Dear All,
The long wait for me is over... read on http://www.philstar.com/philstar/news200610281701.htm
This will be a great Christmas for me and for us Filipinos... thanks Michelle! Cheers!!!
Finally, Matt Jr. in Manila on December 6
-
RalphDennis
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:39 pm
- Location: Manila, Philippines
-
Lena & Harry Smith
- Posts: 21514
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:05 am
- Location: London UK
What a wonderful article and tribute to both Matt and Matt Jnr, and what great news for you Ralph and all the loyal fans in the Philipines who remember and hold such affection for the great Matt Monro.
Have a wonderful time Ralph watching and listening to the superb Matt Jnr re-living those memories with those unforgettable songs.
Have a wonderful time Ralph watching and listening to the superb Matt Jnr re-living those memories with those unforgettable songs.
Yes, wonderful news for you and all in the Philipines Ralph. I know how much you appreciate great singers over there. I know you'll really enjoy welcoming Matt Jnr to your country. 
Marian.
Marian.
Last edited by Marian on Wed Dec 06, 2006 11:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
RalphDennis
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:39 pm
- Location: Manila, Philippines
-
Michele Monro
- Posts: 1097
- Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2005 6:31 pm
- Location: United Kingdom
Manila
When Matt rang me after the first show, he mentioned that Ralph had come up and said hello, so we know he attended the show - maybe he didn't like it. Have been eagerly waiitng to hear his viewpoint as to how the show was, the reaction of the poeple and the like. Let us hope we hear from him soon.
Matt has been instructed to take photos for me and collect any press articles, there is a wealth to tell you but I will wait for the next update so I can give a full and detailed account.
Matt has been instructed to take photos for me and collect any press articles, there is a wealth to tell you but I will wait for the next update so I can give a full and detailed account.
-
RalphDennis
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:39 pm
- Location: Manila, Philippines
Dyaraaaannnnnnn!!!! (drum roll......) The Philippine Tour Report
Sorry guys for not posting my reply the soonest. It took me a lot of time to think what I'm going to say for this post. Oh yes, it was worth the experience for me and my wife, Nimfa. On the contrary Michele, I enjoyed that FANTABULOUS night and so with the rest of us, Filipinos. Up to now, my wife and I still feel the goosebumps everytime I think about that momentous night and everytime I look at my pictures with Matt, Jnr. I can't really imagine myself standing next to the son of the legendary, Matt Monro not until that night. I really felt Matt's presence during Matt Jnr's concert.
The venue was the Casino Filipino in Parañaque City, that's near the Manila international airport (now known as NAIA). We came in at exactly 8 pm just as what's said in our tickets. However, the show started 9 pm already with Matt Jnr. singing not so familiar tunes to us, Filipinos. But when songs like Around the World, Walk Away, and From Russia with Love was sang, applause came in song after song. As I look around me, as sentimental and standard songs were being played, I noticed that a lot of people are silently in awe and some were even in tears. Maybe because they remembered Matt when he was here performing last 1963. Matt Jnr. is indeed a remarkable talent in his own form and style. Songs like "I Write the Songs Medley" and "This Thing Called Love" brought the whole house down. Yes, he did not sound much like his Dad but his wits and humor made him an artist to remember by that night. The "My Way" version was even more emotional... Matt, Jnr made us think more of his Dad. He also serenaded the Filipinas by singing an original Filipino composition, "Be My Lady". Is he serious that he wants a Filipina to be his wife? Sounds like a true lady's man to me just like his Dad. The finale number was the duet of "We're Gonna Change the World", that really made my night. Tears came rolling down my cheeks without me knowing it right after the song. My wife asked me why and I replied, "It was my favorite Matt song... it always makes me cry everytime I hear it." Adding more emotions to that song was seeing Matt on the wide screen singing with his son. The encore was "Softly As I Leave You" and what a more appropriate song to end that night. Actually, Matt Jnr sang it twice because he was not prepared to sing an encore number.
The autograph signing was so embarassing for me. When it was my time to have my CD signed, I asked Matt to have our pictures taken by my wife. When it was my wife's turn to have her photo with Matt Jnr., I took the honors of taking the shot using my cellphone. Now, here's the most embarassing part... as I was taking the shot, my hands were trembling. I politely ask Matt Jnr. for another shot and still my hands shook the more. As we were leaving and saying goodbye and regards to Michelle, Matt Jnr said, "Hey Dindo, I know you are nervous but don't forget your CD." The crowd broke into laughter after that. But you see, I'm also the proudest man during that time.
Matt Jnr was so friendly to the crowd during the autograph signing. Also, I envy him after kissing countless Filipina women. Guess you have to be a star before you can do that, right?. On the serious note, Matt Jnr asked me about his Dad that he ain't that bad. I simply replied by saying, "No, He's the Best!"
I went home that night and called my Mom and Dad in Toronto, Canada. Told them what happened. Yes, they were all proud of me. You know why, of course. By the way, my wife did not get a good sleep that night. Probably because of the kisses that Matt Jnr. planted on her cheeks. I'm not jealous at all... this time I'm proud of it.
By the way, how do I post my pictures that I've taken that night?
Sorry guys for not posting my reply the soonest. It took me a lot of time to think what I'm going to say for this post. Oh yes, it was worth the experience for me and my wife, Nimfa. On the contrary Michele, I enjoyed that FANTABULOUS night and so with the rest of us, Filipinos. Up to now, my wife and I still feel the goosebumps everytime I think about that momentous night and everytime I look at my pictures with Matt, Jnr. I can't really imagine myself standing next to the son of the legendary, Matt Monro not until that night. I really felt Matt's presence during Matt Jnr's concert.
The venue was the Casino Filipino in Parañaque City, that's near the Manila international airport (now known as NAIA). We came in at exactly 8 pm just as what's said in our tickets. However, the show started 9 pm already with Matt Jnr. singing not so familiar tunes to us, Filipinos. But when songs like Around the World, Walk Away, and From Russia with Love was sang, applause came in song after song. As I look around me, as sentimental and standard songs were being played, I noticed that a lot of people are silently in awe and some were even in tears. Maybe because they remembered Matt when he was here performing last 1963. Matt Jnr. is indeed a remarkable talent in his own form and style. Songs like "I Write the Songs Medley" and "This Thing Called Love" brought the whole house down. Yes, he did not sound much like his Dad but his wits and humor made him an artist to remember by that night. The "My Way" version was even more emotional... Matt, Jnr made us think more of his Dad. He also serenaded the Filipinas by singing an original Filipino composition, "Be My Lady". Is he serious that he wants a Filipina to be his wife? Sounds like a true lady's man to me just like his Dad.
The finale number was the duet of "We're Gonna Change the World", that really made my night. Tears came rolling down my cheeks without me knowing it right after the song. My wife asked me why and I replied, "It was my favorite Matt song... it always makes me cry everytime I hear it." Adding more emotions to that song was seeing Matt on the wide screen singing with his son. The encore was "Softly As I Leave You" and what a more appropriate song to end that night. Actually, Matt Jnr sang it twice because he was not prepared to sing an encore number. The autograph signing was so embarassing for me. When it was my time to have my CD signed, I asked Matt to have our pictures taken by my wife. When it was my wife's turn to have her photo with Matt Jnr., I took the honors of taking the shot using my cellphone. Now, here's the most embarassing part... as I was taking the shot, my hands were trembling. I politely ask Matt Jnr. for another shot and still my hands shook the more. As we were leaving and saying goodbye and regards to Michelle, Matt Jnr said, "Hey Dindo, I know you are nervous but don't forget your CD." The crowd broke into laughter after that.
But you see, I'm also the proudest man during that time.Matt Jnr was so friendly to the crowd during the autograph signing. Also, I envy him after kissing countless Filipina women. Guess you have to be a star before you can do that, right?.
On the serious note, Matt Jnr asked me about his Dad that he ain't that bad. I simply replied by saying, "No, He's the Best!" I went home that night and called my Mom and Dad in Toronto, Canada. Told them what happened. Yes, they were all proud of me. You know why, of course. By the way, my wife did not get a good sleep that night. Probably because of the kisses that Matt Jnr. planted on her cheeks. I'm not jealous at all... this time I'm proud of it.
By the way, how do I post my pictures that I've taken that night?
Glad you enjoyed the show, Ralph, we have all been looking forward to your review. I saw Matt last year here in Blackpool and he was brilliant. I first met him about 10 years ago not long after the duets album was first released and then travelled down to Swansea to see him perform in a variety show the same year. Really nice guy and very down to earth, just like his Dad.
A lovely review of the concert Ralph, and such a heartwarming post you sent in 
nice that you know the word "fantabulous" I thought it was a made up word from the UK. Matt was joking about a Filipina wife, as he is due to marry in the near future Ralph 
nice that you know the word "fantabulous" I thought it was a made up word from the UK. Matt was joking about a Filipina wife, as he is due to marry in the near future Ralph "My Tears Will Fall Now That You're Gone,
I Can't Help But Cry, But I Must Go On"
I Can't Help But Cry, But I Must Go On"
Thank you for your WONDERFUL report of Matt Jnr in Manila Ralph!
Just reading through it, you really captured the whole excitement and atmosphere of what it meant to you, and your feelings on actually being there.
So pleased you and your wife enjoyed such a fantastic evening.
Hope you'll get many more such experiences in the future.
Marian.
Just reading through it, you really captured the whole excitement and atmosphere of what it meant to you, and your feelings on actually being there.
So pleased you and your wife enjoyed such a fantastic evening.
Hope you'll get many more such experiences in the future.
Marian.
-
michduncg
- Posts: 1332
- Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:03 pm
- Location: Oxon, UK (Originally from Yorkshire)
Hi Ralph
Thanks for writing a posting with such feeling! It is clear that you had a wonderful time, and that Matt Jnr put on a great show! Its is amazing to think that people still remember a concert over 40 years ago - testament to Matts amazing combination of great singer and great entertainer.
Thanks for writing a posting with such feeling! It is clear that you had a wonderful time, and that Matt Jnr put on a great show! Its is amazing to think that people still remember a concert over 40 years ago - testament to Matts amazing combination of great singer and great entertainer.
Michael
Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.......
Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.......