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| JAJA BOLIVAR: Starting from zero but giving a hundred percent |
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I’VE watched her as Kikiam Defensor, a spoof of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Wazzup, Wazzup on ABS-CBN’s Studio 23 when I was still in the Philippines and in between giggles I’ve often wondered how she does it. It’s true that it’s easier to make people cry than laugh, that is why clowns dress outrageously or some go for slapstick. So for her to be able to tickle your funny bone is real talent.
But Jaja Bolivar is not a clown, nor your female version of any of the three stooges. She is, as I’ve discovered, a beautiful and smart woman, whose zest for life, love and laughter could exceed what most of us would even dare try.
Jaja’s career as a comedienne, entertainer and host in the Philippines was taking off when she decided to give it up and move to the United States. "I just signed up with Tito Boy’s (Abunda) Backroom Entertainment before I left. I always want to challenge myself and see myself swimming in an ocean, instead of just the sea," she said in her e-mail interview with the Asian Journal.
Before she left the Philippines, Jaja co-hosted the number one youth-oriented debate show on Studio 23, Y Speak with Ryan Agoncillo and Bianca Gonzales, and appeared in television shows like ABS-CBN Channel 2’s Entertainment Konek Channel, Teysi, Sharon, Whattamen and Maalaala Mo Kaya; and GMA 7’s Mulawin and Idol Ko si Kap. She also appeared in a number of television ads, stageplays, radio shows, and was the favorite host and performer for corporate events. There was no doubt that Jaja’s star was shining, and was just waiting for the right time to shine even more brightly.
But Jaja felt that there was something more she can do outside her comfort zone.
"Initially, I moved because of my boyfriend at that time, pero bata pa lang ako, I always saw myself pursuing an entertainment career in the United States. And true enough, this is the place where I know I am going to thrive best."
And thrive she did.
At present, Jaja is one of the co-host of Adobo Nation, aired every Sunday at 6:40pm on The Filipino Channel and every Saturday on KTSF at 11am, among the other things she has been doing now.
"I am performing for the Vagina Monologues and Usapang Puki, spearheaded by the Filipina Women’s Network on May 2 (English at the Herbst Theater, San Francisco) and May 9 (Tagalog at Intramuros Restaurant in South San Francisco)," she said. Jaja also just recently finished her sold out Valentine’s show. "So I am having various shows all over the US—lots of singing and comedy. Watch out for my live events in a barangay near you. (laughs)."
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