NEWSFLASH

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AI-AI FILLS FOLK ARTS, IS NEW CONCERT QUEEN

Manila, Nov. 24, 1998 - The verdict is in. Ai-Ai de las Alas proved last Saturday with her first major concert, "Respect Me" that she's the new Concert Queen.

The proof? An overflow crowd at the Folk Arts Theater where the concert was mounted. The comedian cried backstage upon seeing throngs of people inching their way into the theater.

It was indeed a night to remember. Ai-Ai's wish was granted.

Her idol, Ms. Vilma Santos, took time out from her hectic schedule as Mayor of Lipa City, Batangas.

Days before the concert, Ai-Ai told everyone that her greatest wish was to see Vilma seated at the front row of the Folk Arts Theater watching her concert. And there she was, the Star for all Seasons, Her Honor the Mayor of Lipa City. Up front, for everyone to see.

Nestor Cuartero writes about the audience's overwhelming display of affection for Ai-Ai as they cheered just about everything (as in everything) she did on stage, which is proof of their love and respect for the comic actress. That evening's sell-out crowd is a testament to Ai-Ai's emergence as a major act on concert row. She is truly, truly respectable now.

Ai-Ai dared to stage a full concert at the FAT at a time when the superstars of the concert shows like Pops, Martin, Kuh, Regine, have retreated to hotel lounges. Due to the economic crisis, producers and advertisers have shied away from big venues for reasons of unprofitability due to sparse audiences.

Ai-Ai has proved them wrong with "Respect Me". The huge crowds that witnessed her anniversary cum birthday show are now crowning her the new Concert Queen.

Next step for Ai-Ai: the movies. She's in a film entitled "Kasal-Kasalan" where she plays mother to Wowie de Guzman. The film also stars Judy Ann Santos, Gladys Reyes, and Christopher Rojas.