Ai-Ai is the real MMFF Queen of Box Office

Curtain-raisers:

 This juicy item will be brief, fresh from 37,000 feet up in the air on a flight my DPA is not saying to where or from where: A beauty queen (year not indicated) is seated with her businessman boyfriend on Business Class, with her mother on the seat across the aisle. Telegraphic report from Funfare’s high-flying DPA: “Lights out…crew secretly watching the couple…boyfriend’s hand slips underneath her blouse. Crew is shocked even as it enjoys free show.” No clues.

 Lights! Camera! Action! Actresses engage in a fight scene. Actress A pulls Actress B’s hair and twirls it around her hand as Actress A shouts, “Aray! Aray!! Aray!!!” In retaliation, Actress A slaps Actress B even if the script doesn’t call her to fight back. Is Actress B doing it for real to vent her anger on Actress A who’s reportedly causing delays in the shoot? No, the two ferocious females fail to leave up to their names. Again, no clues.

 Could it be true that, even if their marriage is beautifully surviving endless trials, actress-wife isn’t in good terms with the family of her actor-husband? Is it why she hasn’t been attending her actor-husband’s family’s gatherings? Is it why among the in-laws she’s the only one missing from the family pictures? Again, no further clues.

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Yes, Nap G., I agree with you that Ai-Ai de las Alas is the real holder (bar none!) of Metro Manila Filmfest (MMFF) Box-Office Queen, for the same reasons that you have discussed with me, to wit:

The overwhelming success of Star Cinema’s Sisterakas in the recent MMFF just proved one thing: Ai-Ai remains as the MMFF’s Box-Office Queen, having starred in the festival’s top-grossing movies for the past four years.

Take this: Ang Tanging Ina Mo 2 in 2009, Ang Tanging Ina Mo 3  (Last na To) in 2010, Enteng ng Ina Mo in 2011 and Sisterakas in 2012 emerged top grossers, and all four movies have one common denominator — Ai-Ai de las Alas.

That’s four in a row. Call it luck, but Ai-Ai is a proven lucky charm of all four movies.

Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco

“I want to thank the people who continue to support me and my movies,” said Ai-Ai, “and more so because the movies I am in finish top grosser in the MMFF. Of course, in Sisterakas I am with, among others, my friendship Kris Aquino and in Enteng ng Ina Mo, kasama ko naman si Bossing Vic (Sotto). What’s important, I am part of the success of all those movies and that’s enough blessing for me.” 

After Sisterakas’ resounding box-office success, Ai-Ai gets top billing with Korean pop Superstar Psy of Gangnam Style fame in a Valentine concert billed as Ang Tanging Family Valentine at the MOA Arena on Feb. 16, with Wally and Jose as special guests.

She is currently shooting a movie for international release, Kung Fu Divas, where she shares stellar billing with Marian Rivera and is also set to renew her contract as a certified Kapamilya.

Meanwhile, watch for a bigger, better Pilipinas Got Talent 4, where Ai-Ai is one of the judges, on ABS-CBN primetime very soon.

The Year of (Water) Snake is proving lucky to Ai-Ai.

Star-studded Navotas founding anniversary

The 107th founding anniversary of Navotas City kicked off yesterday with variety show featuring Ate Gay, Ryzza, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, KZ Tandingan, Erik Santos, Rey Valera, EB Babes and Rocksteddy, capped by fireworks display.

Today, 2011 Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup and 2012 Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Tugonon will grace the parade, joining Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco and city officials.

Mayor Tiangco and organizers Evangeline Cruz and Marita Trinidad assured Navotas residents a starry celebration this year.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)