Let’s hear it from the readers

Time now to take a look at some letters from readers of this section. From Elsa Agacid Tse: "Oh my God, the timing is too perfect. . .I’m on my lunch break at work and reading my favorite columns in Philstar and there it is, Japanese Jacky Sings in Filipino talking about past Japanese songs in Tagalog versions.

"OK, my story is this. I met my husband way back in 1992 in Manila. At that time the song Ikaw Pa Rin by Ted Ito was so popular and my husband, a Chinese (with a mix of Fookien and Filipino blood) who grew up in Hong Kong and was then also based there, amazingly loved the melody and so did I. There has always been this unspoken confirmation between us that Ikaw Pa Rin is our theme song. The second is Unchained Melody. I remember exchanging tapes and compilations of our personal faves, (since he lived in Hong Kong, we either talked over the phone or sent cards by post) and listening to each other’s favorites which somehow let the other person know who we really are.

"You see we are celebrating our 10th anniversary on Feb. 9, Saturday and I would really appreciate it if you can give me an e-mail address or website of Ted Ito or Tadao Hayashi wherein I can browse and maybe even download some songs. I’ll try to surprise my better half by playing the song come Saturday. Pleeeeaaaasee, many thanks!!!"

Dear Elsa, I am so very sorry that I was only able to reply to your letter now and was not therefore able to help you greet your husband on your 10th anniversary in as romantic a way as you originally planned. Anyway, I doubt if I would have been of any help. Unfortunately, I do not know of any website that features Ted Ito and his songs. I also do not know if the albums he made in the Philippines are still available. I am sure though that there are several by Tadao Hayashi you can get hold of in the local stores or maybe even in the net. And more unfortunately, the Japanese harpist was brutally murdered late last year in his home in Malabon. Happy anniversary.

From Rebecca Osias of 315 White Ria, Vatchalian II Manuyo Dos, Parañaque City in Metro Manila: "In today’s issue of the Philippine STAR, I read your article Remembering Peggy Lee. She is my favorite singing star and your article paid her high tribute. It is for this reason that I am writing you to get more information about her. Also I would like to get hold of her tape recordings. Where could I purchase them?"

I have not had the chance to check out what Peggy Lee albums are currently available in the local muisc stores. Have never done it in the past either as I am quite fortunate in having friends who gladly share albums and info about music stars I might be interested in. That was how I got my Peggy Lee albums. But as you probably also know, there is nothing like the demise of a great artist to encourage music distributors to come up with tribute collections or other kinds of retrospective releases. I am sure that if you will take the time to check out the shops, you will surely find several featuring Peggy Lee and her music available. If none of them were sensitive enough to stock up on Peggy Lee albums, then, get a friend or relative who lives in the US of A to be a dear and send you one or two. Thanks for writing.

From Tom Bames of Javlon International Philippines, Inc.: "We would like to thank you so much for featuring our CD album Sa Ating Paglalakbay in your column in the Jan. 28 edition of the Philippine STAR, which also prominently featured the story of the shrine of Our Lady of Matinloc. As a result, we have received numerous inquiries about the album and the shrine. May our Lord and Our Lady continue to bless you and keep you in their love and care."

Thank you so very much too for the kind words and good wishes. I also received several inquiries about how to get copies of the CD you produced. I am sure those interested would appreciate it very much if you could inform us about other places where it is sold aside from your Makati office or they can get in touch with you through telephone number 817-7506, fax 812-6936 or e-mail address [email protected].