Awarded actor Ernie Garcia is going back to his first love – singing.

In a recent press conference held at Bobby Valle’s Makuhari Club in Manila for his Valentine concert on Feb. 12 (at the grand ballroom of Eastwood Richmond Hotel), the former bold star announced that he is determined to focus on singing.

Many don’t know but Ernie started out as a singer, recording for the defunct Zodia Recording Co. (among his recordings were “Wonderful You” and “Make Believe” in the early ’70s), and singing in bars like El Bodegon. “Because of my singing I was discovered for the movies,” Ernie recalled. He made many significant movies, among them “Eva Fonda, 16,” where he played leading man to Alma Moreno. He also displayed his thespian skills on the legitimate stage, and did among others, “Rose Tattoo” for Repertory.

Ernie won many acting awards. He was Aliw Awards’ Best Actor in 1988 for his portrayal in Rolando Tinio’s Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” He also garnered two Best Supporting Actor trophies from FAMAS and PMPC Star Awards for Movies in 1989, in the late Mitos Villareal’s directorial opus “Bukas Sisikat Din ang Araw” which starred Gabby Concepcion and Snooky Serna and where he played the role of a labor union leader.

But Ernie became known for the films he made in the sexy genre. When he found out he couldn’t get away from that image, he left for the US.

“Singing is my other passion,” Ernie stressed, but he also paints, and has had successful art exhibits in the recent past. In his Valentine concert, which will be directed by Freddie Santos, Ernie will be interpreting love songs in different languages – English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and Tagalog, of course.

“I’ll also sing Latin songs, and standards and upbeat numbers. I want the audience to enjoy the show and experience a multi-lingual repertoire of love songs.

Ernie’s Valentine concert, aptly titled “Ernie Garcia… Loving You,” is produced by Grand Monaco Estate Developers, Inc. (GMEDI) headed by his fellow Rotarian and friend Reynaldo A. Carpio, Ph.D. An engineer by profession, the 48-year-old founder and president of GMEDI is a self-made entrepreneur.

Interestingly, Rey is not only a successful businessman and subdivision developer; he is also a music lover who occasionally sings.

Rey is also a TV and radio host. He is co-host of “All the Way with Jojo Alejar,” a late-night show on TV5. On radio, he hosts his own program on business agenda on the Sunshine radio, 1026khz and aired every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9-9:30 a.m.

Ernie’s special guest

Ernie’s special guest performer in his Valentine concert is Rey’s son Mark Anthony A. Carpio, GMEDI Asst. Vice President. He not only took up voice lessons too, he played the piano and guitar and realized later that he can also compose songs.
Some of these songs will be featured in his debut album which is now in the works, and which will be released middle of this year.

Mark has played with various bands but now has his own band called “Midj.” He has shifted into alternative music, he said.

Also joining Ernie and Mark on the stage is the Without Warning Band. Jocel Reyes directs.

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Kyla, Jay-R are ‘Soulmates’

Teaming up for a special pre-Valentine show are two of the country’s reigning R&B royalties, R&B Princess Kyla and R&B Prince Jay-R. The show called “Soulmates” will be staged at The Establishment at Bonifacio Global City tomorrow, Feb. 11.

Kindred spirits in more ways than one, Kyla and Jay-R have spawned many collaborative hits among them “Say That You Love Me” (2005) and the multi-awarded “Back In Time.” Produced by The Establishment, “Soulmates” is a production of ALV Events Int’l. Tickets are available at the venue.

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Duffy returns with ‘Endlessly’

One of the most successful female vocalists of this decade, Duffy, is back with her 10-track, second album from MCA Music which contains upbeat danceable beats as well as laidback acoustic tunes – “Endlessly.”

“At one point I thought ‘is this going to be an indie record?’” she laughs. “That’s what it was beginning to sound like.” Lyrically it’s more empowered, heartfelt and worldly-wise, but also saucier and more fun.

“I think one can be a little bit afraid of being frivolous with music, of being tongue-in-cheek,” she says. “Sometimes it really is just about having fun.”

Written and recorded in New York and London, over the past year, the album has formed a unique partnership between veteran writer Albert Hammond and the singer herself. The legendary songwriter-producer Albert Hammond is known for writing the classic songs “When I Need You,” “The Air That I Breathe” and “To All The Girls I Loved Before.”

To download “Well, Well, Well” as a ringback tone, Just text the codes: KI846 and send to 2332 for Globe & Touch Mobile subscribers or WWW and send to 2728 for Smart and Talk & Text subscribers. For SUN subscribers, text 5491001 and send to 2300.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 10, go to Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando, Mrs. Tessie Ruiz Daza, Tessie Salas, Nimfa Fallarme, Ma. Lourdes Lano, Jake Azul, Sid Malhabour, Dr. Gemma N. Sahagun, Vanessa Peralta, Edna Floro, Sis. Aida T. Frencillo O.P. Dominican Sister of the Trinity and Chelsea Nicole Ventura Layos…