MANILA, Philippines - Her body longs for sleep at 11 p.m. She hates noise and smoke. Her body isn’t wired for showbiz.
But why has Ai-Ai delas Alas outlasted singer-comediennes younger than her and managed to stay in the biz for 20 years?
“It’s a blessing from the Lord,” she concedes. The way seeing singer-comediennes come and go is.
“Mga artista ngayon hanggang two to three years lang. We live busy lives because we are high-tech. Computers and other things keep us busy. People don’t watch TV as often as before. Then there are the talent searches. After you win, another person wins again. It’s hard to last unless you’re super talented.”
People ask her if she feels threatened by the presence of Eugene Domingo and now, Vice Ganda and Ai-Ai just flashes a beatific smile.
“The more the merrier,” she answers.
Ai-Ai even has tips for performers who want to last two decades in the business.
“The first rule is to be humble all the time. I think it was Mang Gerry (Velasquez), Regine Velasquez’s father who told me that. Showbiz is 50 percent talent, 50 percent getting along with others.”
Second rule: Innovate. Ai-Ai warns that there’s no room for complacency. Yes, it’s human nature to relax when you’re on top. But don’t forget others are just raring to take your place.
“If you’re not ready, if your foundation is weak, you’ll crumble,” she explains.
Third: Be happy for other people’s success so they will also be happy for yours.
That’s why Ai-Ai never tires of giving others a break, the most recent of whom is Cecile Paz.
“I asked Tita Malou (Santos, Star Cinema executive) and Inang (director Olive Lamasan) to include Cecile in Tanging Ina 3,” relates Ai-Ai. “Katulong ko siya dito.”
Fourth: Get a manager and stick by him/her.
Ai-Ai’s relationship with manager Boy Abunda has gone beyond business. She can tell him what she thinks of his other talents’ life. He plots not just her career but her plans beyond showbiz.
“Everything passes through Ama (referring to Boy),” says Ai-Ai. “As a talent, my view is limited. I don’t see the entire picture. Ang manager ang nasa labas. Siya ang nakakakita kung ano ang pwede kong gawin. He takes care of positioning, of public relations. He will speak for you; defend you.”
So far, she has been an obedient talent, “except when it comes to my lovelife.”
Thanks to Boy, Ai-Ai is already on her sixth endorsement this year. She has renewed her contracts with Maggi, Smart, Puregold and Pharex. Aside from Mang Inasal, Ai-Ai just added Gal’s Bakery to her list of endorsements.
Jose Antonio Soler and wife Azun explain why they chose Ai-Ai to endorse their 250 bread variants:
“Ai-Ai is the image of a modern day, hardworking, family-oriented and determined Filipina mother. Since we sell bread that can feed the whole family, Gal’s concept of affordability and product quality and the concept of family fit perfectly. She also fits our target market. Our bakeries are located in high-traffic areas like the public market and jeepney and bus terminals. And our products are inexpensive.”
Ai-Ai herself is the walking example of no-frills living. Breakfast for her means plain pandesal dipped in coffee.
“Hotel food doesn’t make me full. I don’t eat food that looks too good to eat. Gusto ko hip-hop ang dating.”
Her new Gal’s franchise, a two-story affair in Marikina, will offer the all-new Pan de Ai. The brightly-lit interiors will reflect its owner’s flair for drama.
“And makakita kayo ng nagsasayawan,” she jokes.
The joke’s on her and Ai-Ai doesn’t mind. In fact, that’s her other secret of longevity.
By laughing at herself, Ai-Ai makes the rest of us laugh along with her.