Ai-Ai on healing after marital breakup: ‘Almost there’

Posted by ReyFort Media

MANILA, Philippines — Following the end of her marriage, Ai-Ai delas Alas is still in the healing period but she’s getting there.

“Konti na lang,” the veteran actress-comedienne told The STAR during a brief one-on-one after the presscon for her upcoming film “Batang Paco.”

Ai-Ai also appears to be not closing her doors to love, but is choosing to focus on herself first.

“Ang hirap kasi magsalita ng patapos eh,” she explained. “But for now, parang hindi muna.”

She admitted, though, that being alone has not always been easy.

“Na-experience ko na malungkot din pala ‘pag mag-isa ka, although kaya ko naman,” she said.

Ai-Ai believes she has to fully address the emotional impact of what she went through before committing to a new partner or relationship.

“Siguro aalisin ko muna yung trauma ng pagiging TH ko… Yung tamang hinala na, ‘Oh, baka ganito ‘to, baka ganyan,’” she said.

“Hindi ka puwedeng mag-start ng ganun eh. No! The trauma has to go away first. Siguro maging buong-buo ako and then maybe. Not sure.”

Ai-Ai, who is a naturalized American citizen (dual citizen), also clarified rumors circulating online that she was planning to have her estranged husband deported from the United States.

“Ba’t ko naman siya ipapa-deport?” she pointed out. “I don’t even know where he is now (his whereabouts). I just had his petition revoked. Matagal na yun.”

During this healing period, Ai-Ai said she draws strength from her faith.

“Si God and si Mama Mary (keep me strong),” she said.

She consciously keeps a daily schedule filled with work and activities.

“Gym, Zumba, work… and baking! Gumagawa ako ng paraan para maging busy ako,” the fitness buff shared, adding that she is eyeing the popular Hyrox training next.

Another source of motivation and joy nowadays is her first grandchild from her eldest Sancho — baby Mia Isabela delas Alas — who was born in Toronto, Canada.

“Ang cute cute niyang bata and hindi niya pinahihirapan si mommy niya. Madali din nanganak yung mommy niya. I’m so happy because she’s such a beautiful baby. Ngayon, ka-text ko si Sancho, ‘Mommy, hindi ko akalain kaya nating gumawa ng ganito kagandang bata,’” she happily shared.

Calling herself “Maimai,” short for Mama Ai-Ai, the actress is preparing and willing to be hands-on as a grandmother.

“Isa sa reason bakit din ako nagpapalakas is because aalagaan ko yung apo ko. Ready ako ‘pag tumakbo siya. Ready ako sa terrible two niya. ‘Pag hindi na ready yung mga magulang niya, pagod na, nandito si Maimai, ready for her,” Ai-Ai quipped.

Meanwhile, she responded in jest when asked about any plans for the fast-approaching Valentine’s Day, “Sabi nila, ‘pag daw mga matatapang na babae, hindi dapat Valentine’s ang araw namin, dapat daw Araw ng Kagitingan (every April 9).”

“So yun na lang aantayin ko, yung Araw ng Kagitingan. Para dun ako eh.”

Love can wait as Ai-Ai resumes a heavier workload ahead. This year, she’s making her TV comeback via the TV5 series “My Bespren Emman.” But before that, she’s returning to the big screen with the dark family comedy “Batang Paco,” directed by Rechie Del Carmen, written by Gina Marissa Tagasa and produced by actress-turned-entrepreneur Ana Abiera del Moral as the first venture of MiVida Productions.

Aside from Ai-Ai, the film stars Empoy Marquez, Mon Confiado, Ynez Veneracion, Chichi Rita and Cassy Lavarias, with special performances by Richard Quan, Alma Concepcion, Lara Morena, Natasha Ledesma, Kookoo Gonzales, Gerard Acao, Josh Ivan Morales, Kim Rodriguez, Jovi Vargas and Quentin Molo. It will hit theaters  (N. Tomada/ Philstar)nationwide on Feb. 18.