Actress Ai Ai delas Alas has finally confirmed her relationship with a student, 30 years her junior, and boldly affirms she has learnt her lessons from past, similar relationships. Here’s more of our conversation with the Philippines’ Comedy Queen.

For the record, are you in a relationship with a 20-year-old student name Gerard Sibayan?

Yes, that is true. I formally introduced him to my showbiz friends at the birthday part of my director, friend Wenn Deramas last week.

How did they react?

I am happy that they are happy for me. I can feel the sincerity. Even among my non-showbiz friends and my family, especially my children, they welcomed him with open arms.

Were there no objections at all? Some people say he is just about as young as your son?

There were questions, especially with the age gap that is natural. But there no one will know the guy more than me, and I can feel his sincerity; I treasure his friendship and his love.

What do you say to people that just like your estranged husband, Jed Salang, he is in it for the money? Have you learned your lesson?

When you are in love, you see only the bright side. But that is what makes it a happy feeling. When you stumble again, what can you do? Just pick your self up and move on. I can only be wary of what has happened in the past, and sure remember lessons from it. But when love strikes, it is almost impossible to resist it. But I have a different feeling about Gerard, he is different from my past.

How did you meet him?

Funny you mentioned my son. It was through the badminton team of the university where my son studies that I got to know him. I am avid badminton player and we would play outside of the team’s practice sessions. We became friends, and then it blossomed. I couldn’t help it.

How do you feel that he has also admitted your relationship?

Very happy. You know in this society, we do not see May-December affairs favourably, especially if the woman is the one who is older. So I am happy he has the courage to admit our relationship. I in fact just wanted to keep it secret, just to avoid the complications. But it cannot be helped. These things eventually come out. So we decided we’re going to face it head on.

Thankfully, the feedback has been generally positive. And for those who don’t believe, or do not appreciate, I cannot force them. I am not in this relationship for them. I am here because it makes me happy.