There will always be a next time

In spite of her success as a comedienne, actress and singer, Ai-Ai de las Alas has never lost sight of what’s really important in life; specially now that she is about to mark her 42nd birthday on Nov. 11.

"The last 365 days may have had its not-so-good moments but those things don’t really matter if you just look at things as a whole," she says during a recent interview. "I may not be getting any younger, but I’ve become wiser."

Months following another heartbreak (Ai-Ai was supposed to have gotten married this year until she had to suddenly break off the relationship), the Concert Comedy Queen has indeed recovered with the realization that there really is so much more to life than, say, a "love life."

"That experience reminded me that a person shouldn’t just rely on another person to feel loved. Though almost always taken for granted because it’s always there, the love that comes from others like friends, family, people at work, fans, etc. is a genuine source of contentment, too," she says.

Hence the title of her birthday concert, Alas. Happening on Nov. 10 and 17 at Klownz Araneta, the title is a tribute to people who have been with her through her ups and downs. "They’re like magic," says Ai-Ai. "Ang mga taong ito – sila ang `alas’ sa buhay ko. That’s why I continue to use the `magic’ of laughter from Someone Up There. Sila ang lakas ko, ang dahilan kung bakit pa ako nakatayo hanggang ngayon."

This heartfelt gratitude is the reason Ai-Ai opts to hold her birthday concert in a more intimate venue versus the Big Dome or Folk Art celebrations of previous years that have earned for her the title Concert Comedy Queen.

Though in-demand as ever with TV projects and product endorsements, Ai-Ai fondly savors the experience if it means she’d be interacting with her audience on those two nights in a more personal way.

"Of course, it’s different when you see the audience’s reaction to your attempts at being funny. Once you step on the stage of a major venue, nalulula ka sa laki at ang naririnig mo na lang, mga tawa. And you’re conscious of giving a performance because of course, not everyone gets to perform there. Eh, sa Klownz, tayo-tayo lang so I’m more myself." After all, in the past months, she’s had concert outings at the Araneta with Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Vina Morales, even the Bituing Walang Ningning final showdown where she brought the Coliseum literally to its feet.

Irreverent and irrepressible, Ai-Ai’s humor remains hinged on a cliché. That is, expect the unexpected. "But that doesn’t mean I don’t try to show something new to people," she avers. "Alas has an all-new repertoire and it will also have a magic show portion at parada ng mga bakla. It will be fun."

Her birthday gift to herself this year came in advance: A few months back, Ai-Ai and her children (Sancho, Nicolo and Sophia) moved into a new house in a posh village. "Kaya nga medyo tipid ako these past few months kasi binuo ko yung mga gamit sa bahay," she says. "I won’t buy a new car first. I will, perhaps next year."

Asked what she prays for nowadays, Ai-Ai rattled off the usual.

"More projects and good health for myself and my loved ones. Apart from these, I can’t ask for anything more from Him. He has blessed me more than I ever dreamed. Up to now, I still pinch myself sometimes and ask myself, `Totoo ba to?’ It seems only yesterday when I had nothing at all," she says.

At the rate she’s going, Ai-Ai will never go back to being a nobody. While other actors are hard-pressed in finding work nowadays, Ai-Ai has to schedule her work load carefully if she is to fulfill all her commitments.

She is featured in the top-rating Super Inggo as Bugan ("ang halimaw sa banga," she quips). She also starts working on a new comedy this month entitled Cute Ang Ina Mo, to be directed by Wen Deramas and co-starring Anne Curtis and Luis Manzano.

A few weeks back, Ai-Ai wrapped up work on Bituing Walang Ningning, where she played the dramatic plum role of Adora.

Busy, so busy, at 42.

"Even so, I still find time to enjoy," she says. "I make it a point to bond with my kids. I am also still into my culinary arts studies and indulge in sports when there’s time. There’s also Christmas to look forward to, so there are still many things to do to be happy."

Not a blue Christmas?

"No!" she shrieks good naturedly. "Bukeet? (gay lingo for why) I’m happy where I am now and with people who love me. I don’t say that I no longer want a lovelife again. Next time, I will make sure the person is established, mature and with a direction in life. Di na ako magpapaka-Day Care Center (gay lingo for people into May-December relationships), no! Like I said, at 42, I’ve become wiser."

Alas will be directed by Floy Quintos and will guest Ai-Ai’s friends in the business including Erik Santos, Rufa Mae Quinto and Wally Jose. For ticket inquiries, please contact Klownz Araneta at 995-8896 or 995-0874.