She's feeling hot, hot, hot!
MANILA, Philippines - The photographer’s running late and Ai-Ai Delas Alas is infuriated.
“Nasaan na?” she says. “Nasaan na ang pang-hostess kong shoes? [Where are my hostess shoes?]”
One thing you should know about Ai-Ai Delas Alas is she is always on. While her initial appearance might make you think differently her pantsuit and lime green luggage making you think she’s softened to soccer mom white bread wholesome don’t get it twisted: This is Ai-Ai Delas Alas and she will make you laugh.
After tricking us into thinking she’d pulled a diva tantrum one that her Grand Dame of Philippine Comedy status probably entitles her to, anyway she’s all smiles, showing us how she puts on her hooker boots. “Sayang lang di pwedeng pang-misa,” she cracks.
This ability to switch from comedian to dominatrix (she is wearing hooker boots) is what has kept Ai-Ai Delas Alas a continuously relevant showbiz force, 20 years and counting. After all, money doesn’t grow on trees and while luck sometimes hands you gifts, a string of successful concerts in big venues like Folk Arts Theater and Araneta Coliseum she’s the first comedian to stage a concert in the big venues and a blockbuster franchise (Tanging Ina) don’t just happen. She’s done all this through sheer force of will, discipline, and a savvy business head.
“I try be humble and always reinvent myself,” she says. Bawal tamarin mag-innovate ng sarili [You should never get tired of innovating yourself]. Lots of people want to become artistas. Pag ang foundation mo strong, di ka magigiba sa position. [If your foundation is strong, you will not be ruined easily.]”
She has taken notes from the Mother of Reinvention herself, Madonna, of course, who Ai-Ai calls her “lola.”
“Makita mo nalang lola mo nagka-muscle, pinapako sa krus [See your grandma with muscles, and then getting nailed to the cross],” she says. “Hindi sagabal ang edad para magawa niya lahat [She doesn’t let age stop her from doing anything].”
She’ll showcase what her grandma gave her on November 19, in a major concert titled “Akin ang Tronong ‘To” at the Araneta Coliseum. “Ang repertoire ko pang diva [My repertoire’s perfect for divas],” she says, “Madonna, Cher, Beyonce, Lady Gaga.”
And of course, there’s her still lucrative film career. She top-bills the Metro Manila Film Festival entry Ang Tanging Ina Niyo Rin: Last Na ‘To this year, her third time at bat for the Tanging Ina series.
There are many things funny about Ai-Ai Delas Alas but what is not funny about her, what will surprise you about her, is the self-awareness and cunning business sense that have probably guided her through these 20 years.
“Showbiz is one big mafia,” she says. “Inday Badiday once told me, ‘In show business, there are no permanent enemies and friends, only permanent interests.’”
And as long as Ai-Ai Delas Alas is selling the Ai-Ai brand, we’ll remain interested, permanently.
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Akin ang Tronong ‘To is presented by Ambientmedia in partnership with ABS-CBN and ASAP XV. It is directed by Floy Quintos with Homer Flores as musical director, dance choreography by Georcelle Dapat Sy and costumes by Maxie Cinco.
Tickets are available at P4,752 (VIP), P4,224 (Patron), P3,696 (Patron Sides), P2,640 (Lower Box), P1,286 (Upper Box A), P845 (Upper Box B), and P317 (General Admission). Call Ticketnet at 911-5555.
