Could comedy star Ai-Ai delas Alas be attracted to a much younger man like Empoy Marquez? The question came up at the press conference for their new film Batang Paco, but Ai-Ai was quick to dismiss the query.
In real life, the 61-year-old actress and Empoy share a mother-and-son bond, they say.
“No. I don’t go for younger men anymore,” Ai-Ai said. “I don’t want to anymore… no more. There’s already an age limit now. Period. It’s really, really over.”
Speaking in Filipino, she added, “I’m not ready. Maybe, just in case, maybe after three years. Two, maybe two. It’s hard to say. Even if I say I don’t want to anymore, I might get bashed later. They’ll say, ‘You said before you didn’t want to anymore!’ It’s hard to speak in absolutes. But as of this moment, I’m not ready.”
Ai-Ai also confirmed that she will never marry again, since her marriage to estranged husband Gerald Sibayan has not been annulled.
“That’s final. Just like I don’t want someone young anymore,” she said. She added that if she were to consider another relationship, she would look for a partner aged 46 or older—but not too old, as she doesn’t want to end up taking care of him.
While Ai-Ai made her stance clear, Empoy, known for his self-deprecating humor and underdog roles, praised their onscreen chemistry. Their pairing in Batang Paco balances her larger-than-life presence with his “unconventional charm.”
Produced by MiVida Productions and directed by Rechie del Carmen, Batang Paco tells the story of Paco (Empoy), a soft-spoken tattoo artist forced to confront danger when his young daughter is kidnapped. Empoy said the conflict allowed him to show vulnerability in his character.
“He’s not perfect, pero gagawin niya ang lahat para sa anak niya,” he said.
Ai-Ai plays an important role, and Empoy had nothing but praise for his co-star.
“Wala akong masasabi sa kanya. Napakabuting tao siya mula noon hanggang ngayon,” he said, acknowledging her generosity.
Both stars agreed they approached the project with one goal: to entertain audiences.
“Kami kasi dito nila Mommy Ai, we just enjoy the shootings and tapings. Gusto lang talaga namin makapagpasaya. Happy and good vibes lang kapag lumabas sila ng sinehan,” Empoy added.
Batang Paco also stars Mon Confiado, Ynez Veneracion, Chichi Rita, Cassie Lavarias, Richard Quan, Alma Concepcion, Lara Morena, Natasha Ledesma, Kookoo Gonzales, Gerard Acao, Josh Ivan Morales, Kim Rodriguez, Jovi Vargas, and Quentin Molo. The film opens nationwide on Feb. 18.
