Aiya is part of the spirit of being Chinese .I've always known that I don't speak Cantonese well. i know mandarin more.No matter how many generations removed I am as an Filipino, there is something at my core that is Chinese.How you say Aiya can say volumes about your state of mind. For example, when the problem is minor, people can say "Aiya" in a short/curt manner. However when extremely stressed, you can draw it out to nearly five seconds.

How to use aiya:
Surprise: "Aiya! A surprise party for me?"
Joy: "Aiya! You got 5 out of 6 in Lotto!"
Distaste: "You expect me to drink that herbal medicine concoction of 
yours? Aiya!"
Doubt: "Do I have to wear that lemon yellow/lime green sweater my 
mother made? I wonder if she would notice if I 'accidentally' donated it to Goodwill? Aiya."
Awe: "Your son got accepted into Harvard Law School!?! Aiya!" 
Irritation: "Clean your room. Aiya! Why you live like a pig?" 
Large astonishment: "Aiya! She switched majors from Business to Art History!" 
Disapproval: "Report Card-5 As, 1 B? Always a B in Math. Aiya."
Shock: "What? Ketchup on Yang Chow Fried Rice ... Aiya!" 
Lamentation: "Aiya ... why me ... ungrateful child ... Aiya."
Outrage: "Never clean your rice cooker with that steel scouring pad! Aiya!" 
Verge of internal combustion: "I can't deal with the family asking when and if I'm getting married! Ai-yaaa!"

how nice...