Why Ai-Ai’s relationship with Gerald works

Ai-Ai delas Alas and Gerald Sibayan —NICE PRINT PHOTOGRAPHY

A close friend of Ai-Ai delas Alas, director Rechie del Carmen, told me why the May-December love affair of the actress and her hubby, Gerald Sibayan, works. “Even if Gerald is much younger than Ai, he is an old soul,” Rechie explained. “It is he who makes important decisions for their family, like the time when Ai’s daughter wanted to stay in a boarding house close to school.

Gerald told Ai not to allow her to do so, because he heard horrible dormitory stories from his classmates. Ai has been to hell and back in the name of love. Now she has
finally reached paradise as Mrs. Sibayan.

‘That’s’ reunion

Ana Abiera was raving about how fun their “That’s Entertainment” reunion was at Salo, the resto of Harlene Bautista and Romnick Sarmenta. Most of the former members of the iconic show were present, including Piolo
Pascual and Ian Veneracion.

They even had a standee of Kuya Germs (German Moreno, the brains behind the show in the ’80s) that looked so real. “Nobody had star complex at all,” Ana said. “There was no network war. We bonded like long-lost family members.”

Isabel Granada’s death brought them together again. “We shouldn’t meet up just during sad moments, like the wake of Isa,” Ana sighed. “Our group should get together more often.”

Another reunion is in the works. Who knows? A remake of “That’s Entertainment” may come up next. I remember Kuya Germs telling me that he had long wanted that to happen. Perhaps the Master Showman can orchestrate the return of the show from up above.

Intimate birthday bash

I had a blast at the intimate birthday bash of my dear friend from way back, Pops Fernandez, at El Cirkulo. I’ve known Pipay (Pops’ nickname) long before she became famous. Fame has not changed her a bit.

The birthday girl got emotional when she delivered her “thank you” message. Pipay shed happy tears as she said, “It’s rare to find true friends. That’s why I always celebrate my birthday with the same batch around. I’m grateful to have you all in my life. I am also thankful to Martin (Nievera) and my two sons.”

Too bad Martin wasn’t around, because he had another engagement. Last year, he and his girlfriend, Anj, were present at Pops’ celebration. There was no awkwardness at all. That’s how cool Mart and Pipay are as an ex-couple. They have made friendship prevail and let one kind of love give way to another.

PERSONAL: Congrats to my Tagaytay angel JM Ouano and JR Francisco of Aurora Premier Hotels and Resorts and One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites for bagging the 2017 Excellence Award from the Department of Tourism.