Richard: Up closer, more personal

MANILA, Philippines - Undisputed Prince of Jazz Richard Merk has never been busier than he was in 2013, when he combined his performances here and abroad with his advocacy to help the less fortunate and those in need.

He has already proven that music has undoubtedly become a significant part of his life. No wonder, his passion for performing has not waned through the years and he uses his innate talent to an advantage so he can reach out to more people.

To date, he has performed not just locally but in other countries like Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Jordan, Beirut, Yemen, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and the US. Last November, he toured the US with Regine Velasquez and Manila With Love group (Jon Santos, Bo Cerrudo and The CompanY).

Last December, Richard led the Christmas caroling in top corporations to help raise funds to build homes for victims of Typhoon Yolanda. He also conceptualized shows for Grammy Award-winning artist Patti Austin — Brand New Day at Solaire Resort and Casino and One Heart, One Voice, a New Year’s eve dinner show at Fairmont Raffles Hotel — to bring hope to Yolanda survivors.

Aside from his singing commitments, Richard is also seen on TV and heard on radio, where he has regular shows. He hosts Thumbs Up, which airs on The Filipino Channel (TFC) every Saturday.

He is also heard in Words and Music, where he features Filipino artists, personalities and celebrities on Energy FM 106.7 also on Saturdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Doing radio means going back to his roots for Richard. He is thankful for the chance to be heard again not just as singer, but host of Words and Music. When he was younger, he did Operetang Putol-Putol, then a popular radio program.

For 2014, Richard looks forward to more projects that will definitely keep him busy, like a new program on ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel). He will also be part of Bangon tours of the Department of Tourism, which will have shows in Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

This year, he is set to bring back concert artist Angela Bofill (This Time I’ll Be Sweeter, Time To Say Goodbye, Tonight I Give In, Break It To Me Gently, among many others) to Manila as local artists pay tribute to her. He will also do a cooking show on TV.

On Feb. 13, Richard will join Robert Seña, Isay Alvarez and Isabella with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in Valentine Serenades at Solaire Resorts and Casino Ballroom.

On Feb. 14, Richard will guest in the Valentine’s day concert of foreign artist Julia Fordham at Solaire Resorts and Casino. Also joining the show is jazz queen Annie Brazil. The concert is a benefit for the trauma healing sessions of the survivors of Yolanda.

On Feb. 15, Richard will join Julia in a special show, Up Close and Personal, at the new Merk’s Place at the ground floor of United Architect Building in Scout Rallos, Quezon City. Other guests are Annie Brazil and Rachel Anne Wolfe Spitaletta.

Richard continues to sing regularly at Merk’s Place, the popular restaurant and music bar he put up and manages with his better-half, Roni Tapia-Merk. He will open Merk’s Place at the Greenfields area of Nuvali, fast becoming the Makati of the south.