Yaya and Angelina: Their friendship is a winner

MANILA, Philippines - Ogie Alcasid often makes Michael V (a.k.a. Bitoy) a loser. And it upsets the latter whenever the L sign is flashed on his face while hearing the former say “Whatever…you’re a loser!”

But that only happens when they both slip into their characters — Ogie as Angelina, the naughty yet funny spoiled brat and Michael V as the ever loving, patient and forgiving yaya.

Away from their roles, the two are among local tinseltown’s most likable and popular artists — whether as actors, singers, hosts or comedians — who never fail to hit bulls-eye what is endearing to the public. Their reel and real friendship is one sign why Ogie and Bitoy get along only too well and have good rapport.

“Actually we always give each other gifts. After working together more or less for 17 years, we know what each other’s interests are,” Ogie explains. “So every so often, when I see Michael Jackson toys, I’ll buy two. Then I’ll give one to Bitoy or a book and Star Wars (collectibles). Ganun din siya ibibili n’ya ko.”

Just a few days back, Ogie relates, Bitoy gave him a drum set (rock star) for PS3 as they both love playing games but “Bitoy is a real addict to PS3.” One call from Bitoy saying that he bought Ogie a drum set is really heartwarming. “Napansin siguro n’ya lately na din ako masyadong naglalaro,” Ogie enthuses.

They, too, share some collectibles like the Voltes V keychains with Ogie exclaiming, “Para talaga kaming mga bata.”

Thus, Ogie appreciates having Bitoy around and recalls how their friendship started. He was there when Bitoy won his first award. Ogie even shares how Bitoy lost in a rap contest in Eat, Bulaga! where he acted as one of the judges because he gave Bitoy the lowest score. Of course, Bitoy went home with a heavy heart but never gave up until he succeeded in joining showbiz.

Fast-forward to the present. Ogie and Bitoy’s comedic tandem is a hit in Bubble Gang via the Yaya & Angelina segment. That’s why, GMA Films and APT Entertainment came up with the idea of bringing it into the big screen, via Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie, opening in theaters tomorrow, Sept. 23.

Given Angelina’s popularity, doesn’t he worry that people might forget Ogie as the singer-composer?

“Not at all because every time I’m in a mall and the parents are telling their kids I’m Angelina, di sila naniniwala kasi nakikita pa din nila si Ogie except when I started saying hello in my Angelina voice,” he replies.

But what amuses Ogie the most in his 21 years in showbiz is to receive calls from his La Salle classmates “not asking for concert tickets but for the movie because they say their kids love Angelina so much.”

And what lessons will the movie impart to kids?

“Among other things they will learn the value of loving people like yayas because they are kind-hearted. And I’m reminding kids not to do naughty things like Angelina does, and emulate only the sweet moments with her yaya. Siya lang dapat ang spoiled brat,” Ogie answers. 

That’s a winner of an answer.