MICF2025: Randy Adeva Interview: Killa from Manilla
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is almost here and we catch-up with comedian and gamer at heart, Randy Adeva to talk comedy and of course, his new show, the Killa from Manilla!
Randy, thanks for joining me. Your new show, “Killa From Manila,” has a title that definitely grabs attention. Tell me, what’s the story behind it?
I got the idea from the classic Muhammad Ali fight Thrilla in Manila. That rhyme just hits hard every time and luckily I’m from Manila, Philippines. The Killa part mainly came from my poster idea of different killers including a Matrix-like soldier, a Horror movie killer and a stand-up comedian killing on stage. Side note. If you’ve never played as Ali in an EA Fight Night game, you must do so ASAP. It’s glorious.
You touch on some pretty personal stuff in your comedy, right? Is that ever difficult?
I do, indeed, talk about such things as social anxiety, being awkward and never finishing Fallout 4 despite starting the game at least ten times. These obstacles and failures can be difficult to talk about but at the end of the day, you need those down times to really enjoy the ups. Like losing to a boss 20 times in a row on a dexterity build, then rage-quitting and restarting your game on a strength build and beating said boss after three tries. From struggle comes skill, wisdom and comedic timing.
You’ve been doing comedy for a while now. What’s changed for you over the years?
Every year that passes, I’ve learned my comedic voice more and how to hone and utilise it best. I now know that I’m no edgy, crass Deadpool. And I’m no suave and cynical Handsome Jack from Borderlands. I know now that I have more of the chaotic energy of a Johnny Cage from Mortal Kombat if he was played by Jack Black.”
What’s the weirdest gig you’ve ever done?
In one of my old jobs, one of my workmates found out that I did stand-up. I was only a few months into it at the time so my confidence was weird in that I didn’t know if I was good or bad yet. Now, I can say I was very bad and my jokes weren’t me yet but I told them to my workmates and they laughed cause I swore a lot and it was odd that someone would have the gall to say these things in a workplace. I actually did alright but it was weird because then I had to do admin with them all for the rest of the workday after sharing very personal and unfiltered thoughts.
So, what do you hope audiences take away from “Killa From Manila”?
I hope each audience member that watches “Killa From Manila” has a fun time. There’s a bit of crowd interaction involved so that’s my favourite part. It’s a show about a man from Manila who is so chill and so relaxed but is he? He is. But like actually though? Are we experiencing true enlightenment or are we being spun into the web of a trickster? I want them to see the show and realise that this is a written show but their experience was their own and no one will see the show they saw.
Lastly besides your show, what are you most looking forward to MICF this year?
I’m very much looking forward to watching shows and hanging out with my friends that are also doing shows or helping with shows or just hanging out at the festival. I refer to MICF as a comedy Christmas cause that’s really how it feels to me every year. Like an extra Christmas time. For me MICF is like Vaas from Far Cry 3. It captures you, entertains the hell out of you and is the best part of the whole game.
illa From Manila is a 50-minute comedy show running from March 25 to April 20 at Storyville. Bookings highly recommended.
Show Listing Details: Killa From Manila
Dates and Times: Tuesday March 25 – Thursday March 27 at 11:15pm (3 Late Night Opening shows)
Every Saturday and Sunday from March 29 to April 20 at 2pm (8 Weekend Matinee shows)
(Matinee Show Dates Include: March 29+30, April 5+6, April 12+13 and April 19+20 at 2pm)
Venue: Storyville, 185 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tickets: Full Price $27 (Concession $25)
Event link: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/killa-from-manila/
Instagram: @randyadeva
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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