MANILA, Philippines - As jazz prince Richard Merk turns a new leaf in his life, he is thankful to all the numerous blessings he has received. From the time he started in showbiz at a young age of nine, he never left the local entertainment scene, charting impressive and important milestones through the years.
After all, not everyone has been blessed with 60 glorious years. He mentions the important milestones in his life. From the time he was born to his entrance into the local showbiz world, Richard remembers the days he spent growing up with his grandparents in Sampaloc, Manila.
Starting in Tita Betty’s children’s show aired in Aduana in Intramuros when he was nine, Richard also appeared in Operetang Putol-Putol aired on ABS-CBN.
Then, he moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where he joined his mom, jazz queen Annie Brazil and his stepfather, David Wolfe. Richard also reminisces about his folk singing days during his younger years.
He relishes his memorable stint performing with different bands, including Sangkatutak, Royal Flush, Take One and Sticky. His innate singing talent took him performing in different places like Birdland, Rino’s Club, Eduardo’s Supper Club, Tropical Palace, Philippine Plaza Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Birds of the Same Feather, Century Park Sheraton Hotel, Vineyard Jazz Club, Tavern on the Square, Calesa Bar, Hyatt Hotel and Café Alvarado.
With the “birth” of his eponymous music lounge, Merk’s Bar and Bistro, in September 2002, Richard fulfilled his long-time dream. The place became a venue for local and even foreign artists, who love to entertain an intimate crowd.
He made his recording debut with the song Ewan, Ewan Ko Ba, under OctoArts International. He also ventured into TV hosting with Kumpletos Recados on RPN 9 and Maricel Live on Channel 13.
Can movies be far behind? Richard had his first acting foray on the big screen with Sampaguita Pictures’ Mga Espada ng Rubitanya. It was followed by other Sampaguita productions like Tanikalang Dugo, Iginuhit sa Tadhana, Sexy Yata ‘Yan and All Over the World.
He also appeared in Nepomuceno Productions’ Ang Pulubi, Luha sa Karimlan, Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak, as well as in movies produced by Star Cinema, FPJ Productions, Solar Films, OctoArts Films, RVQ Productions and Viva Films.
Richard’s marriage to Roni Tapia and their daughter, Maria Manna Merk, complete his family. The couple tied the knot in 1999 at the San Miguel Church in Manila. Their daughter was born the following year.
So as Richard turns 60, he looks back with pride and fondness at all the wonderful things that happened in his life. He held a thanksgiving concert aptly titled Grateful, on his birthday, Oct. 14, yesterday at Primos Cuisine and Lounge in Mandaluyong City.
Joining him as guest was his mom, Annie Brazil, plus other surprise performances of guest artists. The show also coincided with the launch of his daughter’s Manna Foundation.
Richard credits his late father, James Bernard Merk, for his passion for music. Although he never met his dad, Richard is grateful to the elder Merk for igniting his musical taste.
“The biggest highlight of my life was when my wife and I found dad through the Internet,” Richard says. “I never met or saw my dad. I truly wish I was given the chance to meet him. But this is part of my God-given life. After Roni and I tracked down my dad, we went to Cleveland for four consecutive years just to visit his tomb.”
Richard has achieved a number of awards, foremost of which was being a champion of the singing contest, Tawag ng Tanghalan. Through the years, he has established himself as a local performer known for his penchant for jazz.
At present, Richard is busy doing corporate shows, coaching other performers, producing concerts of local and foreign talents like Patti Austin, Janis Siegel, Julia Fordham and Manhattan Transfer.
A solo album to be recorded early next year is in the offing, plus shows on ANC. Richard’s company is also producing the 2015 Awit Awards on Nov. 9, in collaboration with PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry). The ceremony will be aired on ANC.