Ai-Ai’s measure of success

When it comes to comedy, leave it to the queen. And who wouldn’t love Ai-Ai de las Alas? Onstage or onscreen, she makes a splash. She has only to walk into a room and everyone rolls over with laughter. Effortless, as some would say.

Maybe it’s because of her elaborate and sometimes extra-terrestrial costumes, hilarious punches or maybe because Ai-Ai is just plain funny. She doesn’t pretend to be smart when throwing in her two cents worth of comedy. She does it as naturally as she can and as simple as it can be – the comic style that appeals to the Pinoy. "People prefer comedy that can easily be understood," explains Ai-Ai, who believes the comic scene in the Philippines is slowly veering away from the slapstick. "With life being difficult, people don’t want to be burdened with difficult comedy. They just want to laugh."

Ai-Ai’s brand of comedy is tried and tested. She constantly makes fun of herself onscreen and onstage without appearing lethargic. Her jokes are spiced with just the right touch of Filipino humor. She knows when to tone it down and when to let go of her tricks.

Kids love her and adults still crave for more of her. And wherever she goes, people just love her antics.

Tanging Ina crowned her as Box-Office Queen. The concerts at Folk Arts Theater and Araneta Coliseum were always filled to the rafters. People just love to laugh with Ai-Ai. And there is no stopping Ai-Ai, the Queen of Comedy. Brand endorsements and live performances keep pouring in.

Modesty aside, Ai-Ai doesn’t deny she is famous and successful. However, she says, "I think you cannot measure success through money only. As long as you’re healthy and your family is happy and you make people happy, that’s success!"

In spite of the fact that Ai-Ai has already established herself in the entertainment industry, she still thinks about life beyond it. From her point of view, she sees herself retiring from comedy seven to 10 years from now, "During that time I will focus more on my bar and restaurant," says Ai-Ai. "I’ve got businesses in my mind."

Ai-Ai is getting an early start because currently she’s enrolled at the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA), where she hopes to perfect her skills in cooking, "I really love cooking and I have been cooking ever since."

This soon-to-be cooking diva says she wants to be the chef of her restaurant for a month or two until her business takes off. Though her specialty is pasta, Ai-Ai plans to serve Filipino dishes in her restaurants.

Since most of the time she is out working, Ai-Ai hopes to concentrate more on her family. And there are movies still on the negotiating table but she always manages to find time for her three children.

Ai-Ai is also thrilled as she jokingly blurts out her wildest dream of making it in Hollywood working with the likes of Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt, "One time, big time. After that, I’m ok," she roars laughing.

And someday, she wants to be remembered as "a great mother and a national artist."

And still laugh her way to her dreams.

The Zombies in Manila

It was in 1967 when The Zombies last performed in Manila. The Zombies popularized She’s Not There, Tell Her No, The Way I Feel Inside, I Love You and Time of the Season.

Thus, after 38 years, The Zombies are back with a concert at the Hard Rock Café on Feb. 10, Manila Hotel on Feb. 11, Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 13 and Ynanes Center Antipolo City on Feb. 14.

The Zombies’ first single, She’s Not There, sold over two million copies. It was also entered in the record books as a minor-key pop classic because of Colin Blunstone (lead singer) and Rod Argent’s (keyboardist) haunting keyboard rhythm.

In 1967 after the group’s second album, Odessey and Oracle, The Zombies disbanded. In 1998, however, the group reunited and recorded As Far As I Can See.

The Manila tour is The Zombies’ first concert outside Europe since the ’60s. Also featured in the concert are MOBB Band and Ramon "RJ" Jacinto.