Ai Ai does own stunts in TV remake of “Volta”

After taking a long break from sitcoms and teleseryes the past year, comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas will reprise her superheroine role in the television remake of “Volta,” Star Cinema’s  hit movie in 2004. But in this crossover to TV, the stunning heroine faces a bigger challenge in her calling because she already has her own family.

Not only did the story receive an upgrade, so did Volta’s getup. A more cosmopolitan and mod superhero costume complements the more curvaceous and alluring Ai Ai. The newest technology in television special effects are also used to further the enjoyment of the viewers.

“The TV series is harder to make compared to the movie version because I had to go on a diet,” said Ai Ai at “Volta's” presscon held last week at ABS-CBN. “Imagine, I had to go back to my South Beach diet because I have to look good in my costume. I am always wearing my costume kasi marami rin akong fight scenes. And I have to do a lot of flying scenes.”

For the very first time, Ai Ai is working with Jayson Gainza, who plays her husband in the series that is directed by Wenn Deramas, and from the script of Mel Mendoza del Rosario—the same tandem behind the successful movie version. The production really wanted to have Sam Milby play Ai Ai’s husband but the matinee idol has a toxic schedule and couldn’t accommodate it.

But Ai Ai said that Jayson is a good replacement. “He’s okay. Mabait siya in person and he’s not naman makulit sa set. Malambing nga siya,” said the Comedy Concert Queen who’s playing mother to two newbies, Dino Imperial and Mariel Pamintuan, who play her children Salty and Pepper. They also possess superpowers just like their mom.

“This is a big break for Dino and Mariel to be part of the series. I guess they were really meant to play my children in Volta. They are very hard working and they look good in their costume. And they are doing their best,” said Ai Ai.

Ai Ai has to do numerous flying scenes and this scares her in a way. Although she has a double for the flying scenes, Direk Wenn insists that she does the stunts herself.

“I find doing the flying scenes really difficult and very scary since they require me to be lifted and be airborne up to 60 feet high. Nakakalula talaga,” recalled Ai Ai. “May double ako pero hindi kinaya ng double ko that’s why I have to do the scenes myself. Nakakatawa di ba?”

Joining the Comedy Concert Queen in this new project are Eugene Domingo, Chocoleit (who were both in the movie version), DJ Durano and playing the Maskulado family, the nemesis of Volta are Carlos Morales, Jessy Mendiola and Quintin Alianza. “Volta” also reunites Ai Ai with her friend and favorite director Wenn Deramas in this wacky and action packed TV show that premieres on Saturday, January 26, on ABS-CBN.

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Two-time Oscar winner Hillary Swank tries her hand at romantic comedy in “P.S. I Love You,” a touching story based on the bestselling Irish novel.

Holly Kennedy (Swank) and her charming Irish husband Gerry (Gerard Butler) is a young couple struggling to get by in New York City. Their marriage is 10 years strong, and they are madly in love, but fate soon steps in, when Gerry develops cancer and dies. Holly is completely devastated, and her friends Denise (Lisa Kudrow) and Sharon (Gina Gershon) do their best to console her. Her mother (Kathy Bates) and sister, Rose (Nelly Mckay), also offer their support, but it seems nothing can pull Holly out of her grief.

Then one day, she begins to receive love letters Gerry penned before his death. The letters are filled with various stories and instructions, and one of them even contains a plan that sends her and her friends on a trip to Ireland. As Gerry’s posthumous letters buoy her up, Holly slowly begins to piece her life back together. His letters help her to celebrate their special love story, and remind her that she must continue to live her life, and seek out happiness.

The film’s stellar cast delivers many tearjerker moments, and “P.S. I Love You” does a fine job of yanking on the heartstrings. With strong performances that held the tale together, the story is ultimately moving, and very romantic.

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Making a comeback at the Viva Artists Agency (VAA) family is Mikel Campos. A former teen idol who appeared in “Sarah, The Teen Princess,” “Qpids,” “ASAP” and “Let’s Go” (he also did a few movies including “Filipinas,” “Captain Barbell” and “Lastikman”), Mikel temporarily retired from showbiz, but is now intent on making a comeback.

“I wanted to pursue my studies and I also tried my luck as a sales person but I felt showbiz is where I really belong so I hope that I will be given another chance,” said Mikel in our interview last Monday. While he did well in school, Mikel said that he missed showbiz and wants another crack at it. Viva Artists Agency wants to fast track his career although he has no idea yet as to how the company plans to do it

Now that he’s on the comeback trail, Mikel said he wants to be known as an actor and that he’s willing to accept daring roles. He even said that he’s willing to accept a gay role if the script is good.

“I want to play roles that are far from my real character,” said Mikel who gamely answered questions about his sex life. “I guess I need to be more experimental in choosing the roles that I would play if I want to make a mark as an actor.”

Three years ago, Mikel was a bit skinny but now he looks better because he added weight, gaining something like 30 lbs. He said he’s willing to pose for an underwear brand, and display his wares on a billboard. He's open to going sexy and he'll certainly work on it.