As a singer, Aiza Seguerra possesses one of the gentlest and softest voices you’ll ever hear on the airwaves. But that softness disappears when she’s talking about politics, a subject that brings out her outspoken nature and unapologetic views.
She has already made known her support of the Reproductive Health Bill, which one of her showbiz fathers –”Eat Bulaga” stalwart Sen. Tito Sotto – vehemently opposes.
“Pro choice ako eh. I believe overpopulation is a big big problem now. And we have no means to help people na sa sobrang dami na nga ng problema, hindi na rin kaya ng gobyerno. Nasanay na kasi tayo na basta sex na ang pag-uusapan, taboo ito. Eh dapat sa pamilya pa lang nadi-discuss na ang mga bagay na gaya nito,” she said.
“I’d rather see used condoms in trash cans kesa dead babies,” she added.
“Nakaka-frustrate lang. Like ako, nagpapagawa ako ng tarps ‘pag may mga shows ako at ang mahal nun ha,” she said.
“Parang ang laki-laki ng nawe-waste na pwede pang naitulong o nagamit sa iba. Nakaka-sad lang kasi ang daming pwede pang paggamitan nun,” she added.
Aiza believes the projects should be able to speak for themselves without brazen credit-grabbing from local leaders.
“Makikita naman ng mga tao ‘yun kahit wala ang mga pangalan at mukha nila. Kasi mararamdaman nila na may ginagawa ang mga pulitiko nila,” she said.
Aiza doesn’t just talk the talk. She volunteers her support for politicians she deems worthy of her help.
“That’s what I did when Senator Richard Gordon ran. Nag-email ako sa kanya. Nagpakilala ako. Sabi ko just call me if he needs my help. And for free ‘yun. Though he didn’t win, at least I supported the right person. Ang prinsipyo ko kasi, kahit hindi nanalo, I’m happy. Who else can say that?”
If she’s so passionate about government and public service, why doesn’t she enter the fray? She wouldn’t be the first entertainer to think she could make a difference.
“Politics? Kung papasok ako? Actually, I’m torn sa aspetong ‘yan. Bahit hindi, ‘di ba? Kaya lang, feeling ko rin, marami lang akong makakalaban. Eh, ako ‘yung tipong will definitely go against the system. Hindi kasi ako trapo. I hate that,” she said.
Aiza revealed that she once received and declined an offer to run for councilor. ”I don’t wanna run for a party. Kasi I don’t wanna feel indebted. Hindi ako magiging sunud-sunuran,” she explained.
Aiza, who turned 29 on Monday, has been defying stereotypes since she embraced her alternative lifestyle in 2007 and the public embraced her back.
She will celebrate her 25 years in the business with a big concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on September 28, “Bente Singko” (An Anniversary Concert).
The character is one of the reasons why audiences have found the daytime soap endearing.
Due to public demand, ABS-CBN started airing a “Rewind Saturday” on September 15 for all the episodes of the past week. Aiza is proud to say that the series, tobilled by the unlikely tandem of Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Chen, has been extended.
“And please don’t get the notion na ang extension eh pag-stretch sa istorya. There’s still so much na aabangan sa love story ni Maya at ni Sir Chief. Happy naman ako sa nangyayari, although maski ako, ayoko rin naman ng masyado ng forward . Kaya hindi rin namin alam ang maise-share namin dahil we get the script week by week. We just do our best. At ayaw din naming ma-pressure sa ratings,” she said.
As for her personal life, Aiza continues to keep mum on her current relationship status one year after her separation from longtime live-in partner Chen Sarte.
When she was named Famale Recording Artist at the Star Awards for Music recently, she dedicated her award to a “special someone” in her acceptance speech. Word has it that she could only have referred to Krizza Neri, her protege from last year’s “Protege” singing competition.
Aiza fixed the inquiring reporters with a serious smile: “Kayo! Kung ano ang gusto n’yong isipin, hindi ko kayo pipigilan.”
