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Remember when Ai-Ai delas Alas said she planned to meet and talk with Jiro Manio’s dad in Japan?
Well, Ai-Ai reveals she failed on that front. According to the well-meaning actress, Yusuke Katakura, Jiro’s dad, was a bit taken aback. Besides, he’s sick and just got out of hospital.
“So, nire-respeto namin,” she told PEP.ph in a press conference.
Thankfully, another Japanese friend, a certain Mr. Nakasawa, bridged the gap between the two camps.
Apparently, at least according to Nakasawa, Katakura believed the former child wonder had forgotten about him.
“Parang [ang sinasabi ng father ni Jiro], ‘Ako, hindi kita kinakalimutan.’ Yung anak niya, akala niya kinalimutan siya,” Ai-Ai said.
Katakura was also disappointed to learn about his son’s most recent struggles. In June, Jiro was found wandering the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, penniless. The Magnifico star was seen with scratches on his neck, wearing dirty clothes.
“Nagagalit siya kasi parang bakit niya [Jiro] ginaganun ang sarili niya? Bakit siya nagse-self-destruct nang walang kadahilanan? Ang alam niya as a father, ‘Binibigay ko yung responsibility ko sa iyo, bakit ginagawa mo ‘yan sa buhay mo?’” said Ai-Ai.
According to Jiro’s foster father, the 21-year-old was reportedly battling “repeated bouts of depression”. Jiro’s grandmother allegedly broke her promise to bring him to Japan to meet his biological father.
Ai-Ai also learned that Katakura has some ill-feelings towards some of Jiro’s Filipino relatives.
“Iyon yatang lola, the mother of Jiro’s mother, nagkaroon sila ng difference. Dahil sabi niya (Katakura), parang ang nangyari kasi, yung responsibility niya being a father, nabura. Kasi yung lahat ng ipinapadala niya kay Jiro, hindi nakakarating kay Jiro. Kaya dun siya medyo sumasama ang loob,” Ai-Ai said.
Jiro, who was admitted in an undisclosed “wellness facility” in Quezon City, is still unaware of Katakura’s statements. Ai-Ai said she will be talking to Jiro soon, as she continues to work on the reunion of the father and son.
“Gagawin ko ang lahat para maging masaya yung pagkikita or maging maganda yung closure nung mag-ama,” she said.
Ai-Ai has been helping Jiro on his passport as well as visa application to Japan. She also posted a photo of a healthy-looking Jiro to show that he is on his way to recovery. She regularly posts updates about him on her Instagram account.
“Bakit ko tinatiyaga ito? Kasi ipinangako ko ito kay Jiro, na gagawin ko ang lahat, na tutulungan ko siya nang walang kapalit. Si Lord na ang bahala sa akin,” Ai-Ai said.
