Part of the sold-out show’s proceeds to help distressed OFWs
DUBAI: Hilarious Imah Dumagay, the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Mindanao who found love in stand-up comedy, recently brought the house down in an hour-long, major solo gig for a cause at the Mall of the Emirates’ The Theatre.
The crowd could not get enough and wanted some more, which is why a second, and bigger show, is being put together in what promises to yet again be an evening of laughter, with part of the proceeds to also be shared to OFWs recovering from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic in the city.
“I was, at first, really nervous,” Dumagay told Rappler.
“Then, soon as I heard everyone excitedly cheering for me before I came on stage, I was overwhelmed ng love and support.
“Nawala yung kaba! Sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘You (audience) all deserve my best tonight! To hell with the nerves! Haha! I felt so loved, at sa excitement ko, di ko na feel yung one hour,” Dumagay added.
The show, held on Friday, November 27, had a mixed audience of 300 expats. The Theatre, a high-end venue that has hosted performances in the likes of “The Nutcracker,” has a 500-seat capacity. But management had to reduce this to 300 as part of social distancing protocol due to Covid.
“Around 60% po were Filipinos; 20% South Asians; the rest po ay mix ng Arabs and Caucasians,” Dumagay said.
The comedienne said she was “very, very happy” with the show’s turnout.
“Lalo na considering that I could be paving the way for more Filipinos who are interested sa stand-up. I maybe the first to do this, but I’m certainly sure I am not the funniest Filipino na andito sa UAE. So, I look forward to many more shows — like having a comedy special with Filipino stand-ups headlining it. That’s the dream,” said Dumagay, whose day job is being executive secretary to a Dubai CFO.
How prepared was she? “Yung one-hour set was mostly written and rehearsed, lalo na yung order nung jokes para po smooth ang flow at may sense ang jokes. But yung crowd-work po, when talking to the audience, yun po, usually spontaneous,” Dumagay said.
She said part of the show’s proceeds will be donated to fellow OFWs who have lost their jobs and starting over due to the pandemic.
“Part of the proceeds will go to a selected OFW family here in Dubai to help them recover,” Dumagay said.
Dumagay said organizers are putting together another show tentatively set for February next year.
“Gusto nila February. Same show kasi ang dami pang di nakapanuod. Pero wait ko pa kung saang venue daw,” she said.
The Daily Bread 