Ai-Ai delas Alas —AI-AI DELAS ALAS/ FACEBOOK
“Love your parents more, especially as they grow older.”
This was one of Ai-Ai delas Alas’ biggest realizations while working at a geriatric care facility in the United States.
“If you can take care of them, do it. I have seen old people there who don’t get visited by their families. It was depressing. And when they do get a visit, they start wishing it would happen every day,” Ai-Ai said at a recent virtual conference for her new partnership with the beauty brand Marlou Colina (MC) Aesthetics International in the United States.
“So, to those who still have their parents, take care of them,” she added. “Huwag natin silang pabayaan.”
After two years of working at the said facility, where she served as activity director, the 59-year-old actress resigned so she could focus on her business ventures. But the wonderful memories she created there, she will always take with her, Ai-Ai said.
“They threw a surprise party for me. I was there for only two years, but they all had nice things to say about me. They told me that they were hoping I could stay longer … It was cute and heartwarming,” she related. “I could only hope for the same kind of warmth should I leave show biz.”
Health and well-being
As someone who has been dealing with psoriasis since she was 15, never did she imagine that she would one day venture into skin care. But it’s something she eventually learned the value of after decades in show biz.
“In my earlier days, I would wear long-sleeved tops whenever I had to do scenes on the beach. Or I had to put on a pile of makeup. Of course, as you go along and you start earning more, you become more conscious about improving your looks,” Ai-Ai said.
As she grew older, the GMA 7 talent realized it’s not only her physical appearance she should be focusing on, but her overall health and well-being. “I modified my lifestyle. Aside from using skin care products, I exercise and eat more healthily,” she said.
It’s one of the best decisions she has made in her life. In fact, she feels stronger now in her 50s than she did in her 30s.
“I go to the gym about four times a week. My diet is gluten- and dairy-free. I eat lots of vegetables. I don’t eat meat, except chicken and fish,” Ai-Ai told the Inquirer.
“I’m stronger these days. I can lift weights. I can wear sexy outfits onstage because … pwede naman! And it has been very beneficial to me as a performer because I no longer get winded onstage. I don’t find myself catching my breath,” added the comedienne, who also cited the discovery of polyps in her colon a couple of years back as another reason for her drastic change in lifestyle.
Needless to say, the regimen Ai-Ai follows takes utmost discipline. “Super hirap. Sometimes, you have to drag yourself to go to the gym. Tampalin ko sa sarili!” she said, laughing. “I tell myself, ‘You can’t afford to be lazy, because you’re not getting any younger. You need to do this for yourself’ … And I eat to survive, not really for pleasure.”
Apart from trying botox treatment in the past, Ai-Ai- said she has never undergone cosmetic surgery. But it’s something she’s not closing her doors on. “I tried botox back then, but it was only minimal. I’m scared to try these things. I have allergies, so I have to be careful … I could end up reacting badly to those,” she said.
“But who knows, maybe I will try those when I’m 75. But I think I’m still super fresh!” she joked.
God’s plan
Because the actress-comedienne is currently based in the United States while working on her American citizenship application, Ai-Ai can only do one project a year—the reality talent search, “The Clash”—for GMA 7. She misses the sleepless nights that come with the TV grind and is raring to do a soap opera soon.
“I will be flying home in June to start taping ‘The Clash.’ I hope I can do some guest appearances in other shows while I’m there. Who knows, maybe I can go back to doing two shows a year soon,” she said.
But for now, her focus is on MC aesthetics and her other businesses. “Maybe this is God’s plans for now, so I just let it be,” said Ai-Ai who was appointed chief operating officer by Colina, the US-based company’s owner and stylist-aesthetician, whose past clients include Kylie Minogue, Selena Gomez and David Foster.
“It’s all about balancing my time with business, show biz and my family. After all, my kids are grown-ups now, so things are easier,” said Ai-Ai, who also operates a bakery named after her.
She also hopes to, one day, put up her own company that will consolidate her love for entertainment, baking and skin care. “Success is a process. It’s not instant … When you’re starting out, you must focus on investing; you can’t be a one-day millionaire. Of course it helps to be humble. You have to be thankful to the Lord,” she said.