Philippine Comedy Queen AiAi delas Alas has embarked on a new chapter in her career, turning all executive as Chief Operating Officer of MC Aesthetics International. The skincare company is based in San Francisco, California, where the actress has been mostly living these past few years.
This unexpected career shift comes after she resigned from another previously surprising turn of events in AiAi's life when she was employed as artistic director of an elderly facility in Southern California for almost two years.
Now all set to blend her entertainment prowess with her ever-present passion for skincare, AiAi's partner in business is her longtime Filipino-American makeup artist and aesthetician Marlou Colina, who also happens to be a registered nurse in the US.
In a Zoom interview, AiAi said her transition into this new venture was driven by Marlou's belief in her abilities and potential as an astute manager and her surefire skills in sales and marketing.
To backtrack, though, some may wonder why AiAi is so big on skincare. The reason is that she has been battling psoriasis since she was 15. Her most loyal fans will surely remember that this skincare condition is also the root cause of her change of diet many years ago, which, besides leading to her enviable weight loss, kept her flare-ups at bay.
It goes without saying, then, that when AiAi found solace and improvement in using the products offered by MC Aesthetics, she immediately wanted to help get the product out to a broader market and bring relief to as many people with skin problems as possible.
Her first-hand experience with the skincare line has become a testament to MC's efficacy, and she is now sharing this story in a series of roundtable conversations and her scheduled shows across America.
Reflecting on her skincare journey, AiAi told Philippine Entertainment media, "Sometimes I still have psoriasis, which is why I always wear long sleeves. Before, when I'd have scenes to do at the beach [for my movies], I would use a lot of body makeup. I always felt insecure [about my psoriasis] until I changed my lifestyle and started using Marlou's skincare products."
Meanwhile, Colina, who has known AiAi for over 12 years and was also at the Zoom interview, recounted the beginning of their business relationship. "I've been a makeup artist since 2008, but four years ago, I opened a med spa with this skincare line and thought I'd encourage AiAi to be a distributor in San Francisco. I've always known she was qualified to become the CEO of her company, so I encouraged her to go into the business side of things, especially since she believes in the products so much."
Besides enjoying working with his good friend, Colina furthered that he is very proud that the US-made brand MC, which is rapidly growing in sales thanks to AiAi, is Filipino-owned.
Difficult farewells
May 24 marked AiAi's last day of work at the elderly care facility, which she excitedly talked about to the Philippine press in her previous homecomings to Manila. It can be remembered that the Filipina actress held a special post at the home. As activity director, she was in charge of organizing games and parties and putting up shows for the elderly residents, which, of course, she was an expert at.
Despite forging deep connections there over the past few years, AiAi chose not to bid a formal farewell to the residents to avoid the emotional difficulty of saying goodbye.
"I didn't say goodbye because they might feel sad. But some of my colleagues cried. They threw a surprise party for me. That's why I said in my farewell speech, 'I hope that when I retire from showbiz, the party will be just as warm, with everyone saying nice things to me,'" AiAi shared.
The actress — who didn't grow up with her biological mother and only met the latter not long before she passed— underscores that her time at the facility taught her invaluable lessons about love and care for the elderly.
"We need to love our parents even more. As they age, we should take care of them," she emphasized. "I've seen how many residents were so depressed because their families hardly visited them, and it's really very sad."
Showbiz goes on
Despite her new business venture, AiAi clarified she remains dedicated to her showbiz career. In fact, she is set to return to the Philippines very soon for various commitments, including her role as a judge on the popular singing reality show "The Clash," on GMA 7. which will begin taping its sixth season in August.
"Eto na. Game na uli! [This is it! Game on again]," AiAi exclaimed with excitement, hinting at the twists and surprises the new season will bring. "We'll start taping the sixth season in August," she added.
AiAi also hopes to guest star in several Kapuso series for her scheduled long-term stay in Manila, specifically citing "Abot Kamay na Pangarap," the hit drama series starring Jillian Ward.
In addition to her professional engagements, AiAi is eagerly anticipating her youngest son Andrei's graduation, which will take place before she heads to Japan for a show in mid-June.
As for her love life, AiAi was happy to share that her husband, Gerald, remains supportive of her while busy with his work in the States.
"He's doing well working here in the US. He's working really hard, but he's happy," AiAi noted.
She added that Gerald is very much into pickleball and even hopes to become a pro in the sport. Still awaiting his green card, AiAi and Gerald pray he receives his resident status soon so they can spend Christmas in the Philippines this year.
In wrapping up, the newest businesswoman in Southern California delved into her new role at MC Aesthetics International again, expressing, "I really don't know why all this is happening to me now. I just keep praying about it. Maybe this is God's plan for me, so let it be."
Madam CEO-slash-Comedy Queen AiAi, we wish you good luck on your newest venture!
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