Clowning Around:Clown Big-Jay's antics give life to every party
"Clowning is making children feel better about themselves"
Clown Big-Jay's many characters
A party, especially one for children, is not complete without a clown present. Clowns are comic performers who wear colored wigs, funny makeup, colorful costumes and huge shoes. Their whole get-up, antics and jokes complete the entertainment. After all, when you party, you need a good laugh.
One rare individual who was endowed with the gift of wit is Jason Rey Ciocon or Clown Big-Jay, a native of Bacolod who also performs in several events in Iloilo City.
He is a party organizer and freelance artist who graduated from a course in BS Education.
Learn more from this funny man in this interview.
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): Who influenced you to become a clown?
Clown Big-Jay: The Evangelical missionaries. They taught me how to clown and they asked me to go with them to Palawan, Cagayan de Oro and Samar for their evangelical mission. They gave me my first four magics and first costume. My task then was to roam the villages, gather a crowd and bring them to the plaza. The missionaries provided me with transportation, accommodation and gifts. This lasted for three years. I started clowning in 1997.
Clown Big-Jay's many characters
KMV: Wha happened after three years?
Clown Big-Jay: They left, so I became a teacher in two private schools for four years. I did clowning on a part time basis. I became a full-time clown in 2002 after I got tired of the pressures of teaching --- planning the lessons, mostly. Clowning was more fun.
KMV: What's your favorite magic?
Clown Big-Jay: The Milk Magic tricks like milk mug, vanishing milk using my fingers, and working with small to large glasses of milk. The approach is attractive to children.
KMV: Where do you get your inspiration?
Clown Big-Jay: From comedy programs. I like watching the Jack Channel.
KMV: How do you keep yourself updated?
Clown Big-Jay: I try to learn new tricks and change them every yeear. I get ideas from the magic equipment I buy. I also create my own tricks. I review these tricks three days before my performance.
KMV: What's the basic ingredients in white magic?
Clown Big-Jay: In every magic, there are eight steps to follow. If you make a mistake, it kills the mystery.
KMV: What if you make a mistake?
Clown Big-Jay: I just make fun of it.
KMV: Do you do imitations?
Clown Big-Jay: Yes. I can imitate Boy Abunda and Wok with Yan. I like talking in Ilonggo or Tagalog with a Chinese accent.
KMV: Please elaborate on your being a "freelance artist."
Clown Big-Jay: I decorate balloons, backdrops and do photographic printing. These are my special skills.
KMV: Is Jason Rey Ciocon like Clown Big-Jay?
Clown Big-Jay: Yes. I'm honest and funny. I deliver my punch lines in a natural way.
KMV: Where you a joker ever since?
Clown Big-Jay: Yes. During high school, I always cracked jokes. I took part in comedy mimes.
KMV: If you're not clowning, what else keeps you busy?
Clown Big-Jay: A coffee shop which is a partnership. It's called Global Friends Cafe near De La Salle University. My partner manages it while I handle the marketing and inventory aspects. I'm also a volunteer for Read To Grow wherein we distribute free books in depressed kindergarten schools. This is a collaboration between OMF Literature and MEANS (Mission East Asia National Support). I'm MEANS' regional coordinator for Western Visayas.
KMV: A clown is human, too. How do you deal with your problems?
Clown Big-Jay: I leave my problems at home. It's not good to perform if you have a heavy heart.
KMV: What makes you happy?
Clown Big-Jay: I'm happy if I have a new magic equipment. I buy from the United States and Manila. I also check out the website of Magic Warehouse. I also feel good when I see that I make people smile.