Blessings keep pouring on Ai-Ai

It is said in the best-selling book by Rhonda Byrne titled The Secret that people should have an “attitude of gratitude” to receive more blessings as per the universal law of like attracting like.

We don’t know if Ai-Ai de las Alas has read the book, but she sure has been practicing the principle it espouses as evidenced by what’s been happening in her life.

We’ve never had a talk with Ai-Ai when she doesn’t express her gratitude for life — yes, even when the chips are down. She finds humor in situations — even poking fun at herself sometimes just so she’ll have something to laugh about — and, voila, sad becomes happy just like magic.

Just recently, Ai-Ai was at it again. While we were talking about her upcoming projects this year, she blurted from out of the blue, “I have so many things to be thankful for. God is good. He is always there for me.”

And who could argue with her? This early, she has work lined up from here all the way to Timbuktu, so to speak.

There’s her Valentine concert titled Ai Am Your Valentine on Feb. 14 at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel. Although she has held many Valentine’s shows in the past — many of which have been super successful which added to her being called the Concert Comedy Queen — Ai-Ai intends to make the coming one different from all the rest.

Surely, anyone who has been following Ai-Ai’s shows knows that these words are not mere lip service. Known to be able to bring the house down within five minutes of her entry onstage, we take her word for it.

Then there’s her upcoming ABS-CBN TV show with Aga Muhlach whom she has not worked with for a spell. And a planned movie with Pinoy Big Brother’s Melason tandem. And her provincial tour. And her sitting as judge along with Kris Aquino and ABS-CBN executive Freddie Garcia. And her birthday concert this year.

The blessings Ai-Ai has been receiving are not limited to work. She has another source of inspiration: Her love life. Ai- Ai is currently in courtship stage with a Greek handball player. Although she’s too coy to describe him, Ai-Ai couldn’t help but say that he is very handsome.

She, in fact, has visited him in Greece twice already, the most recent of which was a few weeks ago just for three days because work won’t allow her to be away from the Philippines longer.

The comedienne admits that being in a long-distance relationship is difficult, but, thankfully, technology keeps them from missing each other badly. “Ang Skype, bongga, 24 hours,” she quipped.

If all falls into place in her love life, Ai-Ai will have no problem at all since her children approve of her Greek god. With this development in her life, we won’t be surprised if Ai-Ai will be singing those love songs in her Valentine’s show with more gusto than ever. Wanna bet? 

Aiza back in Avenue Q

Aiza Seguerra returns to the madcap musical comedy Avenue Q where she plays Gary Coleman (yes, that Gary Coleman).  Directors Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga had only her in mind when they were casting the show in 2007.

The former child wonder has evolved into a celebrated singer, songwriter and musician who would occasionally do theater.  “I was very excited when I was invited to audition because it had been a while since I last did a play.  The last one was Atlantis’ The Rocky Horror Show.  I really like doing theater so, even if I had no idea what the show was about, I just said yes and went for it,” recalls Aiza. 

Avenue Q is the Tony Award-winning musical that sings of everything in life from being jobless, homeless, politically incorrect, dating and growing up to find your purpose…or not.  The show is filled with moments that will surely have people having laugh out loud fun.  Aiza’s own favorite is the song Loud As The Hell You Want.  “For those who have seen the show, I don’t need to explain why.  And for those who have yet to see the show… well, let’s just say, it will be a very nice surprise!” 

Aiza will be joined in this run by Rachel Alejandro, Felix Rivera, Frenchie Dy,  Joel Trinidad, Thea Everley and Calvin Millado.  Avenue Q runs from March 12 to 27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.  With music and lyrics by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez and a book by Jeff Whitty, the show is directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, set design is by Mio Infante, lights design is by Johnsy Reyes and puppet designs are by Sam Fuentes, based on the original Broadway puppet designs by Rick Lyons. Parental discretion is advised due to full puppet nudity. Tickets are now on sale and going fast.

For details, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.