Sentimental Songstress happy to be back

I am sure you all remember Imelda Papin. She was the country’s Jukebox Queen during the ‘70s. That was the time when she was recording for Wonderland Records and making one hit after another. And I really mean HITS! There was no time then when you could walk the streets of Manila without hearing an Imelda Papin song.

That was the time when every place where people got together invariably had a jukebox. You put in some coins, press the buttons beside the song titles, and then watch the needle arm pick up a 45-RPM record which will then start to play. Put in more coins and you will get more music.

Raon in Quiapo, then the bulwark of Philippine Tin Pan Alley was the place where the Imelda phenomenon started. The jukebox sound of the time was the plaintive laments of Eddie Peregrina and Victor Wood. Then with Imelda’s arrival, it became a confessional for the fallen woman who did everything and was ready to endure anything in the name of love.

I believe it was the song Babaeng Makasalanan Lalaking Salawahan that gave her the big breakthrough. Composed by George Canseco, the song very effectively established Imelda as the Jukebox Queen. The reason for the title was not because the recording was made purposely for the jukeboxes. It was actually because Imelda’s songs were among those that were played most often in jukeboxes. I can just imagine how many buttons and vinyl 45’s her songs wore out.

I am sure that a lot of you out there still remember her other hits. Bakit? Huwag, Bawal, Iniibig Ko Ang Iniibig Mo, Hindi Ako Laruan, Bakit Ikaw Pa? Apoy, a duet with Anthony Castelo and her most recent Isang Linggong Pag-ibig.

Then Imelda left to live in the U.S. of A. She remained active with her career. She recorded an album, did concerts, including stints in Las Vegas, had a regular radio show and appeared on television. Recently, she decided it was time to come home. And last week, the news went out, Imelda is back and she is doing everything in a big way.

First off, she released a new album titled I Love You. Times have changed so this one does not include anything like “kung liligaya ka sa piling ng iba,” but the voice remains the same, fuller even and just right for her new Vegas-geared style that mixes Tina Turner and Shirley Bassey.

 The carrier single is the title track I Love You composed by Mon del Rosario, who also did Isang Linggong Pag-ibig. Imelda may have recorded the CD in the States but she made sure that Filipino composers are well represented in the line-up. These are Tito Cayamanda with Land Of Love; Vehnee Saturno who adapted Contradiction into Tagalog as Ganyan Ang Puso Ko; and Offering Of Love, also by Del Rosario.

The other cuts included are Hey, Voice Of The Heart, For All I Am, Night Life Woman, Dance With My Father, Higher Ground/Higher Love, River Deep Mountain High, You and Simply The Best.

Then there is a concert, her first in the Philippines after several years and for which she has invited her friend, Melissa Manchester. The American artist is a big favorite among Pinoys, and one who also made her mark in the ‘70s. The Grammy-winning Manchester is best known for the hit songs, Midnight Blue, Whenever I Call You Friend, Don’t Cry Out Loud, The Promise, Looking Through The Eyes Of Love, You Should Hear How She Talks About You, I Wanna Be Where You Are and others.

This historic meeting of two musical icons will be held at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on Sept. 18. Tickets to the PICC show are priced at P5,250 Flat Center, Left and Right and Level 2 Center, Left and Right; P4,200 Level 3 Center; P2,625 Level 3 Left and Right; P1,050 Balcony; and P525 Gallery.

It will be followed by a second show at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Lahug City, Cebu the next day. Ticket prices here are P3,000 Platinum; P2,000 Gold; P1,000 Silver; and P500, Bronze. Tickets are now available at all SM TicketNet outlets with tel. no. 911-5555 and TicketWorld, 891-9999.