Actress and Cavite 2nd District Congressman recently expressed her desire to return to acting even if she’s now busy with her duties as a politician.

“That will not be a comeback,” Lani clarified. “Nakaka-miss lang talagang gumawa ng soap or even a hosting job.

During the time of COVID, Lani wouldn’t have accepted any showbiz job. “Naglo-lock-in kami,” she said. “COVID mayor ako noon. Hindi ko kayang lumabas at mawala ng matagal. Ngayon, special participation ako.

Since she has no contract with any network, Lani will welcome any offer from any production.

The last time Lani faced the camera was in the afternoon teleserye, Basang Sisiw eleven years ago on GMA 7. “Ang laki na ngayon ng mga anak ko doon sa soap series,” Lani said. “Tignan mo si Bianca Umali, malaki na. May boyfriend na.”

She will not accept a daring role nor will she agree to play contravida on TV or even in films. “Dapat malapit lang sa aking edad,” Lani asserted. “Wala akong pinipili. Basta gusto ko magandang project, may laman, may relevance.

“Palaban na nanay na pinagtatanggol ang pamilya. That will be an ideal role for me. I will not play contravida. Alam mo naman ang publiko, they always think ‘yung ginagawa mo sa pelikula, ikaw din ‘yun sa totoong buhay.”

Senator Bong, meanwhile, is slated to start Alyas Pogi 4, not for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), but a regular playdate. Other top action stars and actor-politicians have confirmed to guest in the film.

“I will not be in that film sequel, but I will give my support,” Lani assured.

Lani is turning 56 on April 13, but her birthday will not merit a lavish bash. Instead, she will dedicate a month-long schedule of activities for her constituents.

There will be a medical mission, blessing of new projects, passport on wheels, job fair, distribution of free eye glasses for 500 students of public schools, blood-letting.

There will be a free concert, G na G (Go na Go) with Ate Lani, on April 13, her actual birthday. Itchy Worms and Flow G will perform.

“Para sa taong bayan,” Lani said. “It’s giving back. Basta healthy lang, lahat kami at magpatuloy ang magandang blessings, para sa aming pamilya. Masaya na ‘yun for me.”

She wished, however, that she can travel more with her husband, Senator Bong Revilla, with whom she has been married for 38 years in May 2024.

The couple is featured in the wedding promotion, “May forever” of the bridal fair now in billboards around Metro Manila.

“Our marriage is not perfect,” said Lani. “But nakakatuwa naman that our 38 years together inspired the bridal fair to get us as model couple.”

Lani, who’s serving her first term as Congressman, the only female actress in Congresss, insisted she is not running for a higher position next term (2025). “Maaga pa,” she maintained. “Si Senator Bong tatakbo pa ng (senator) sa 2025.

“Most likely, I will run for the same position in the next elections. Marami pa akong gustong ma-accomplish sa Congress.

“I have two more terms in Cavite. So far, happy naman ang publiko sa serbisyo namin. ‘Alagang Ate Lani’ ang tawag namin sa serbisyo ko sa Bacoor. Ever since, noong tumakbo ako in 2010, ‘yun na ang tawag namin.

“Since tatakbo kaming lahat for different positions in the next elections, ginawa na lang namin na Alagang Revilla. So hindi na malilito ang mga tao.”

Lani arrived from Los Angeles last February when she witnessed the birth of her fifth grandchild, Lauren Angela, the daughter of Jolo and wife Angel.

“Lahat ng apo ko, nakita kong lumabas, all five – from Gab, the first son of Jolo, to the three children of Inah (Alexa, Iñigo, Mikael) and now Lauren Angela or LA, Jolo’s daughter.

“The more, the merrier. Kung dadami pa ang apo namin, so be it. Baka maabutan ko pa ang great grandchildren ko.”

She plays her real-life role as mom to her married children, but always careful not to pry into their decisions.

“Basta do not interfere and meddle with the management of their home and their family,” Lani said. “You’re just there to support.”