“Bilang sundalo ng pagpapasaya, hangga’t kaya ko, gagawin ko. Laban pa din,” said stand-up comedian Negi, who is beyond grateful for being busy with multiple projects. In this episode of Kapamilya Chat, he talked about his new assignment as one of the hosts of The SPG Show on Pie Channel.

The acronym SPG stands for “Saktong Pang-Gabi,” hinting at its naughty and humorous theme. It tackles engaging topics where everyone can express their views via calls, text messages, and online discussions.

Though akin to his typical grind in comedy bars, Negi admitted this new task made him feel nervous at first, with the challenge to tone down his humor fit for their platform. “No’ng una, hirap na hirap ako kasi hindi ako sanay sa prompter. Mas sanay kasi ako sa dire-diretsong chika, ‘yung wala akong sinusunod,” he thought. Nonetheless, he promised fun entertainment to everyone tuned in to the program. Of course, he has his bad days, too, but thankfully, his co-hosts are there to build up the punchlines.

Joining Negi are Rans Rifol, who was previously seen in Dirty Linen, and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Argel Saycon. He first met Argel in an out-of-town show while this is his first time working with Rans. And after just a few days, the trio has gelled well together, creating comedic chemistry for everyone’s delight. Negi said the soft-spoken Rans is learning to keep up with their wild humor. Basically, it’s all-out fun when the three are together. He told them to just enjoy work, so to unleash their natural rapport.

Negi credits Vice Ganda’s influence on his comedic skill since his small role in Gandang Gabi Vice served as his training. He learned through Vice how to carry a show and engage the guests in rib-tickling conversations.

“Sabi ko nga, ang hirap pala ng trabaho ni Ate Vice noon sa Gandang Gabi Vice kasi siya nagha-handle ng guest, siya nagdadala, paano ilalabas ‘yung kulit ng guest. ‘Yun naman ang pinagpapasalamat ko na kahit papaano, eh, na-train ako nang gano’n sa Gandang Gabi Vice,” he shared.

Comedy is no joke to Negi. It’s his job and purpose, which means it comes with difficult moments. There are days when creative juices stop flowing, and he himself can’t laugh at his jokes, especially in the face of personal problems. What he does is try his best to remain professional.

“’Yung personal na problema ay iniiwan ko muna sa bahay ‘yan, saka ko na lang binabalikan. Kasi ako ‘yung paghuhugutan ng good vibes... ‘Yun naman ang maganda sa mga comedians, kaya nilang magkubli nang panandalian sa mga problema,” he mused.

Asked how he feels with the downpour of projects, he answered that he’s grateful to his bosses and especially to God, humbled by his story of success and survival. He still remembers the first time he performed inside a huge stadium.

“’Yung hiyawan ng tao sa binibitawan mong punchline, ito pala ‘yung feeling. ‘Yung nakapagpasaya ako ng ganun karaming tao, hindi ko alam, akala ko ito’y isang simpleng trabaho lang,” he recalled, adding that he initially dreamed of becoming a drag queen before he got into stand-up comedy.

Negi’s only dream before was to provide his family a comfortable house to live in and a new car. When he got those, he started to reflect about his purpose, which he attributes to his love for his family. “Doon ko nalaman na kaya siguro ako nagkaroon ng blessings dahil sa Tatay ko na nagkaroon ng sakit. Kaya siguro ako bine-bless ng marami, hindi para sa akin kundi para sa Tatay ko, sa pamilya. Kasi naniniwala naman ako na kapag gumawa ka ng mabuti, bumabalik sa’yo nang maganda,” he smiled.

He continued, when asked what else he asks for, “Minsan ‘pag nagpe-pray ako, nahihiya na nga ako humingi, eh, kasi sabi ko, ‘Lord, hinihingi ko lang Sa’yo ito, pero sobra, siksik, liglig, umaapaw ‘yung binigay Mo sa akin. Kaya lagi kong pine-pray talaga, ipaalam Mo sa akin kung ano ‘yung purpose ko. Kasi ‘yung materyal na bagay madali naman makuha ‘yan basta hinaluan mo ng sipag.”

Negi is sure that his hard work is motivated by love – love for his family.

Support him by watching “The SPG Show” on PIE Channel. Negi promised all-out fun and shocking revelations with their guests on board. He’s also seen in I Can See Your Voice, weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5 and A2Z.