Ai-Ai de las Alas doesn’t work there anymore

FELIPE L. Gozon, GMA 7 big boss, describes A-Ai de las Alas as a “wonderful, professional artist…one of my favorites.” Photo by Allan Policarpio

Ai-Ai de las Alas was a little late for her recent press conference. Her driver, perhaps out of habit, had driven her to Mother Ignacia Avenue instead of Timog. “I told him, ‘Oh no, I don’t work there anymore,’” related the actress, drawing laughs.

After 14 years with ABS-CBN, Ai-Ai has returned to GMA 7—her “original home”—where she spent earlier years in show biz as part of the noontime shows “Salo-Salo Together” and “Lunch Date,” as well as the late-night talk show “R.S.V.P.”

Not forgotten

“I’m back and I’m very glad that people here have not forgotten me,” Ai-Ai said after inking a two-year “exclusive and guaranteed” deal with the Kapuso network. Also present at the contract signing were GMA 7 top honchos led by chair and chief executive officer Felipe L. Gozon, whose welcome message for Ai-Ai made the typically rambunctious actress turn rather emotional.

“Ai-Ai is not just a wonderful artist, she’s also very professional,” Gozon said, while Ai-Ai dabbed at her eyes. “She’s one of my favorites.”

The 50-year-old comedienne revealed that currently on her plate are four projects. But not one of those, she clarified, was a hosting stint in Willie Revillame’s coming game show, “Wowowin,” as previously rumored. “I’m doing a daily morning talk show, a Sunday show, the TV series ‘Let the Love Begin’ and another with Vic Sotto,” Ai-Ai said. “I may also work with Ryzza Mae Dizon.”

Gym sessions

“I’ve been going to the gym to improve my stamina, so I could give my best,” she related, adding that her transfer to GMA 7 was a new beginning of sorts. “I want to start fresh. I just want to be happy…and shun all types of negativity,” she said.

As for films, Ai-Ai said she’s doing one more for Star Cinema. “I have offers from Regal and Viva…I may also coproduce one with Vic,” said the star who looked like she had just stepped out of some fantasy TV show, in her floral Maxi Cinco dress with matching tiara. “This is overwhelming and awesome! I’m thrilled!”

Ai-Ai insisted that she left ABS-CBN with no ill feelings between her former bosses and herself.

“It was an amicable parting of ways,” she said. “I gave Tita Charo (Santos Concio), Malou (Santos) and Cory (Vidanes) flowers, and thanked them for everything they had given me in the past 14 years, which I’ll always be grateful for.”

Former friend

While she was initially apprehensive when asked if one of the reasons she left ABS-CBN was the lack of shows for the past year, Ai-Ai eventually relented. “Maybe it’s just that they have a lot of projects…meant for other artists,” she surmised. “Yes, I guess, that’s one [reason].”

And what about Kris Aquino, whom Ai-Ai had a falling out with? “Nakakaloka,” Ai-Ai replied, cackling. “Didn’t we make up during kambal’s (Marian Rivera) wedding? But things are a little different now,” she said, describing Kris as “a former friend.”

Ai-Ai recently marked her first anniversary with 21-year-old boyfriend, Gerald Sibayan, and sealed the celebration with a vow that she will keep her love life strictly private. “I’ve learned from my past mistakes,” she said. “For now, I would like to focus on my career.”

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