Ai-Ai delas Alas (center) with Ex Battalion in the “Walang Pinipili” video
The days and nights of a newly married career woman can be incredibly hectic, comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas admits.
On top of her usual gigs for three GMA 7 shows (“Bossing & Ai,” “Sherlock Jr.” and “Sunday PinaSaya”), she has to juggle her resto business (AiSarap Express) and wifely duties to husband Gerald Sibayan.
“Gerald is enjoying himself,” she quips. “We had to practice abstinence before the wedding. Ngayon, ‘unli’ na siya.”
That’s unlimited romance, for the uninitiated.
“He’s happy, but I’m always tired,” she feigns mock horror.
As if these activities were not enough to keep her busy, she has ventured into a new arena, the hip-hop world, by mentoring the hugely successful group Ex Battalion or Ex B.
Led by Bosx1ne (Mark Maglasang), FlowG (Archie dela Cruz), Skusta Clee (Daryl Ruiz) and Emcee Rhenn (Rhenn Mangabang), Ex B collaborated with Ai-Ai on her latest single “Walang Pinipili,” which is dedicated to her hubby Gerald.
It was an unexpected partnership. One of the writers of the comedy game show, “Bossing & Ai,” told Ai-Ai that the group was all the rage among the youth. “When I googled them, I found out their music videos have generated millions of views.”
The numbers are mindboggling: “No Games” has scored 2.7 million views; “Hayaan Mo Sila,” 4.9 million; “Bootyful,” 9.7 million; “Tell Me,” 11.4 million; “Come With Me,” 20.6 million; and “Need You,” 25.4 million.
Ex Battalion Music has 500,476 subscribers on YouTube.
Ai-Ai and Ex-B’s “Walang Pinipili” is about to breach the million mark, posting 912,761 views at presstime.
Alias
To commemorate their alliance, Ex B gave Ai-Ai a hip-hop alias: “Madam” or “Jeje Queen.”
The savvy businesswoman that she is, Ai-Ai wasted no time producing a concert for Ex B, set on Feb. 17 at Zirkoh in Quezon City. She’s also supporting their planned anniversary show on June 16.
She was pleasantly surprised to discover that their fans come from all walks of life. “My daughter Sophia, who studies in La Salle, reserved tickets for her classmates. They told her they’re ready to die once they get to watch Ex B in person!”
Ai-Ai will also topbill a Valentine concert with Piolo Pascual, entitled “AiYU,” at the Palacio de Maynila on Feb. 14.
On the movie scene, Ai-Ai will reunite with “Area” director Louie Ignacio for the Cinemalaya entry, “School Service.” The indie film costars Joel Lamangan, Teri Malvar and Kristoffer Martin.
“If not for indie films, I wouldn’t have experienced winning an international award,” she enthuses. “I even got an Inquirer Indie Bravo! trophy. I have a lot to be thankful for last year. I got to explore and push myself as an actress.”