Ms. Ai Ai delas Alas is one of the awardees of the Philippines’ Most Exceptional Men and Women 2022 to be held at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom on April 27.
The awards committee is spearheaded by Ms. Maria Charo Calalo, National Director of Mrs. Universe Philippines Foundation.
Ms. Ai Ai is being feted for her achievements as a box-office comedy queen (courtesy of the movie “Ang Tanging Ina”), best actress awardee, multi-media brand ambassador, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.
This is the newest addition to the long list of awards that Ai Ai has received thru the years.
“I am always thankful whenever I receive awards. Ang maganda sa award kong ito is that I am being recognized sa mga charity works ko na hindi ko naman bino-broadcast kapag ginagawa ko,” she said.
“Siyempre special din sa akin ‘yung awards that I won in the international film festivals kasi di ko naman alam na mananalo pala ako roon.”
For Ai Ai, doing charity work makes her feel good. It is her way of sharing her blessings to those who have been supporting her all these years.
The comedy queen has a new series in GMA Network where she plays a mentally-challenged character in “Raising Mamay.” This is another test of Ai Ai’s acting prowess. She is guided by a psychologist and a neurologist in her performance as her character undergoes regression. It was explained to her how to attack the role depending on the situation.
“It is my child who will take care of me because my mental faculties were affected due to an accident,” she explained. “This is one of the most challenging roles I’ve done.”
“Ang ganda ng kwento. Hindi ko maiwasan na maiyak at times pero siyempre kailangan ko rin mag-concentrate sa role ko. Kung minsan naman natatawa ako sa eksena dahil bata ang role ko pero I have to focus.”
“Raising Mamay” premieres on Monday, April 25. She is calling out to her fans to support the show which she describes as heartwarming.
****
Iza Calzado, who will play the first Darna in the upcoming ABS-CBN superhero TV series, lauded Vice President Leni Robredo for always being present during times of crisis, saying Filipinos should choose a leader like her over somebody who is constantly absent during calamities.
Obviously referring to her screen alter ego whose power emanates from a stone, Iza stated in a video message: “Kanino ba dapat ipasa ang bato? Sana sa isang taong nagpapakita at nararamdaman, eleksyon man o hindi. Hanggang sa pinakamalayong kanayunan. Hindi kailangang maging isang superhero, pero sana ‘yung kasama natin sa kahit na anong krisis sa buhay.”
As a Bicolana like VP Leni, Iza said they are used to being hit by typhoons every year but they remain firm, thanks to their leaders who are always there to provide immediate assistance.
“Alam n’yo ang sikreto ng aming pagiging matibay? Ang pagboto namin sa mga opisyal na mabilis sumaklolo, yung laging may handang plano, at kasama namin sa kahit na anong delubyo,” said Iza.
She added that a true leader has a good heart and should serve as inspiration to unite and help others during times of need.
“Nagiging inspirasyon siya para totoong lumabas ang pagkakaisa at kabutihan ng mga tao. Nagiging lakas siya para sabay-sabay tayo na hindi lang bumangon, kundi kumilos at tumulong,” Iza said.
“‘Yan ang Pilipinas na pangarap ko. ‘Yan ang Pilipinas na masarap mahalin! At alam niyo naman, in love, there is no fear,” she added.
Among the presidential candidates, Iza said Leni is the only one who has manifested her love for the country and the Filipinos, not only through words but also in deeds.
“Sa lahat ng tumatakbo, walang nagmamahal sa Pilipino gaya ng pagmamahal ni Leni Robredo. Si Leni Robredo ang presidente ko,” she ended.
Iza recently joined VP Leni’s campaign rally in Davao del Sur where she had an emotional meeting with the Vice President.