Philippines’ Comedy Concert Queen and Kapuso star Ai-Ai Delas Alas recently introduced her new rap group, Outcast, during a virtual media conference.
With all members hailing from Cavite, Outcast is composed of talented young artists Lynx Haedus, Alx, Wayne, Ike, Choyfacts, and Ikong.
Ai-Ai’s Commitment to Support
While Ai-Ai clarified she is not officially their manager, she emphasized her utmost support for the group as they venture into the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) scene.
Talking to CinemaBravo, Ai-Ai shared how deeply she was moved by the group members’ personal stories.
“Yung unang usap ko sa kanila, ang unang tanong ko: ‘O, baka naman nagda-drugs kayo, ha?’ Sabi nila, ‘Hindi po, Mama Ai.’ Hindi po, ganyan. O, tapos yung family background nila. ‘Mama n’yo nasaan, Papa n’yo nasaan?’”
(When I first spoke to them, my first question was: ‘Oh, you’re not doing drugs, right?’ They answered, ‘No, Mama Ai.’ No, not at all. Then I asked about their family background: ‘Where is your mom? Where is your dad?’)
“Itong si Neil, no’ng tinanong ko, sinabi niya nga, 16 years old [siya noong] namatay ang Mommy niya,” she continued. “Tapos, 18 years old [siya noong] namatay ang Papa niya. So, parang naaawa naman ako kasi walang magulang. Pero kahit walang magulang—kaya nga doon ko rin na-realize na iba pa rin pag medyo maganda rin yung kinalakihan mo, kasi kahit wala siyang magulang na… teenager siya no’ng namatay yung mga magulang niya, pero hindi siya nagdodroga. And ayan siya, o, gumagawa sila ng kanta.”
(When I asked Neil, he said his mother died when he was 16, and his father passed away when he was 18. I felt pity because he had no parents. But despite this, I realized that upbringing plays a big role. Even though he lost his parents as a teenager, he doesn’t do drugs. And look at him now, they’re creating music.)
“Alam mo naman ako, pag yung walang mommy ba, masyado akong emotional. Kasi—kahit nga ‘tong mga aso ko, kaya mahal na mahal ko yan, kasi namatay nanay niyan e.”
(You know me, when someone doesn’t have a mother, I get very emotional. Even with my dogs, I love them so much because their mother died.)
Ai-Ai also shared a similar emotional connection with her ‘Tanging Ina’ co-star Jiro Manio.
“Gano’n, tapos yung kay Jiro, di ba? Walang mommy si Jiro, namatay rin. So, masyadong maano yung puso ko ba kapag yung walang nanay na gumagabay, naaawa ako.”
(It’s the same with Jiro, right? Jiro didn’t have a mom, and she passed away too. So, my heart really softens when someone has no mother to guide them. I feel sympathy.)
Outcast’s Gratitude
When asked about their reaction, particularly Ikong, the group expressed heartfelt gratitude.
Ikong shared, “Siyempre para sa ‘min, masaya rin po, kasi may isa pong nanay bukod sa totoong magulang namin, meron pong Mama Ai-Ai na gumagabay sa amin at binibigyan po kami ng opportunity para mapakita yung talent namin sa mainstream.”
(Of course, for us, we are very happy because apart from our real parents, we have Mama Ai-Ai who is guiding us and giving us the opportunity to showcase our talent in the mainstream.)
“Maraming salamat: ayun lang po yung masasabi namin talaga e. Puro pasasalamat kay Mama [Ai].”
(Thank you so much, that’s all we can say—pure gratitude to Mama Ai.)
Updates on ‘The Clash’ and Future Plans
As a mainstay artist on GMA, Ai-Ai vowed to push for the group’s guest appearances on her home network.
“Oo, gagawan ko ng paraan lahat ng mga guesting nila. So, magpapatulong ako sa GMA.” (Yes, I will make a way for all their guestings. I will ask for GMA’s help.)
This statement, among many others, made the group clap their hands and flash their brightest smiles, a clear expression of their deep appreciation for their mentor.
Aside from supporting Outcast, Ai-Ai remains active in the Kapuso Network as a panelist on the long-running reality singing competition ‘The Clash’, directed by Louie Ignacio, which is nearing the finale of its sixth season. Reflecting on the upcoming finale, she revealed the challenges of choosing a winner.
“Kasi yung iba do’n tinitingnan ulit namin yung mga past performance nila,” Ai-Ai gave updates on her show. “And also, siyempre, kung ano yung damit ko ba, kung sino ba talaga sa palagay natin ang pwedeng manalo—maraming factor din. Pero, nag-iiba kasi e.”
(We review some of their past performances. And, of course, what I’m wearing or who we think might win—there are so many factors. But things change!)
“Alam mo, yun nga yung magic ng show na yon e! Hindi mo mababasa kung sino talaga, kasi minsan pag grand finals na akala namin ito yung mananalo, nag-iiba! Kasi yung mga performance nila, nag-iiba rin! Tingin ko, malaking factor yung destiny e! Pag destiny ng isang tao na manalo, siya talaga e, kahit ano’ng gawin mo.”
(That’s the magic of the show! You can’t predict the winner. Sometimes, during the grand finals, we think someone will win, but it changes! Their performances also change! I believe destiny plays a huge role. If it’s someone’s destiny to win, they’ll win no matter what.)
Looking forward, auditions for Season 7 are underway, and Ai-Ai expressed her excitement to return:
“Reding-ready na! Alam ko, August nandito ulit ako para sa The Clash Season 7.” (We’re ready! I know I’ll be back this August for The Clash Season 7.)
On her 35th showbiz anniversary and MMFF
The Kapuso star also announced plans to celebrate her 35th showbiz anniversary with a concert and a Metro Manila Film Festival entry next year.
“Oo… Gagawa ako next year ng Metro Manila Film Fest… Sabi ko kasi, next year is 35th year ko, anniversary ko. Magkakaroon ako ng concert at sasali ako sa Metro Manila Film Fest.”
(Yes, I’ll make a Metro Manila Film Fest entry next year… I said because next year is my 35th year, my anniversary. I’ll have a concert and join the Metro Manila Film Fest.)
As for her preferred genre, Ai-Ai hinted at a mix of familiarity and innovation:
“Depende kung ano’ng magandang genre. Nami-miss ko rin [ang straight comedy]… Pero kasi di ba, modesty aside, nakilala kasi ako do’n sa comedy/drama, drama/comedy, yung nagpapalit e! So I think, gano’n pa rin, kung ano yung nakasanayan ng tao sa ‘kin pag Metro Manila Film Fest. OR baka iba naman, para iba!”
(It depends on what genre suits best. I also miss [straight comedy]… But modesty aside, I became known for comedy/drama, drama/comedy that switches back and forth! So I think I’ll stick to what people are used to seeing from me in the Metro Manila Film Fest. OR maybe something different, for variety!)
With her unwavering support for Outcast and her ambitious plans for personal milestones, Ai-Ai continues to embody her commitment to uplifting Filipino talent and entertaining audiences nationwide. Here’s to the success of Outcast’s journey in the OPM industry and the enduring legacy of the Comedy Concert Queen!
CinemaBravo 
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