That was back in the early ’90s. Since then, she has gone beyond the small confines of the comedy-cum-karaoke bars and clubs to fill live-entertainment venues as cavernous as the Folk Arts Theater and, more recently, the Araneta Coliseum that only the likes of Superstar Nora Aunor and Concert King Martin Nievera have conquered. Also, she has become one of the most popular players on TV, with high-rating programs on ABS-CBN whose in film division, Star Cinema, is putting together Ai Ai’s upcoming Tanging Ina.
"Sino naman ang luka-lukang mag-iisip noon na mabibigyan ng launching movie and ang lola mo ’neng!" Ai Ai guffawed recently to some members of the entertainment media. "I feel like Joyce Jimenez when she was launched to stardom."
Of course, whether Ai Ai will conquer cinema in the same fabulous fashion that she did with live entertainment is still to be seen – although there aren’t many unbelievers. And notwithstanding the success she has been enjoying on TV, however, she hasn’t forgotten her roots in live entertainment. Thus, the madcap entertainer, dubbed by the media as the Comedy Concert Queen, rings in the holidays with loads of laugh and music through Ai Ai. . . Whattawoman!, a one-night-only performance at Le Pavilion on Dec. 7 at 8:30 pm.
Produced by Prelude Entertainment and Production Company, Inc., the show will feature Dessa, Rannie Raymundo, the Monserrat Male Choir and the Whiplash Dancers as Ai Ai’s special guest performers.
During the press conference, Ai Ai talked about her upcoming show in typical hilarious fashion, telling the gathered media, "O di ba, may male choir daw na makakasama ang lola nyo, ‘neng! Feeling classical singer daw. Ayaw talaga paawat at sobrang kapal ng face ’neng!"
While the upcoming Le Pavillion show will by no means be in the same magnitude as her Araneta Coliseum spectacle, the laughs, she assures, will come in her typical breathless pace. "In fairness ’neng, pinaghandaan rin ito ng lola nyo ever para ikatuwa naman ng tao ang panonood nila at dapat talagang ikatuwa nila. Sa sobrang dami ng problema natin dito sa Pilipinas eh baka upakan ako ng mga utaw kung hindi pagandahin ng lola n’yo ang show and tell! Eh hindi na nga ako kagandahan, mao-ombag pa ako! ‘Neng, tapos na ako sa dramang ganun ever ’no!"
Despite her string of success, Ai Ai obviously remains very much grounded even as she is full of justifiable pride over her accomplishments. "Hindi naman sa nagmamaganda ang lola n’yo pero mega-proud talaga ako dun sa mga pinaggagawa kong concerts," she says. "Kahit na ganito ang face ko na hindi naman gaanong kagandahan – slight lang! – at pulos kabaliwan ang nakita ng madla eh minahal pa rin nila ako. . . feeling minahal daw talaga o! But seriously speaking – seriously daw, ’neng! – sobra-sobra talaga ang pasasalamat ko sa mga people of the Philippines, dahil hindi ko talaga sukat-isipin na may mararating din pala itong mukhang ito na may launching movie na, may concert pa sa Le Pavillion ever!"
Tickets to Ai Ai Whattawoman! are priced at P400, P900 and P1500, and are available at the Araneta Coliseum Box-Office (911-555), SM Ticketnet and at the Prelude office (373-6348 or 373-9599).
The precious four-year-old girl sashayed on the catwalk with other models sporting clothes from Byloz’s newest Holiday collection. The stylish but comfortable clothes are available in Citrus Block in SM Southmall and in 36 department store counters all over the country. Made of genuine lycra for comfort and durability, Byloz clothes are marked by trendy designs and pleasant colors and prints.
Ruby Rodriguez hosted the fashion show where hundreds of kids showed up with their parents wanting to see what Byloz has to offer. Besides the exciting fashion show, there were also face-painting booths, ice-cream, pop corn and cotton candy counters available. Clowns also performed various tricks which entertained both the parents and their kids.
For Ruby, having Toni in her life is the "best decision I ever made. She now inspires me to live life more fully and she reminds me of how much God has been very kind to me."
We’re very happy for you, Ruby and little Toni!