Elvis is in the building

CEBU, Philippines - Elvis has never left the building. The legend lives on, as “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” recently had a two-day performance at the Lobby Lounge of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel before a jam-packed crowd.

 Elvis belted his classics that included Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Don’t Be Cruel, Teddy Bear, It’s Now or Never, Love Me Tender, Can’t Help Falling in Love and You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me. On the second evening, Elvis had to add two more songs Unchained Melody and All Shook Up due to the clamor of the crowd.

During the “Love Me Tender” segment, Elvis went around the lounge and did his traditional scarf hanging. He was accompanied by the band now called the Memphis Mafia, which did exceptionally well despite limited time to rehearse—one week to be exact. “This is the first time we played together,” said band leader and guitarist Reggie Bernaldez.

The other members of the band are drummer Mark Nadela, bass guitar Popoy Calumba and Jerks Limsonero on the piano. Congratulations are in order to Marco Polo Hotel event coordinator Carlo Borromeo for the brilliant idea. And of course, to Marco Polo Plaza Hotel for believing in Elvis, who was reincarnated by marathon man and the Freeman’s sports columnist Raffy Uytiepo.