Ai Ai steals spotlight at int'l badminton tourney

I would like to congratulate The FREEMAN, which is celebrating its 86th year today. This is a wonderful milestone for the paper and I would like to extend my good wishes for The FREEMAN as it marks this very important occasion. I'd also like to mention that I am happy to be a part of The FREEMAN. It is indeed a great privilege to have been invited to write for this prestigious paper. More power.

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Comedy Concert Queen Ai Ai delas Alas nearly stole the thunder from the badminton superstars competing in the Asia VS Europe Cup (The Manuel V Pangilinan Cup), an international badminton competition held at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City last July 14.

No, Ai Ai did not take part in the competition but she's a badminton enthusiast. She was just there to watch her idols play. Badminton is a hobby for her, and this helped her a lot in losing weight. She attended the championship match last Thursday and was really thrilled seeing the famed badminton superstars.

"Parang fan talaga ako na humihiyaw at sumisigaw kasi ang huhusay talaga nila," Ai Ai told us in an interview Thursday night at the Klownz Café in Araneta Center, Quezon City. "Mga idols ko kasi ang mga naglalaro. For some people who are not into badminton, they would probably not understand how enthusiastic we are into seeing these badminton players who are among the best in the world. I really made it a point to be free that day so I could watch them play."

Ai Ai did watch and was among those who loudly cheered on the contenders who are among the top-ranked players in the world. The elite cast of participants included two Filipinos - Kennivic and Kennie Asuncion. In the mixed doubles bracket, the Asuncions are ranked 24th in the world.

"Ako yata ang isa sa pinakamalakas sumigaw doon sa venue," said the comedienne. But as she was making her way to the exit while the final match for the night was being played, the crowds saw her and broke into cheers and wild applause.

"Napalingon sa akin ang mga international players from Denmark, the United States and Germany. And they were probably wondering kung sino ako. Kaya ang ginawa ko sinamantala ko ang pagkakataon para magpapirma ng autograph. I was able to get the autograph of Gaill Emms. She's one of the top badminton players in the world. Sumingit talaga sa security para magpapirma. Sabi ko talaga kay Gaill, can I have your autograph? Eh kaso nagsisigawan ang mga tao nang makita ako sa sabi ko uli kay Gaill, don't mind them I am popular here kasi that's why they are noisy. Kaso wala akong ballpen. Nanghiram pa ako sa katabi," Ai Ai told us.

Her presence caused a commotion so the security personnel motioned her to leave. Ai Ai smiled and said, "Aalis na ako. Pabayaan mo lang ako sandali." When she turned her back and started to walk away, it was the people milling around her who in turn, asked for her autograph. She obliged to their requests although she was worried she was really distracting the players since the match was just about to wind up.

"Now I know the feeling of fans who ask for autographs from their idols. Natatawa rin ako sa sarili ko kasi pinagtatawanan ako ng mga tao nung makita nila na nagpapapirma ako ng autograph. But I didn't mind. It's a rare occasion for me to see my badminton idols in person. Baka di na maulit," said the comedienne.

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This July, "Bitoy's Funniest Videos" invades Japan as the show celebrates its first year anniversary with more fun, pranks and humor to offer. Watch how Michael V. together with K Brosas, the Just4Kikays ladies, and the rest of the pranksters would successfully pull off new practical jokes and spread the fun among the Japanese and Filipinos in Nagoya and Tokyo, Japan.

The gang of BFV promises to intensify the fun and humor in segments "Yari Ka," "Pikon Ka Na Ba?," "Just 4 Kikays" and "Alpha Kappal Muks." To make the show more uproarious, tagalized America's Funniest Home Video Clips will be featured, certain to keep viewers roaring with laughter.