A heart for Filipinos

CEBU, Philippines – Take me to your heart, Show me where to start, Let me play the part of your first love… Those romantic lines from American artist David Pomeranz’s 90s hit “Got To Believe In Magic” never fails to capture the hearts of his Filipino fans.

After his first concert in Ayala February of last year, love became sweeter the second time around for Pomeranz, who serenaded his Cebuano fans during a concert last Saturday night at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu.

Pomeranz’s romantic ditties seemed perfect timing as Ayala Center Cebu held a bridal fair exhibit that celebrated Filipino wedding traditions this on its anniversary sale.

He is but no other than the man behind the unforgettable love songs such as “Got To Believe In Magic,” “Born For You,” “On This Day,” “The Old Song,” “If You Walked Away” and many more.

Dubbed as an “Adopted Son” of the Philippines, a designation which he considers among his greatest honors (he’s been in the country a lot of times, almost every year). The well-loved crooner also takes time to stage benefit concerts here, most recent of which was for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

He is the only international artist to receive a star on the Manila Walk of Fame (given February 2013). Perhaps, no other internationally-acclaimed artist has set foot in the Philippines more than the 63-year-old pop and theater music artist-composer.

The musical genius has a passion for charity too. He is an Ambassador for Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity that performs safe, effective cleft lip and cleft palate surgery, and which also delivers post-operative and ongoing medical therapies to children in low and middle income countries.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to help. It’s just a natural thing that you want to help back. It’s a good thing because people smile from it,” said Pomeranz during an interview before his Ayala concert.

To raise funds and awareness for Operation Smile as a Celebrity Smile Ambassador, Pomeranz held fundraising concerts in 2009 titled “David Pomeranz: In Our Hands” to benefit Operation Smile Philippines.

This concert in Manila, Cebu and Davao were timed with the annual mission of surgeons, nurses, assistants and volunteers who came from all over the world to perform free surgeries on the poorest children suffering facial deformities brought from cleft palate and cleft lip.

“They are an extraordinary organization [Operation Smile] and I did some concerts. I got to learn about it and I went to the hospital and watched the doctors give surgeries to these kids who were born with cleft palate and I saw them all. Then, the operation was 45 minutes and I still watched them for several hours how professionally it was done, with doctors from all over the world coming here to do operations to 500 kids,” Pomeranz recalled.

When asked how many charitable organizations he’s been participating in, he said, “Oh, I don’t know. I never count what I’m interested in. I am a proponent of ‘The Way to Happiness Foundation,’ a little book written by L. Ron Hubbard which is about common sense and moral values. And I just loved it. There’s a way to happiness, there’s goodness, all kinds of it.”

“I love Cebu. I’ve been here maybe six to seven times already. My friends might bring me over sometimes. I love Cebu, it’s beautiful,” Pomeranz expressed.

Excerpts from our chat with “The King and Queen of Hearts” singer:

What have been the most memorable moments during your previous visits in the country?

The first time I came here many, many years ago was very memorable because it was so huge. You know, when ‘Born For You’ and ‘Got To Believe In Magic’ came out that was very exciting. Otherwise, you know I’m constantly impressed with the provinces. I go to different places, meeting different kinds of people in the country.

What are some Cebuano food you’ve tasted and loved?

Pancit is very good. I loved chicken adobo. I tried durian. I liked it. I didn’t expect to like it at all. The smell is shocking. I liked cassava cake. I liked ube ice cream and of course mango.

How do you find Cebuanos?

Well, I’ve been staying with my (Cebuano) friends here and they’re very normal, sincere, and genuine. I like being here. I have a set of friends. Food is really good. I like the hotels here.

How do you find the Cebuano audience in terms of level of enthusiasm?

They are adorable and I don’t use that in a derogatory way. They’re adorable, meaning, they’re very lovely and sweet. And I feel like a performer so I like to sing more beautifully for them.

What can you say to all your Cebuano fans?

I adore you. It’s not a showbiz thing to say but it’s the concept that I have of Cebuanos. As what I’ve said before, the kindness and sweetness that’s really real and I don’t find in many countries, with many places that’s really gorgeously genuine. And so when I say I love you, I mean it.

What is your favorite song to sing to Filipinos?

I guess, maybe (it’s) ‘Born For You’ because its warmer and toasty.

What upcoming projects can your fans look forward to?

We have something very special coming up with ABS-CBN and I can’t quite talk about it yet, that’s something very high profile. I also have an upcoming greatest hits album for Valentine’s Day, and a couple of songs.

How do you unwind?

I watch old movies, like black and white movies.

What is your take on music streaming?

I’m guilty about that too. I just pull off the YouTube video and hear the song and I never pay for it. What happens is that, the songwriters, the performers and the record company doesn’t make any money. Therefore, any of the three can relate to this little convenience. All these great artists here, they can make a limit. I have so many friends in Manila who are great song writers, really world-class, but they don’t do it. I don’t blame people for streaming music because it’s convenient and cheap.