Kakai Bautista (second from left), at home with parents, sister and nephew.
Comedienne Kakai Bautista proudly said that she was finally able to give her parents the house and lot she had promised them 20 years ago.
“It’s in Biñan, Laguna. Papa and Mama are living there now, along with my siblings. God is really merciful and generous. I finally did it, after 20 long years. It took that long, of course, because my talent fee in this industry isn’t really that big. Plus, it’s a requirement here that one has to look good and well-dressed, especially these days when people judge you based on what they see on social media. As an artist, you also have to spend, especially when you want to enhance yourself and nurture the talent you have,” Kakai explained.
Add to this the fact that everything got stalled during the COVID-19-driven lockdowns all over the globe. “The construction was supposed to start in 2020, but a lot of us lost jobs because of the pandemic. I’m so grateful I was still given work, that producers still trusted me,” she said. “I know that everyone had his or her own challenges to hurdle at the time, but I wasn’t that worried. I also know that we can all triumph over these problems because we have God beside us.”
Next goal
Now that Kakai has ticked off this particularly special item on her to-do list, she said she is off to accomplish another life goal. She recently released a single, titled “Pag-ibig Ko’y Panalo,” under ABS-CBN Music.
“I want to concentrate on my dream of being a performer this time. The song talks about people who were unsuccessful in their love life, but finally had the courage to stand up again. The song tells its listeners that you will eventually win the moment you start thinking about yourself and loving yourself,” she explained.
“I’ve been wishing to do a dance song and come up with a music video since I was in college. That was 21 years ago. I want something like what JLo (Jennifer Lopez) does, although I’m not as pretty and sexy as her,” Kakai said, laughing. “I told myself, I’m already 44. When else should I do this? They say fulfilling your dreams has no deadline. When the timing is right, it will come.”
Kakai is also one of the hosts of the talk show “TikTalks,” which is currently airing on TV5. Led by veteran broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez, it also features stand-up comic and writer Alex Calleja, LGBTQIA+ advocate G3 San Diego and radio/TV host Pat-P Daza.
Handling failed relationships
“Madam Korina personally requested me to join. She said she wanted someone who would break into song while the group is in the thick of discussing a controversial topic. I just don’t know what they’ll do about copyright, but I’m always game,” said Kakai. “I don’t know why Madam chose me to be part of the show, but I’m guessing that she knows I am outspoken and opinionated. I don’t want to sound conceited, but Madam got me because she knows I will be able to deliver.”
Kakai said the group has so far been able to talk about really interesting and relevant topics. “I learn something new from each episode we tape. They also learn a lot from me when it comes to handling failed relationships because, God knows, I’ve had my fair share of them,” she quipped. “It’s interesting how each of us is able to give different points of view on one particular topic. Personally, I get to know my cohosts better based on how they answer specific questions on the topics we discuss.”
“TikTalks” airs every Saturday, 8 p.m., on One PH, with simulcast on TV5 and Radyo Singko 92.3 News FM; and every Sunday, 7 p.m., on One News.