WATCH: 'Body shaming, offensive jokes have no place in New Music Box,' says Andrew de Real

Andrew de Real (left) and Jerick Gadeja 

Gone are the days when jokes about body parts and sexual preferences are thrown onstage irreverently, if not carelessly, by the hosts.

But according to The Library owner and now co-owner of The New Music Box powered by The Library, Andrew de Real, there is exception: Self-deprecation.

"Comedy bar hosts can say anything they want as long as the joke is on them and about themselves," said Andrew to that effect in an interview during the opening of The New Music Box in Quezon City recently. "Other than that, we don't tolerate any kind of shaming or offensive jokes."

Recall that Andrew's The Library and other comedy bars that opened on its heels produced some of the country's biggest comedy actors and performers as well as karaoke masters, drag queens, and gay impersonators. Among them are Pokwang, Anton Diva, Chokoleit, Vice Ganda, Arnell Ignacio, and K Brosas.

This is the reason that when Andrew learned Music Box was in the red and about to close shop, he came to the rescue believing such an establishment should never say die. Apart from nostalgia, Andrew believes Music Box is an "iconic" establishment having been around since the mid 80s; and that future comedy superstars could still come from its stage.

In a previous interview, Andrew revealed he was first to prohibit comedy bar masters from asking money from customers even as a joke. Cussing onstage which was par for the course back in the day was also forbidden under Andrew's watch.

Andrew's business partner for The New Music Box powered by The Library is Jerick Gadeja.

Of course, aside from the laughs, Music Box has always been known for its great food, affordable entrance fee, unmatched customer service and safe and fun ambience.

The New Music Box powered by The Library is on Timog Avenue in Quezon City.

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