Aiko’s most memorable experience in Barcelona

AIKO Melendez (center) with Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

Aiko Melendez is more than ecstatic to be part of Star Cinema’s “Barcelona: A Love Untold,”  which opens on Sept. 14. She portrays the aunt of Daniel Padilla who raised him in Spain. After reaping acting awards here and abroad, Aiko’s career is in full bloom.

The trailer of “Barcelona” makes you yearn for all the loves you lost and hope to find. More and more amor.

Here’s my chat with Aiko:

What was your most memorable experience in Spain?

I attempted to take  the train but it was an epic fail, so walking around and riding the taxi there were something I couldn’t forget. Picture-taking in Barcelona is the best. It’s postcard-pretty everywhere.

What’s your fave scene and  line in the movie?

My breakdown scene.

Kath’s (Kathryn Bernardo) line: “Huwag mo akong mahalin dahil mahal kita; mahalin mo ako because that’s what I deserve.” (Don’t love me because I love you. Love me because that’s what I deserve.)

How will “Barcelona” make the audience redefine love?

It will make them see love [taken to] the next level—a level only each one of us can define.

What have you learned from your kids?

Andre and Marthena taught me never to underestimate their point of view when I’m having problems, because they’re the ones who will totally accept me no matter what.

What was it like working with Kathryn and Daniel?

They are both so respectful, yet they make me feel like we are just barkada. Daniel and I would always look for Pokémon characters on the set. Kath and I talked about different things and how she leveled  up with her acting in our movie.

What will it take for a guy to pin you down?

Settling down is not my priority for now. I’m focused on God, my kids and my work.

For KathNiel fans

In line with the movie, the ABS-CBN Store is celebrating all things associated with Kathryn and Daniel, aka KathNiel. Revisit their past movies with official merchandise from the studio store or at www.abs-cbnstore.com.

Ai-Ai, Lani together

What happens when you put Ai-Ai delas Alas and Lani Misalucha onstage together? To say that it will be a riot is an understatement.

For the first time, the Comedy Concert Queen and Asia’s Nightingale join forces in “Ai Meets Lani: Lani May Ai” on Sept. 17, 8 p.m., at  the Kia Theatre.  (For tickets, call 9115555.)

The musical extravaganza is mounted by my good friend, Pops Fernandez (DSL Productions). She guarantees it will be something else and something more.

Ai shares her thoughts:

“It’s tough to sing side by side with Lani. Out of respect for her singing prowess, I will give it my all. Even if I will be the one to provide the humor, I will take my singing seriously, but if my powers can’t measure up to Lani’s, then I will let my outfits take over.

“Lani sang ‘Ikaw’ at my wedding a few years ago. That marriage lasted only 29 days. So maybe when I get married again, I should ask her to sing  ‘Ako,’ instead (laughs).

“The highlight of our concert would be our four showdown numbers, which will last 12 minutes each. Buwis-buhay ang performance level!”