By: Naiia Lajoie When first encountering Ron Josol, one would think they already have him figured out; an ethnic comedian, following in the footsteps of his fellow Filipino comics from America (as Ron is from Canada), the likes of Rex Navarrete or another Jo Koy in the making. They would do so mistakenly. Because no one could anticipate the package deal that Ron Josol actually embodies: a historian, a cultural ambassador, an analytical mind, a martial artist, a storyteller, a foodie, and yes, a performer. Ron’s family history is a fascinating one, with more unexpected twists and turns than a choose-your-own-adventure book. His father was a hardworking man who immigrated to Canada in 1964. He took up residence in Toronto, living with four baklas, driving an old VW Beetle. Conversely, Ron’s mother came from wealth, as a light-skinned daughter of the head of the police department, and whose older sister married into the Marcos family. They would attend lavish soirees and mingle with Imelda. Nevertheless, the two met in 1966, in the ballroom at the Holiday Inn on the corner of King Street and Spadina Avenue, during “Filipino Thursdays” (years later, coming full circle, when asked what he was up to lately, Ron would reveal to his father that he was doing comedy, performing at one particular club, which would turn out to be the very same venue where his parents had first met years prior). On that note, Ron’s parents married, and his brother was born in 1972 with him following in 1974. His parents worked in the healthcare system at the time of their meeting. Ron’s father was a nurse during the 1960s, beginning his career under false pretenses, as he was told he could become a nurse by shadowing a colleague for...... Read more on Full Issue!