Joey Albert

We miss Joey Albert now and then because she now resides in the beautiful city of Vancouver, British Columbia which we visited several years back.

She is currently in the country, but she is leaving this Sunday. She has also organized a music band with Filipinos who are lovers of music, and they perform in some night outlets in Vancouver and neighboring cities.

“I realized how important music is among Filipinos, and we came up with a group to fulfill our love for music,” she said.

Joey also teaches in a pre-school, the pupils ranging from three to five years old.

She has been in Vancouver for the last 15 years, but her love for Filipino music is undiminished. She comes back to the country now and then to perform in concerts with her contemporaries.

Her visit to the country this time is for the launching of her new album entitled “Songs of the Heart.” It was produced by Eugene Villaluz for Viva Records. The album features 14 songs:

“Forevermore,” “Kahit Kailan” (South Border), “The Way You Look At Me” (Christian Bautista), “Muntik Na Kitang Minahal” (The CompanY), “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana” (Bituin Escalante, “You’ll Be Safe Here” (Rico Blanco), “Saan Ka Na Kaya Ngayon” (Anna Fegi), “Minsan Pa,” “Stay,” “Kahit Isang Saglit,” “Nasaan Ka Man” (Martin Nievera), “Rainbow,” “I Believe In Dreams” (Janno Gibbs), and “Special Memory.”

Of some of the songs, Joey said: “Quite special for me is Side A’s ‘Forevermore’ composed by Joey Benin. I was very happy when Side A recorded my hit song ‘Tell Me’ several years ago. Singing ‘Forevermore’ is like my way of paying tribute them.”

Joey also specifically requested for “Special Memory” by Iwi Laurel and “Minsan Pa” by Janet Basco, which she had always wanted to record.

Joey performs at the Podium in Ortigas Center at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9.

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GMA Pinoy TV supports RP Smart Gilas National Team

GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Network’s flagship international channel, has recently partnered with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in bringing Filipinos abroad the chance to witness the RP Smart Gilas National Team’s series of games in the Middle East starting this week.

Led by Serbian Coach Rajko Toroman, the RP Smart Gilas National Team will play two games against the Qatar National Team on Jan. 8 and 9 before participating in the tough 21st Dubai International Tournament from Jan. 14 to 23.

GMA Pinoy TV, in turn, will help bring Pinoy pride across the globe by providing publicity to rally support to Smart Gilas’ games, giving financial assistance and airing a one-hour TV special of the Middle East tour. Present during RP Smart Gilas’ courtesy call were GMA Network Chairman, President and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon and EVP and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit Jr.

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Marco stars in LA show

One classic example of a local balladeer who rose from the ranks as amateur singing contest champ to top recording artist is Marco Sison. From “Student Canteen,” hosted by the late Bobby Ledesma, Laila Benitez, and Eddie Ilarde, this poor boy from Biñan, Laguna became one of the most sought-after singers today, what with his song “ My Love Will See You Through,” becoming a favorite in videoke bars.

Up to now, Marco’s name is still a byword among fans here and abroad. Today, he and his family are settled in Los Angeles, California where he still performs for fellow Filipinos.

With the so-called “Apaw Queen” Ami Almerol as producer, Marco is set to do a concert after his successful singing engagement in Las Vegas with Manny Pacquiao, this time in Biltimore Hotel in Los Angeles on Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. It’s titled “Simply Marco.”

Ami has produced big concerts in Los Angeles and in Seattle, USA with almost a dozen or more local artists, all certified hits. Today, after husband Gigi Gonzales passed away, Ami picks up the pieces and continues taking care of their businesses that include a car repair shop in LA.

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MB columnist launches book of quips and quotes

“I Didn’t Marry You Because I Love You,” Jullie Y. Daza’s little blue book of quips and quotes of famous friends and anonymous lovers, is the little big book of the New Year. Launched recently at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel according to feng shui time, it is easy to read and easy to give as a gift for any or no occasion.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde delivered the invocation prayer and showed his spiritual side.

It was a book launch that turned into a musical event as Elnora Halili played the piano accompanied by Tony Pastor, Alan Cosio, and Nestor Mata.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Jan. 9 go to Rodolfo Romero, Cely Castro, Fiscal Ma. Victoria Alba Estoesta, Nenette Claudio, Cely A. Pili, Lydia Motol, Ody Tensuan, Gina Valdes Rivera, Mrs. Marilu Mendoza, Erick Esguerra, Colette Centeno Glazer, singer Icy (Justine Moral), Melissa Ricks of ABS-CBN Star Magic, Ms. Redgie Acuna-Magno of GMA-7 and my beloved grandson Ethan Elijah Silan Belen of Queens Village, New York who turns 5. Belated b-day greetings to MB’s Eugene Santos (Dec. 30) and Robert John de Luna (Jan. 8).