After their hit tandem in last year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Vic Sotto and Ai Ai de las Alas go on separate ways in the 2012 MMFF. This year, the two comedians compete against each other through their entries ''Si Enteng, Si Agimat at Ako'' and ''Sisteraka,'' respectively.
Vic and Ai Ai's ''Enteng ng Ina Mo'' became the all-time highest-grossing MMFF entry with a reported P237-million earnings. The new installment of the ''Enteng'' franchise was supposed to cast the ''Tanging Ina'' star but due to undisclosed reason, Ai Ai bowed out of the film. Judy Ann Santos assumed the role of Vic and Bong Revilla's leading lady in the film co-produced by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Films, Imus Films, and GMA Films.
Ai Ai, on the other hand, joins Vice Ganda and Kris Aquino in ''Sisteraka'' under Star Cinema.
In a recent interview with Bulletin Entertainment, Vic shared that his MMFF entry is on its final days of shooting. While he is saddened by Ai Ai's non-inclusion, Vic said that he understands and that he and Ai Ai are professionals.
''Nagkaroon siya ng problem sa kontrata,'' he revealed. ''Kami naman ni Ai Ai, kahit anong mangyari, madali kaming kausap. Walang samaan ng loob. Tayo-tayo lang dito eh. Magkokompetensiya pa ba tayo? Kung may kumpitensiya man, it's always healthy and friendly competition.''
The veteran comedian also doesn't mind if the box-office ruling will be tight, knowing that Ai Ai is a certified box-office queen and once an MMFF best actress. ''Kahit number two kami, okay lang. Ang importante, kumita ang lahat ng pelikula at makapagbigay kami ng saya,'' he said.
''Ang dami na kaming pinagdaanang festival ni Bong, wala kaming tinrato ni isa na [MMFF entry na] kakompetensiya. Ang inaasikaso namin ay kung ano ang gagawin namin - dapat maganda, bago, panlaban,'' the ''Eat Bulaga'' host added.
Meanwhile, Vic is all praises for his new leading lady Judy Ann.
''Kahit anong ipagawa mo sa kanya, gagawin. Pag tinanong mo, 'Okay ka lang?' 'Okay ako.' Kahit alam mong hindi, pero ang sagot niya, 'Okay ako,''' Vic said of the actress in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
Judy Ann, in a separate ABS-CBN News interview, said she was excited to joining the blockbuster franchise film.
''Para sa akin, napasama ako sa isang history. Nakakatuwa na marami naman sila talagang naging puwedeng option pero ako ang napili nila kaya napakalaking blessing,'' she said.
