After her separation from husband Gerald Sibayan in October 2024 following a decade-long relationship, Philippines’ Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai Delas Alas was asked about the possibility of falling in love again — this time with a foreigner.
The question came up during the press conference on January 29, 2026, in Quezon City of her upcoming comedy film Batang Paco, and Ai-Ai didn’t dodge it.
“Actually, yon yung sinasabi ng mga tao, baka swak ako sa afam. Ang dating naman sa akin, ‘Pucha, Pilipino nga, hindi kami magkaintindihan! Afam pa [kaya]?’ Alam mo yon, mahirap kasing mag-converse… pagdating sa emosyon, di ba? Kunwari, mag-aaway kayo. Kunwari lang, meron kayong pag-aawayan. ‘Ikaw! Walang hiya ka! Wala kang utang na loob!’ [Sa isip mo,] ano ba’ng ‘utang na loob’ sa English? Iisipin mo pa: ‘Ikaw!’: ‘You! You!’—Wag na nga lang!”
(“Actually, that’s what people have been saying — maybe I’d be a good match with a foreigner. But for me, it’s like, ‘Damn, I already don’t understand a Filipino — what more a foreigner?’ You know, it’s hard to communicate, especially when it comes to emotions, right? Let’s say you get into a fight — just an example, you have an argument. You say, ‘You! You’re shameless! You have no utang na loob!’ And in your head you’re thinking, what’s ‘utang na loob’ in English? You still have to think about it: ‘Ikaw! You!’ — never mind!”)
Her candid and humorous answer quickly brought laughter from the presscon and garnered wild reaction online as well:
Starring in ‘Batang Paco’ with Empoy
This February, Batang Paco officially steps into the spotlight with a bold promise: a Filipino film that blends comedy, emotion, and grit, while putting love at the center of its story.
Starring Ai-Ai and Empoy Marquez, the family comedy is the first offering of new film production company MiVida Productions, Inc., which introduces itself with a clear creative direction: mixing genres, emotions, and energy, all anchored on one idea — love can transform even the most ordinary person into someone extraordinary.
At the heart of the story is Paco, a timid tattoo artist who never saw himself as brave. That changes when his child is taken, forcing him into a dangerous world far bigger than he ever imagined.
What follows is not just a suspense-filled ride, but a deeply Filipino story about fear, faith, and how far a parent is willing to go for their child.
Empoy delivers a performance that balances humor, heart, and vulnerability — presenting Paco not as fearless or invincible, but unmistakably human.
“Hindi kailangang maging perpekto para maging bayani,” Empoy shares. “Kapag pagmamahal na ang nagtutulak sa’yo, may lakas kang hindi mo inaasahan.”
(You don’t have to be perfect to be a hero. When love is what drives you, you find a strength you never expected.)
Set against the raw, colorful, and chaotic backdrop of Metro Manila, “Batang Paco” moves seamlessly between laugh-out-loud moments, thrilling sequences, and quiet emotional beats.
Backing Empoy is a dynamic ensemble cast led by Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Mon Confiado, Ynez Veneracion, Chichi Rita, and Cassy Lavarias.
The film also features 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 — adding texture and intensity to Paco’s journey.
Helmed by director Rechie del Carmen and written by Gina Marissa Tagasa, the movie reflects MiVida Productions’ vision of storytelling that is emotionally grounded and designed for today’s audiences.
For producer Ana Abiera Del Moral, a former actress turned entrepreneur, the project goes beyond being a first release.
“This film is personal, fearless, and full of heart,” she says. “It’s the kind of story we want MiVida to be known for.”
As “Batang Paco” gears up for its nationwide theatrical run, it positions itself as more than just entertainment — a reminder that heroism doesn’t always come with a cape.
Sometimes, it looks like a parent who simply refuses to give up.
“Batang Paco” opens in mainstream cinemas nationwide on February 18.
(Photo from MiVida’s Facebook page)
CinemaBravo 
Leave a Reply