Ai-Ai turns emotional helping Jiro Manio secure passport, visa

Screengrab from Ai-ai de las Alas’ Instagram account

Actress-comedienne Ai-ai de las Alas on Thursday took to Instagram to share a photo of former child actor Jiro Manio having his pictures taken supposedly for a passport and Japanese visa application.

“’Yan na po siya ngayong araw na ito… Visit ko sya at medyo malusog siya so ida-diet daw… Dinala ko sina kuya from PICTURE CITY (thank you at pinagbigyan n’yo ako sa special case na ito hehe) para sa kanyang Japan visa picture. Pero unahin ko muna ayusin passport n’ya,” Ai-ai said.

(That is how he looks this day. I visited him and he gained weight, so he needs to go on a diet. I brought someone from Picture City (thank you because you obliged me in this special case) to take his pictures for his Japanese visa. But I will prioritize his passport.)

Ai-ai has been helping and reaching out to Jiro since the “Magnifico” star, who is currently at a facility in Quezon City, was found roaming the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in a seemingly depressed state in June.

READ: Multi-awarded actor Jiro Manio now roaming NAIA for food, clothes | Ai Ai touched by Jiro Manio’s plight; reaches out

Ai-ai, who played Manio’s mother in the hit “Tanging Ina” film series, said she was hoping the Department of Foreign Affairs would help her in processing the latter’s passport.

The multi-awarded actor, whose real name is Jiro Katakura, was born to a Japanese father and a Filipino mother.

Ai-ai then proceeded to narrate a dramatic exchange between her and Jiro during the picture-taking.

READ: Jiro Manio alive and healthy, says Ai-Ai de las Alas

“Siyempre may drama mode na naman—Jiro: ‘Ma bakit nangingitim ilalim ng mata mo?’ Sabi ko ‘kasi pagod ako, nag-gym ako’ … Sabi niya: ‘huwag mo kasi akong masyadong intidihin, unahin mo sarili mo,’” Ai-ai added.

(Of course I turned emotional. Jiro asked, “Ma, why are there dark circles around your eyes?” I said, “because I am tired; I went to the gym.” He then said, “You don’t have to worry about me, take care of yourself.”)

The comedienne said the way Jiro speaks shows signs of improvement in his condition.

“’Di ko napigilan luha ko. Ending pinagtatawanan ako ni darling at ni Jiro… Hahaha hay naku dramedy na naman kakaloka. ‘Pag nanay talaga mga ganyang eksena nakakaiyak pa din hay… Nako kakaloka at least sa mga salita n’ya nakikitaan na ng linaw na gumagaling na sya… Praise God… To God be the Glory. Amen!” she said.

(I was not able to hold back my tears. In the end, darling and Jiro just laughed at me. It’s dramedy all over again; it’s crazy. Those scenes make you cry if you are a mother. At least now, with the way he speaks, it’s quite clear that he is improving. Praise God. To God be the Glory. Amen!) YG/IDL