Melai Cantiveros says no plan to replace Ai-Ai delas Alas in ‘Ang Tanging Ina’

(From left) Melai Cantiveros and Ai-Ai delas Alas. Images: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net, Courtesy of Star Cinema

While Melai Cantiveros is open to taking the lead role of a possible “Ang Tanging Ina” remake, she said that she doesn’t want to take over the spot of Ai-Ai delas Alas.

In a media conference for her new talk show “Kuan-On-One” on Tuesday, June 25, Cantiveros was asked if she’s open to starring as the new lead of an “Ang Tanging Ina” remake, a film series said to have made delas Alas a household name.

“Ang masasabi ko ay ‘Tanging Ina’ niyo rin,” she said which drew laughter from reporters. “Kung i-offer sa’kin, why not? Sobrang happy pero siyempre, hindi natin i-bypass si Ms. Ai-Ai delas Alas kasi siya talaga ang ating Queen of Comedy. Ang dami niya nang napatunayan.”

(What I can say is ‘Tanging Ina’ to you too. If it’s offered to me, why not? I’m happy about it but of course, I don’t want to bypass Ms. Ai-Ai delas Alas because she is the Queen of Comedy. She proved a lot in the industry.)

The “Pinoy Big Brother” alum noted that she doesn’t want to bypass other comediennes who also made their mark.

“Nandyan pa sina Ate Pokey [Pokwang], sina Ms. Eugene Domingo,” she said. “Kaya kung i-kuan why not pero wala tayong mga hurt na mga tao.” (Ate Pokey and Ms. Eugene Domingo are still in the industry. So if it’s offered, why not? But I hope we won’t hurt anyone.)

Cantiveros admitted that she prefers to have a new comedy-centered film project instead. “Gawa na lang tayo ng sarili natin… ‘Kuan Ng Ina,’ char lang (Let’s create our own instead, “Kuan Ng Ina,” just kidding)!” she said.

MELAI’S HEART IS VERY KUAN 💖

LOOK: Melai Cantiveros graced the press conference for her upcoming talk show “Kuan-On-One,” which spotlights her Visayan roots, ahead of its July 2 premiere. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/3SYJ72WPh4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) June 25, 2024

A ‘comedy queen’ in the making?

Cantiveros was also asked if she considers herself a “comedy queen,” citing her effortless ability to make people laugh. She said she sees herself as such because she has “a lot more to prove” as a comedienne.

“Sobrang hiya kapag sinasabihan ako nang ganyan. Kasi siyempre, wala pa naman akong napatunayan,” she said. “Kahit mga kaibigan ko, sinasabihan ako nang ganyan. Sobrang happy ko naman. Pero para sa’kin, marami pa akong kailangang daanin. Pero thank you so much sa lahat ng mga nagsasabi niyan.”

(I’m very embarrassed when people call me as such. Of course, I haven’t proven anything yet. Even my friends tell me the same thing. I’m happy about it. But for me, I have to go through a lot first. But thank you so much to those who see me that way.)

One of Delas Alas’ most popular films to date, “Ang Tanging Ina,” tells the story of the persevering Ina Montecillo who tries to raise her 12 kids on her own after the death of her husband Alfredo.

The movie bore two sequels: “Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat,” and “Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na ‘To!)” in 2008 and 2010, respectively.

Cantiveros, meanwhile, will host the new talk show “Kuan-On-One,” which hopes to put the spotlight on her fellow Visayan celebrities.