Time out

It was 'time out' from sports last weekend as I embarked on a musical journey in Manila. I was into two big events, watching the local adaptation of the broadway musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and the 14th anniversary of the Elvis Presley International Friendship Club.  After touching ground in Manila, my sister Cherie whisked me to the Resorts World Hotel and Casino where the play was held. It was important that I watch the show as Priscilla will be my family’s presentation during the Uytiepo Clan reunion in Bacolod City this October. Our other relatives will be presenting Grease, South Pacific, Miss Saigon, and Mamma Mia among others. The musical also stars my good friend Leo Valdez, Jon Santos and Red Concepcion.  The score was fantastic with hits like “ I Will Survive”, “ I Love The Nightlife,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Go West,” “Mac Arthur’s Park,” “It’s Raining Men” and “Always on my mind.” The story is about two drug queens and a trans sexual. So just imagine, I’ll be playing one of the characters. “Ano va yan?,” hollered Manang Krisanta.

Elvis in the building

The next day, I was at the Makati “Graceland” condo of Douglas Masuda, the Elvis of Japan and vice president of the Elvis Presley International Friendship Club. Together with events coordinator Bobby Torres and Vicky Masuda, we were off to Quatro Resto Bar in Timog, Quezon City for the club’s 14th anniversary bash.  Actually, the affair was also a tribute to one of the pioneer Elvis impersonator, Chito Bertol, who was retiring due to ill health.  Chito did’nt know we were surprising him with a tribute also graced by former senator Eddie Ilarde.  Almost all the Elvises were in the building. Jimmy Lee, the Elvis from Singapore, Jun Espinosa, Elvis of the Philippines, Nonie Yambao and of course Elvisaya. It was a whole day of singing Elvis hits highlighted with an Elvis cake given to Chito.

Run for the rivers

Speaking of Elvis, the Elvis of the Visayas will perform during the awarding ceremonies of the Run for the Rivers II set on June 22 at the SM City Northwing.  Also performing is the acoustic group called Wonggoys. Paul Jake Castillo will also join the run. Registration is now in full swing at Runnr Ayala, Toby’s SM City, Casa Ilongga at Robinsons Place and at the Athletics office at the Cebu City Sports Center. The race features the 21K, 10K, 5K, and 3K distances.