ISLAND residents flocked to the Royal Taga Hall at Saipan World Resort on Saturday, Aug. 10 for “It’s Not That Serious Par!,” a comedy event organized by PalmTrio 670.
According to PalmTrio’s Lloyd Lely, an audience of nearly 500 attended the event, which featured stand-up comedy performances from Gene Castro creator of Guam Funny Memes, Songi Sessions, also from Guam, Zori Talks, NettyCee and Chinaman.
Also onstage that night was Bakaden, performing a juggling act, and the Profound Bandits dance group.
The night kicked off with a humorous prerecorded skit featuring Castro and Songi Sessions. Castro and Songi Sessions later came onstage and delivered the opening act of the stand-up comedy lineup. Castro would go on to keep the crowd entertained with jokes between the featured talents’ sets.
Zori Talks, the duo of Jesse Ogo and Lucio Aldan, who are brothers-in-law, spoke about their early misadventures prior to starting the Zori Talks podcast and Instagram page. The crowd was treated to the stories of how Ogo and Aldan first became close friends on “D-Day” at Aldan’s house; the time Ogo lied about owning Aldan’s boat to impress some young ladies; and the time Ogo won employee of the year and performed a cultural dance at his restaurant job in the states.
NettyCee started her set with a musical performance of “Solit Like” alongside Josh Zengzung. She would go on to perform her comedy set and keep the crowd wildly laughing, talking about her experience growing up in San Antonio.
Chinaman, aka Patrick Arriola, was in top form as the closing performer. Arriola has been a comic for decades and is well known for performing at parties around the island. His act included his rendition of a Chinese drama; how he would escape a deserted island; and his reminiscing about life on Saipan in the 80s and 90s. He also assured the men in the audience that he would protect them if they needed it.
Lely said the event left them feeling “excited and pumped.” PalmTrio 670 dedicated the event to the whole community.
“That’s really what it’s all about!” he said. “Bringing everyone together and spreading love and positivity — one Marianas baby!”
Lely said they want to continue to feature local acts and will keep Guam talents close by.
“Expect more collaborations with our brothers and sisters from Guam,” he said. “Gene, Songi and Tony from Guam Funny Memes really helped to pull the show together, and we know it wouldn’t have been as much of a banger as it was if they weren’t involved. We want to highlight the talents of our people in the Marianas and we love that we got the support of the community last night.”
The “It’s Not That Serious Par!” comedy event gathered Saipan and Guam talents for a night of skits, stand-up comedy and more at the Royal Taga Hall at Saipan World Resort on Saturday, Aug. 10.
Bakaden juggles in between the comedy sets at the “It’s Not That Serious Par!” comedy show
Zori Talks reenacts how Jesse Ogo, left, lied about owning the boat that belonged to his brother-in-law, Lucio Aldan, right.
Chinaman, Patrick Arriola, performs his rendition of a Chinese drama.
Jesse Ogo of Zori Talks relives the moment he performed a cultural dance at an awards ceremony in the states where he won employee of the year.
NettyCee, left, and Josh Zengzung perform “Solit Like.”
NettyCee had the crowd doubled over in laughter while she talked about the good and bad of growing up in San Antonio.
The comedy event was organized by PalmTrio 670.
Nearly 500 people attended the “It’s Not That Serious Par!” comedy event.
The Profound Bandits perform a dance routine in between comedy sets.
