featuring some of the best personalities on the stand-up comedy scene. And the realization of this dream isn't only made possible by the hotel executive and this quintet of comic podcasters from Comedy Manila alone.
Caraan believed that their cult following also had something to do with as he shared through these statements, “The fans who believed in us have been a major driving force in making this happen. The KoolPals Bar is a place to showcase our comedy, where everyone can enjoy a laugh and experience something unique in Manila’s entertainment scene.”
Fellow KoolPals pioneer GB Labrador echoed Caraan's sentiment by saying, “It’s a space where good food, drinks, and comedy come together. It’s where people can relax, laugh, and make memories.”
Moving forward, The KoolPals Bar will also become the first bear witness as they create new materials, be it on live show or on a canned recording. “This is a comedian’s playground,” as Labrador quipped. That's aside from their newest live show format airing every Sundays at 4PM called Noontime Show, which showcase fun games and unfiltered humor and streamed across the globe via Facebook and YouTube.
“Whatever show you come to watch at The KoolPals Bar, whether it’s a live podcast recording or a stand-up show, it will always be funnier than the last one,” Labrador, who once a long-time writer of the kiddie gag program Goin' Bulilit, said.
Their formal opening this past 18 January 2025 has been attended by several guests from the press, the Pod Network, Century Park Hotel, and even MMDA Supervisor Col. Edison Bong Nebrija.
Apart from doing the finest of live entertainment brand, having The KoolPals Bar experience will not be complete without Century Plaza Hotel's brand of world-class standard dining.
Opening their new house is just the first set for The KoolPals as they geared up for a massive year ahead of them, including a multi-city tour across the archipelago (with Baguio, Cebu, and Pampanga, to name a few) and its special event that is set to appear on global platforms soon via their collaboration with Arcade Film Factory led by director Marius Talampas (Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap).
“We’re thrilled to partner with Arcade Film Factory for this project,” Labrador said of their partnership. “They believe in our comedy, and with their expertise, we’re confident that our special will be not only funny but also world-class. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a groundbreaking year.”
Caraan added in conclusion as the gang reflects on what has been a monumental run so far, “Winning Spotify’s Best Comedy Podcast in the Philippines after over 750 episodes is another huge milestone for us. The community we’ve built has been incredible, and we’re excited to see where 2025 will take us.”
Expect their unbarred kind of fun times ahead at The KoolPals Bar at The Cellar located at the lower ground floor of Century Park Hotel in 599 P. Ocampo Street (corner F.B. Harrison), Malate, City of Manila.
The KoolPals is a comedy and interview podcast known for their bold yet relatable humor plus viral antics and comprised of its members such as James Caraan, GB Labrador, Ryan Rems Sarita, Nonong Ballinan, and Muman Reyes. The once-Spotify Exclusive show currently runs under the umbrella of The Pod Network Entertainment.
Author: slickmaster | © 2025 The SlickMaster's Files
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