Ai will survive (all of these storms)

I’ve known Ai Ai de las Alas since she was not yet this famous.

Except for her current show biz stature, nothing much has changed about her. She has remained grounded. We always have a good laugh recalling the tiff she had with Alma Moreno, while we were waiting for our sons (her Sancho and my IC) at rehearsals for the “Heal the World” number in Michael Jackson’s 1996 Manila concert.

Being an MJ fanatic, I couldn’t care less if it took hours for IC to finish. But Ai pulled Sancho out of the show after her argument with Alma. When MJ died, Ai told me that she regretted making Sancho miss a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be with MJ onstage.

The Comedy Concert Queen is back on TV as a Kapuso in GMA 7’s “Let the Love Begin” (weeknights after “Pari Koy”). She portrays a single mom who has been burned by love. It’s a role that’s so… Ai Ai. Name it, she’s been through it. But a heart like Ai’s will never give up on love.

Here’s my one-on-one with Ai Ai:

What made you decide to move to GMA 7?

AI AI de las Alas wants to travel the world with her special someone.

I wanted to experience working again with the people I started with … it feels nostalgic, like a grand homecoming.

What’s the difference between ABS-CBN and GMA 7 in terms of work?

In ABS-CBN, I met a lot of new faces in 2001. In GMA 7, I’ll get to work with old friends. We’re old people eh! Hehehe!

What will make you fall in love again?

If there’s a spark.

What do you think of Pokwang, Vice Ganda and Eugene Domingo’s brands of comedy?

They have different styles. Each of them is a star in his/her own way.

If you could make a request to Cupid, what would it be?

Stupid Cupid, stop picking on me!

What’s your message to all the men you’ve loved before?

I have forgiven all of them.

What’s the biggest love lesson you’ve learned so far?

Falling in love happens by chance; staying in love is a decision.

Tell us the latest about your kids.

Sophia and Shaun are studying in the United States. I bought them a house there. Sancho Vito has joined show biz and is now with GMA 7.

What have your children taught you?

Sophia taught me how to move on.

When you look back on your struggling days, what do you recall most vividly?

Some TV shows would refuse to invite me as a guest. Talent coordinators would ask me: Who are you?

How have your ideas on love and marriage changed after all that you’ve been through?

If it’s not meant to be, don’t force it. Trust in God.

What are you most proud of?

That I was able to raise all my three kids on my own.

What’s on your bucket list?

To see the world with my special someone. To travel to Jerusalem with my children and to own a Ferrari.

If your life were made into a movie, what would its title be?

“Ai Survived”

What’s the hardest part of being Ai Ai?

There is no privacy if you are in show business. My life is an open book. When I make a mistake, people are quick to judge. They forget that I am only human, that I am not perfect. I’m not supposed to get sad because I’m a comedian.

What’s the best part?

I appreciate small things… I don’t have a hard time looking for parking space. People go out of their way to help me when I’m having documents processed. And I get a lot of freebies! Hehehe!

Personal

Daghang salamat to LIV Super Club Cebu, especially to Kenneth Don; Arnel Aparis and Kimberly Lim for a spectacular Michael Jackson night featuring my fave MJ impersonator, Jericho Valencia.

Thanks a mil to Tiny Garner, Bea Mamon, Mario and Cynthia Mamon of Enchanted Kingdom for their kindness.