a tour’s end, a favorite artist and a lucky dude!

Arrived this morning from LA. I am exhausted but quite happy. Our tour which seemed like it was going to be problematic in the beginning turned out beautifully. We actually played to a full house in every one of the seven venues except Winnipeg (around 40%) which only had a month’s notice and promotions. And the great thing is we got standing ovations in ALL the places. Each place (Toronto, Winnipeg, Atlantic City, DC, LA, San Francisco, Vegas) was memorable, but performing at the House Of Blues at Mandalay Bay Hotel in Vegas was a standout!

Can’t believe that we’ve been doing APO for 38 years and still getting the crowds and more importantly still enjoying ourselves. Danny, Boboy and I are really liking this phase in our career where it seems we are reaping the fruits of our labors.


Nikki Gil!


Nanette Inventor

Four of the seven shows we did was under the Kumustahan variety show format where we shared the stage with Nanette Inventor, Heart Evangelista and Nikki Gil.


Heart Evangelista.

But the main reason why I am happy being back in Manila is because… well… Lydia is here!!! Yehey!


In an earlier blog, I mentioned that I was going to watch Joyce, my favorite singer in California. Well, I did, and it was quite a treat. I went with my sister Lory, her husband Greg, and two other friends in a jazz venue in called Yoshi’s. After dinner at the Japanese restaurant, we took our seats so close to the stage I could almost reach out and touch Joyce.


My sister Lory, Joyce and I.

She sang with Dori Caymi, a legend in Brazilian music, and her husband Tutti Moreno and a bass player. It was a quiet, smooth but great set. She sang effortlessly while playing the guitar with such virtuosity. It was an hour’s performance all in all. No, she did not sing my favorites but never mind. For twelve dollars, I watched her really close as she sang in the way I have appreciated all these years. Nothing like being in the presence of a true and great artist.


With Dory Caymi.

I even got to meet her after the show and though she was kinda distant, she gamely posed for pictures. The good news ia that she and her group will probably be in Manila next May 2008 for the jazz festival. WOW!!!! I will plan on being in Manila by that time.


My son Mio is taping tomorrow for a Disney TV project in Sydney where he plays air guitar. He was asked to apply and was quite surprised when after his audition, they said he was ten times better than the winner last year. I don’t know too many details but will post when I get them which should include the schedules of when it will show on TV.

Mio, go go, you lucky dude!