IT'S JOJO A... ALL THE WAY!

One of the my career's highlights in 2014 is getting the chance to interview my idol Jojo Alejar, the host and producer of the long running late night talk show The Medyo Late Night Show. It really was an awesome interview, plus the fact that we did it in his set. Awesome, right? This article of mine about him was originally published in Philippine Rotary magazine, May 2014 issue.


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THE TALK SHOW HOST

For 10 years, Alfredo Rizalito P. Alejar , popularly known as Jojo A., has been doing his job of making TV viewers smile before they hit the sack with his witty monologues, co
medy skits, no-nonsense interviews and his signature dance moves in his program The Medyo Late Night Show with Jojo A. When asked about his secret of the longevity of his nightly talk show, his reply --passion plus prayer.





Alejar started his showbiz career in the early 1980’s as dancer-choreographer of The Tigers dance group, eventually becoming a contract artist for GMA 7, Seiko Films and Alpha Records. In the late 90’s, this University of Santo Tomas alumnus worked as house composer for Sony Music and during the early 2000’s hosted two radio programs. In 2004, Alejar’s showbiz career got rejuvenated when he launched his show on UHF TV channel RJTV 29, which was patterned after the late night shows of his idols Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and Conan O’Brien. Alejar’s program gained loyal followers for its unique brand of “everyday life comedy” where he highlights the funny sides of current events, politics, and even showbiz gossips. His spontaneity in delivering punchlines gives “Mr. All the Way“the edge against competitors. “There are some hosts who look funny

yet they also wanted to look cool at the same time. For me, it does not matter if others find me stupid because I enjoy making people laugh. There are some comedians who say funny things and there are some comedians who say things funny. I belong to the latter,”the 48-year old host stated. Later on, Medyo Late Night with its increased popularity transferred to GMA 7, one of the country’s leading TV networks.

Rotary played a vital role in the success of Alejar’s show especially in its early years. When he began producing the show, fellow Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Manila Bay, District 3810 supported
him in the spirit of Rotary companionship by becoming the program’s initial sponsors. The club also assists Alejar, who joined Rotary in 1997, in promoting his advocacies and charity works such as gift giving to underprivileged children and his recent relief efforts for typhoon Yolanda victims.
In return, he always makes himself available for RC Manila Bay’s various
service endeavors.

(Photos by: Carmen Dela Cerna)

Interviewing my idol