After a much-publicized break-up with husband Gerald Sibayan, actor-comedian Ai Ai delas Alas plans to spend time with “street people” in Manila.
“This year, sa Tayuman ako, sa Manila. Yung mga kapatid nating street people — doon sa kanila ako mamimigay ng tulong sa Pasko (I’m spending my Christmas Day with the street people of Tayuman in Manila),” she said at the launch of her newfound talents to the entertainment media.
The talent manager introduced the all-male hip-hop group OutKast consisting of six members: Lynx Haedus; ALX; Wayne; Ikong; Ike and Choyfacts.
Ai Ai said that she went through a long process before considering managing the group.
“Naku, kung alam n’yo lang, andami kong talak at mga bilin sa kanila bago ko sila ipakilala as talents. Isa sa pinaliwanag ko yung hindi lahat ng appearances nila may bayad. Pinaintindi ko sa kanila yun (If you only knew how I had to let them know about a lot of things before I could introduce them as talents. One of the things I explained to them is that not all appearances are paid for. I had to make them understand that),” Ai Ai said.
The Outkast members, meanwhile, shared that Ai Ai is more than a business manager to them because she treats them as her own family.
“Lagi niya po kami pinagsasabihan dahil nagsisimula pa lang kami dapat matutunan namin lahat at siyempre po ‘wag na ‘wag lalaki ang ulo namin (She always guides and advises us because we are just starting out and we should learn everything, but most of all we should stay humble),” Wayne said.
We asked the lady comedian on how she feels about managing sing-along hosts and up-and-coming comedians.
“Oo naman, pero siyempre, sila dapat ang lumapit. Ayoko sila pangunahan. Ayoko masabihan ng ganun, pero oo naman, why not (Of course, I’m open to possibilities, but they must make the first move),” she said.
Ai Ai added that in the coming year, she is planning to stage a showbiz comeback via a major concert and a movie intended for the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival.