Great show

When Elvis Presley performed at the MGM International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1970 after years of not being seen in concerts, a lot of people trooped to watch him.  Celebrities like Tony Bennett, Samy Davis Jr., Gary Grant, Juliet Prowse, and George Hamilton were at the concert venue.  Last  Saturday, Robinsons Fuente was jampacked with people who watched Elvis and Company Seranade The Moms, a post-Mother’s Day  mini-concert. We were honored with the presence of former Mandue City Chamber of Commerce president Ben Yapjoco and wife Naida, former Wyeth Vismin manager Relly Mercado and Noemi another Elvis impersonator, Allan Peñalosa Kusinang  Pinoy’s Pek Jen Lim, The Freeman’s Rolex Elmido, Dr Warfe Engarcia and Freddie Madarang composer of that jazzy tune “Cebu” originally recorded by Jun Polistico. And oh yes, the iconic Max Surban.  Of course, the Robinsons Place Admin personnel led my Madam Lily Ngochua who opted to watch from the third floor.  Operations manager Donabelle Acebuque, marketing officer Avigael Maningo, Ruth and Jade.  The show opened  with a stand-up comedy performed by Dos Gwapos Comic Duo composed of Sam Costanilla and Max ‘Daloydoy’ Andrino.  Opening salvo was one of Cebu’s best balladeer, Boyet Lim who  substituted to a sick Ate Ging Montesclaros. Next to perform was Jun Villahermosa who really gave justice to his tag as Frank Sinatra of Cebu, Jun belted “Ive Got You Under My Skin”, “Let Me Try Again”, and “Cebu”.  It was Chokolet’s turn  to entertain the awed crowd with his magic.  Finally it was Elvis who entered the stage and belted  his opening number “Hound Dog”, Blue Suede Shoes medley.  More Rock and Roll and love songs followed before Elvis called his co-performers to give roses to the moms in the audience.  Elvis gave his patented red scarf to Noemi Mercado and another one to Naida Yapjoco.  After “Don’t Be Cruel”, Elvis called the rest of the gang for the finale “Cant Help Falling In Love”, Oh yes, dancers from the University of Cebu Dance Company delighted the crowd as back-up.  Thanks to Bernard Ricablanca, Vic Cuenco and Demo.  The show was so successful Avigael is already planning  for December  and Valentine’s.  We would like to thank our sponsors, Metrografix,Summit Circle,ND Clothing, and Casa Ilongga.

Masters trackfest

When you read this column I’m probably in an organizational meeting with Manny Ibay president of the NCR- National Masters and Seniors Athletics Association of the Philippines (NCR- NMSAAP) for the staging of the Visayas leg of the National trackfest set on June 29-30 at the Cebu City Sports Center.  Cebu City Sports Commission excecutive director Brando Velaquez thinks we need more time to prepare but Manny said everybody  knows about it, as the PSC already desimated the information.  Let’s see what comes out of the meeting.  The following day, I’m off to the US Embassy for my visa interview.  Wish me luck! Then on May 25, I’ll join the Cebu deligation to the Phil. National Games at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.