Showbiz queens Angel, Ai-Ai in one sitcom

MANILA, Philippines – “Toda Max,” a weekend sitcom starring top celebrities Angel Locsin and Ai-Ai delas Alas, is close to celebrating its second year of gags and laughter.

The first two years of “Toda Max” starred Robin Padilla and Pokwang, but the two have since moved on to other projects.

The cast was saddened by their departure from the show, but the entry of Comedy Queen Ai Ai delas Alas gave it a whole new character.

Angel Locsin, who plays tough chick Isabel Padausdos, said she was awestruck and nervous when the veteran comedienne joined the show.

“Nung first time, niniyerbos talaga ako kasi siyempre si Ms Ai-Ai,” she said. “Paano kung humirit ako tapos waley, tapos masira yung timing ni Ms. Ai-Ai?” (At first, I was really nervous. What if I make a joke and it ruins Ms. Ai-Ai’s timing?)

But soon enough she took comfort in Ai-Ai’s humility.

“Napakatotoo ni Ms. Ai-Ai. Kung paano siya sa TV, ganoon talaga siya. Siya si ‘Tanging Ina,’ hawak niya yung box office nang gano’n katagal, pero walang ka-ere ere.” (Ms. Ai-Ai in person is the same as she is on TV. She’s the ‘Tanging Ina’ who held the box office for so long, but without any boastfulness.)

The box-office comedy queen has a simple advice for Angel.

“Sabi ko lang sa kanya na ang drama, bilisan mo lang ng kaunti, comedy na iyon,” said Ai-Ai. (I told her when you gear up drama, it becomes comedy.)

Watch Ai-Ai on ‘Toda Max’:

Angel, who has been with the show since 2011, said she misses doing teleseryes, although she enjoys doing comedy.

“Namimiss [ko] din [ang teleserye], Pero kasi na-experience ko kasi itong ‘Toda Max,’ yung uuwi ka nang nakangiti, hindi ka masyadong nakalugmok,” the Kapamilya star said during an on-the-set interview. (I also miss teleseryes, but what I experienced in ‘Toda Max’ is going home with a smile on my face.)

Watch Angel Locsin on ‘Toda Max’:

Surprise season

“Toda Max” has regularly featured guest stars such as Gretchen Barretto, Bea Alonzo, Jodi Sta. Maria, Phil Younghusband, Billy Crawford, and Joey Marquez, among others.

Other celebrities are scheduled to appear in the show. The cast members say the new season will bring in more surprises.

Angel said she would personally like to work with Coco Martin.

“Gusto ko si Coco talaga mag-‘Toda,'” she said

Angel remembered she and Coco working together as fashion models before they entered showbiz.

“Dati, hindi pa kami artista. Hindi pa ako Angel Locsin. [We weren’t actors yet. I wasn’t Angel Locsin yet.] Hindi siya big-time na fashion show [It wasn’t a big-time fashion show].”

Vhong Navarro said it would be interesting to bring together artists from different networks.

Anjo Yllana and Ruby Rodriguez have made cameos in past episodes, Vhong said. He also wants the opportunity to crack jokes with more Kapuso comedians, such as Vic Sotto.

Watch Vhong on ‘Toda Max’:

– Rappler.com