The Other Elvis

It's amazing how, almost thirty years after his death, many people still hold on to Elvis. To this day, the legendary King of Rock 'n Roll remains alive in the hearts and minds of his adoring fans. Millions still refuse to let the memory of their hero die-not, they swear, as long as they themselves live.

Many people even insist that Elvis is still really alive. There are voice recordings being circulated supposedly of Elvis' recent phone calls to his wife and daughter from an undisclosed place. There are rumors that he is hiding somewhere in Hawaii, with a totally new identity, for his own peace and privacy.

Tales have it that Elvis grew extremely unhappy with superstardom and wanted so desperately a quiet, private life. His handlers allegedly thought of the only way to quell the widespread popular craving for the mass idol. They faked his death. But even such macabre idea, as later seen, did not stop the global appetite for Elvis.

We are talking, of course, about Elvis Presley, the undying music legend revered even by those born decades after him. But talent is never the exclusive right of anybody. There's another Elvis, one much younger, more real and closer by-Cebu's own musical prodigy.

My friendship with this other Elvis began way back when we worked together in an advertising project for a local company. Quite a long time for me to know him well enough. From the start, I always have first-hand knowledge of his amazing musical ability. My only regret then was that he was quite firm about staying put in Cebu where, I thought, opportunities were scarce for his artistic genius to flourish.

We are talking of Elvis Somosot-yes, the Elvis who has mentored several of the most highly celebrated musical talents of the country and is a frequent judge in major music competitions throughout the region. He himself was part of Sakdap, a famous local trio composed of young ex-seminarians in the 80s and 90s.

This particular Elvis, just like his great predecessor, has another artistic talent, aside from music. He is an actor too, with a number of past stage and TV projects to his credit. It can be said that he has had the exposure that made him quite a sensation for a while, but it did not affect him in any way. Then as now, he remains a simple man, down-to-earth, content with his own little blessings, always ready to spurt out humor and quick to laugh at one.

Everyday, Elvis takes to the road on his big bike to bring his four children to school. He has five kids, the youngest less than a year old. If he will have his way, none of them will inherit his bond with music. "It's a lonely job," he says. Elvis spends indeterminable hours at his Musikinesis Recording Studio, at the topmost floor of the Trans-Asia Building on Juan Luna Street. Oftentimes, he works alone, writing music or applying post-production touches on recording projects. Oftentimes, he works long hours into the night.

But he is not complaining. Not at all. I understand. Artists may not like their jobs sometimes-but they love their art all the time. It's an odd situation where minor discomforts even help bring the highest pleasure. Elvis understands that no one can have it all; that, in life, it's either one has one thing or has another. And he is only too glad to have this one, too glad to be doing what he loves so much to do, without having to be away from his family. His small but thriving business - his studio - is a bonus.

Elvis has gone into music producing lately. His studio has been helping produce works of local artists, some of which have already become big hits on radio. Last year, he dished out what is probably his most impressive production yet-a collection of original Cebuano compositions.

The CD album, entitled "Sinulog ug ang Sugbo," is a coup in terms of both its creative and technical values. All eight songs in the album resonate in the "now" sound without losing the distinctive Cebuano feeling. The use of synthesizers does not at all make a detached, cold electronic sound but, instead, enhance the aural and emotional breadths of the music.

Some of the songs have minus-one or instrumental versions, making a total of 14 cuts in the album. Most of the vocals, either lead or background, are performed by Elvis himself. But they don't sound all the same - another interesting thing. The other voices are of his friends and protégés, including the 35-member Colegio del Sto. Niño Himig Agustino children's choir. It apparently took a keen ear and highly discriminating taste of a master to shape the world-class character of this production, making it truly a collector's item.

Cebuano-music lovers who have heard of "Sinulog ug ang Sugbo" were quick to get their copies. With a little promotion, the album is sure to become a bestseller. It is now available at some local music stores. If copies run out there, as often the case, those interested may contact Musikinesis (phone number 412-1701).

I am personally grateful and proud about Elvis-this other Elvis. Grateful for his music, proud to be his friend. He may not be as big a star as Elvis Presley, but my friend is definitely no less brilliant. Absolutely no doubt about it.