The things I learned from Yaya and Angelina

Author: Alwin M. Ignacio, Contributor
Column: Life

Undoubtedly considered as two of the most popular characters today, Yaya and Angelina are brought to life by the comic tandem of Michael V and Ogie Alcasid. The former gets into the role as Rosalinda, the domestic technician who cares for Alcasid’s little Angelina, the bratty seven-year-old who popularized the line, “Yaya, you’re such a loser!”The unlikely duo immediately gained a following since it first showed as a segment in the weekly gag show Bubble Gang. They tickled funnybones so much that the two soon found themselves hosting an early evening game show — in character — and starring in their own film. Their recent onscreen foray earned considerably at the box-office despite the onslaught of back-to-back typhoons. These prove that Yaya and Angelina are “winners” indeed.Though some people opine that the popularity of Yaya and Angelina is nothing more than a passing fad to be forgotten the moment more interesting characters are born, closer scrutiny of the madcap characters and their “adventures” reveal some lasting lessons.“Yaya and Angelina is a commentary,” says Michael V. “(But for) the idea to create them and give them life, credit must go to Uro de la Cruz, our Bubble Gang director. He observed that nowadays, majority of kids are being cared for by household helpers since parents of middle-class status work. Since these kids are under the guidance of their maids, it cannot be helped that they copy what they see and hear from them.” This is Yaya and Angelina’s first and most important lesson.He elaborates, “Direk Uro cites the example of his kumpare, whose maid has a peculiar manner of speaking, ‘Bebe, kumain ka ng gele,’ His friend’s child now recites jelly as ‘gele.’ The movie, though presented as a comedy, is a wake-up call for parents. They must still supervise their kids and spend time with them so that they can correct whatever is needed to be corrected.” This is lesson number two.Aiko Melendez and Jomari Yllana, portray the lovely pair of Mr. and Mrs. Arespacoschaga, parents of irrepressible Angelina. Melendez agrees, “I think because of the hard times, having working parents is common in most households. And yes, nakaka-guilty talaga if you always leave your child in the care of your maid. Angelina’s errant ways are just her manner of trying to get her parents’ attention. In the movie, it was very much exaggerated, but frankly speaking, I believe that parents must be alarmed the moment they noticed that their kids are more affectionate to their maids. They need to seriously re-evaluate their parenting style.”Another startling reality, which serves as the third lesson, is the fact that “some kids can be cruel.” And, yes, it’s the “santa-santita” looking, with the “sweet-sweetan” vibe that is the school’s resident “mean girl” with a posse of “plastics.”In a riotous portion of the movie, Angelina tries to outwit and outdo her classmate yet she does not succeed despite all her efforts. What is discomforting here is that “the pretty one” who only “acts” as a “good girl” gets the approval of all. Friendship and humility are also highlighted in the story. A kidnapping segment gives Angelina the opportunity to call her parents, but they do not pick up their phones. She has no choice but to call her yaya Rosalinda. Yaya had been fired because she was blamed for a “bad” feat involving Angelina’s dad’s pet arwana. Yaya helps her ward and it is wonderful to see Angelina apologizing for her behavior.The love-hate relationship of Yaya and Angelina is viewable and bearable, whether the medium is TV or the silver screen, is because of Michael V and Ogie Alcasid. The two are considered by many as intelligent comedians, who know how to tickle the public with well-made fun. The fact that they are great friends in real life is a plus.Ogie admits, “Fifteen years na kaming magkaibigan and we respect each other’s talents. It is important for us to have fun with what we are doing, and to be able to make people laugh is actually the biggest reward that we are getting.”Although the movie seems to highlight on the notoriety and naughtiness of Angelina, in the end viewers will realize that she is a good “gel.” Alcasid concludes, “We don’t know what the future holds for the two. They have become really big characters. We are very thankful to all the people for their love and support, and expect the unexpected from Yaya and Angelina.”Yaya and Angelina, The Movie under the direction of Mike Tuviera is still showing in theaters nationwide.

Source: The Daily Tribune

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