Melai Cantiveros Is "First Honor" at Asia Artist Awards 2023, Here's Why

(SPOT.ph) Melai Cantiveros, the beloved Filipino TV personality and actress, recently left the audience in stitches with her humorous acceptance speech at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023, held at the Philippine Arena on December 14. Known for her quick wit and relatable humor, Cantiveros said in an interview with Wonyoung that she is honored to be part of the AAA 2023 and that she feels like "the first honor and valedictorian," a comment that both surprised and delighted fans and attendees alike.

As with Cantiveros' funny portrayal on television and movies, she would stutter through her words, being forced to speak in English at an international event. But really, who wouldn't? Just being in the presence of your K-pop idols would probably leave you speechless.

Melai Cantiveros' Funny Speech and Interview at the Asia Artist Awards 2023

Cantiveros's charm shone through as she mentioned her desire to meet K-pop group NEWJEANS, citing her daughter's admiration for them. The group, seated just a few rows away, was visibly excited by her mention, further endearing Cantiveros to both the audience and her fellow artists.

The star of Ma'am Chief graced the red carpet with her infectious personality, and her playful banter with host Ryan Bang caught everyone's attention. Bang humorously called out the Korean press for not photographing Cantiveros, prompting her to strike a pose and quip, “Ngayon naman tumingin ka sa likod,” a line that showcased her signature Filipino humor.

Cantiveros won Best Actor Award alongside Kim Se-jeong, Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Dong-hwi, and Lee Jun-hyuk from South Korea. Her acceptance speech was also filled with memorable lines that had the audience laughing out loud. She playfully addressed the surprise of her win by saying, "If someone questions why I have an award, don’t worry, I question too." She humorously referred to the "awards" she received from her parents in the form of scoldings, a nod to Filipino slang where "award" means a telling-off.

Cantiveros also took a moment to reflect on the recognition, attributing it to divine intervention with the phrase, "Tonight, my heart is very kuwan… the best. I think it’s because God moves in mysterious ways." She then turned to thank the team behind Ma'am Chief, humorously questioning their decision to cast her with, "To my producer that I cannot believe what food they eat, why they chose me?"

She dedicated her award to her Ma'am Chief co-stars and crew and shared that her husband, Jason Francisco, and their daughter Mela accompanied her to the awards night. She also mentioned that her youngest daughter, Stela, could not attend due to an important school exam.

Melai Cantiveros has been trending on Twitter since Thursday night during the Asia Artist Awards. Here are some reactions and AAA best moments caught on cam:

Pinoy pride right there!

In this study, I will...

NewJeans x Melai Cantiveros collab, anyone?

She really caught everyone's attention.