The song Anthony wrote for Bush

Besides being romantic balladeers, what do Jun Polistico, Victor Wood and Anthony Castelo have in common?

Yes, they have tried their luck in the Land of Milk and Honey, but they keep coming back like the refrain of an old, familiar love song. No place like home, right?

Because of his versatility, Jun has been called the Philippines’ counterpart of this and that foreign singer depending on whose song he’s singing, whether that of Frank Sinatra or Andy Williams or Steve Lawrence or whoever. Among his Tagalog hits are Mahiwaga, Sana’y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan, Mahawi Man ang Ulap and Langit at Tubig.

Of course, Victor will forever be the Jukebox King whose voice ruled the airlanes in the late ’60s and early ’70s, including Pearly Shells, Eternally, I’m Sorry My Love, Cheryl Moana Marie, In Despair, Teenage Señorita and Malupit na Pag-ibig.

The balladeer whose eyes turn dreamily-romantic when he sings, Anthony is fondly remembered for OPMs such as Balatkayo, Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig, Maghihintay Ako Sa’yo, Kaibigan and Hahanapin Ko (my favorite among his songs) composed by Jose Mari Chan for the Metropop in the late ’70s.

The three are topbilled in the post-Valentine concert The Great Balladeers scheduled at the Music Museum on Feb. 7, 27 and 28.

It’s the same concept initiated by Vic del Rosario Jr., head of Viva Concerts & Events — you know: putting together “old reliables” in one show, starting with The Hitmakers with Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison, Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro and Rey Valera, followed by The Golden Divas with Pilita Corrales, Carmen Pateña and Carmen Soriano, and Legends of OPM with Rico J. Puno, Nonoy Zuñiga, Rey Valera, Claire dela Fuente, Eva Eugenio and Joey Albert (whose Dec. 30 show at the PICC last year was such a hit that a repeat is set also in the same venue on March 6), directed by Roxanne Lapuz who’s also at the helm of The Great Balladeers.

Jun began his US career in the late ’70s as a member of the SOS (Society of Seven), staying with the group for more than a decade. Another Filipino singer, Gary Bautista, took over. Gary died of a heart attack a few years ago while performing at an event in L.A.

“Actually,” said Jun, “I came back in the early ’90s to record three albums. I’m based in Las Vegas with my family but I’ve been coming and going since then.” (His last show was in Iloilo City middle of last year, produced by singer Aristeo Demavivas.)

Victor came home to resume his career in 1996. He ran for Senator in 2004.

Like Victor, Anthony also starred in movies under Sampaguita Pictures, including Pakawalan Mo Ako (with Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon) for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Girl of My Dreams (with Tirso Cruz III and Maritess Revilla).

Perhaps the crowning glory of Anthony’s career in the US was the song titled America — Let’s Roll! which he wrote in 2001 after 9/11, inspired by Pres. George W. Bush’s leadership in the fight against terrorism.

“I wrote Long Live the Philippines for the Philippine Centennial. After 9/11, I wrote a US version as a gift to America. During her visit in 2001, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presented the song to Pres. Bush. I wasn’t in Pres. Arroyo’s entourage. When Pres. Bush was reelected, I was invited to the White House to sing in one of the pre-inaugural balls. I gave Pres. Bush a copy of the CD. He was very appreciative. I treasure the thank-you note he wrote to me. Naka-frame ‘yon.”

Part of the song goes:

America let’s roll

That’s the spirit, it’s in your soul

Just look around you

God made this land for me and you.

And we will win the wars

In our streets and across the shores

Yes, that’s the spirit

Go, go, go, America.

(Note: Tickets to The Great Balladeers concert at the Music Museum are priced at P2,500 for orchestra center, P2,000 for orchestra side, and P1,500 for balcony. Call Viva at 687-6181 locals 620 and 745.)

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