AiAi delas Alas mentors new street rap group

Despite her past experiences managing a music group, Philippine Comedy Queen AiAi delas Alas remains committed to helping newcomers find their place in showbiz. The latest young ones she has chosen to support is a Cavite-based street rap group called Outcast, comprised of Karl Gabriel Vadillo, Alexander Cardinal, Jhonwayne Layson, Neil Edrianne Soliva, Reniel Depositor Aras and RM Flores.

In a Zoom interview with select media outlets, AiAi — who has been shuffling between the US and the Philippines for the past few years — clarified that her role with Outcast differs from her previous management stint with erstwhile hip-hop group Ex-Battalion.

“I am not [Outcasts’] manager; they already have one. I am just helping them because they have a noble goal,” she said.

When asked how she crossed paths with the street rap group, especially since she was in the US when their collaboration started, AiAi told The T-Zone, “They reached out to me on Facebook, and when I heard their song, I just felt this group isn’t just talented, but they have a good heart because they love their mom.”

The Outcast original recording AiAi is talking about is “W.K.M.M. [Wag Kang Mag-alala Mama]” — or “Don’t Worry, Mama — which carries a touching message about a mother’s love.

The comedian famed for her box office “Tanging Ina” franchise explained, “You know what I’m like. I was impressed because their song is about mothers. It balances out the negative narratives on social media, where people say, ‘We don’t owe our parents anything because we didn’t ask to be born.’ [Their song] is a reminder that while we might not owe our parents anything, we should still love them, especially our mothers, who brought us into this world.”

Beside the track’s theme, AiAi also considered the members’ attitudes, not hiding the fact that her experience with Ex-Batallion had been hurtful and disappointing.

“Of course, when dealing with newcomers, I first look at their potential and assess if they might become problematic in the future. So far, I haven’t seen anything troubling about these young men,” she affectionately shared.

Serious about mentoring them, the GMA Network’s ‘The Clash’ Panel member noted, “Right now, they have a great song, and their heart’s in the right place. But naturally, I’ll help polish their image and how they interact with audiences, especially once they have a live performance schedule. They have to go through workshops.”

Reflecting on her past experience managing talents, AiAi admitted she learned many lessons with Ex-Battalion.

“I learned a lot from that time. Honestly, I rushed into things without knowing much. It was my first time managing talents, and I really didn’t know how to go about it,” she said.

Now at a stage where she can put those learnings to good use, AiAi said, “My advice to Outcast from the start is that I hope they won’t let fame get to their heads if they become successful.”

“I’ve also advised them to be professional all the time, to be humble, and to always pray,” she added.

Speaking directly to the boys in another Zoom frame, the Comedy Queen said, “Be thankful to your parents and prioritize your family with any blessings you receive, so the Lord will continue to bless you.”

Outcast, in turn, expressed their deep gratitude for AiAi’s support. Wayne said, “We are extremely thankful to Mama Ai for opening doors for us to showcase our talent, not just in the underground scene but also in the mainstream. It’s rare for someone to open doors like this, and we’re incredibly thankful as a group.”

Revealing that she’s spending the holidays in Manila this year, AiAi said she will take the opportunity to keep guiding the members of Outcast to become better known in the music scene and hopefully see to their guestings very soon.

Finally asked by The T-Zone if her mentoring is helping her cope with her newly single life over the holidays, AiAi laughed and ever openly said, “Yes, of course. But just to let everyone know — regarding that,” she interjected meaningfully, “I’m OK now. I’m really doing well.