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?
