Ella May Saison, dubbed the "Queen of Soul," is back and she’s really making her presence felt in the local music scene. Initially, she just wanted to take a vacation and visit her family but the way things are turning out, she might stay longer in the country this time.
Ella May, the voice behind the haunting "Till My Heartaches End" and "If the Feeling is Gone," has been US-based for quite a time ever since she left the country to record for Katrina and Jack Ponce Enrile’s Kats Eye Entertainment in the US. She just comes home to visit every now and then.
The R&B soul singer, who arrived last November, said she decided to stay a while "when opportunities came and they just kept on pouring..." She really had her hands full ever since and a big one is forthcoming. It’s a concert series entitled "Soulful — Ella May Saison Live in Concert" to be staged at the Music Museum starting on May 13-14.
With her brother Elhmir Saison as musical director, Ella May will have as special guest performers Nina, the Akafellas and Jimmy Bondoc.
Ella May recently launched her comeback album of revivals and remakes under Star Records. She’s still very thrilled at reviving Sharon Cuneta’s hit song "Now That You’re Gone" in the album. Certainly, this will reconnect her with local fans, Ella May felt.
Ella May started singing when she was only seven years old. It helped that for her family music is a way of life. At 16, she was already singing professionally, at the Manila Garden Hotel, now (Dusit Nikko Hotel).
About her US stint under Kats Eye Entertainment, Ella May recalled "they wanted to bring someone to represent the country. It was a career move. They really believed in me. I went to the US to sign up with Kat’s Eye for a five-year contract." Two of her songs landed on the Billboard Charts in l997. Another one, "Reminiscing" with Cece Peniston, again landed on top of the Billboard charts.
Then, Ella May worked for Banana Republic in Hollywood and UCLA in West California. Ella May also worked in a music store. Some of her clients included Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Baby Face. She admitted she could have been a bigger star here hadn’t she gone to the US. The dream to make it internationally remains, but she wants to be known in her own country first.
"I want Ella May to be a brand. I want people to remember me through my songs," she stressed.
Incidentally, Ella May will perform live at the Discovery Suites’ Serendipity Lounge tonight. With special guest Joaquin, the "Rediscover Ella May" lounge series presents the singer in a dynamic and confident performance as she dishes out her very own hits and some of today’s most popular R&B and rock-soul songs. Ella May will also be performing songs from her recently released CD Lite entitled "Soulful," released by Star Records.
Presented by Discovery Suites, San Miguel Corp., Joey@Rhythms 92.3 and Viva Mineral Water, the show will also be staged on April 29, May 27, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26, Sept. 30, Oct. 28. Nov. 25 and Dec. 16.
* * *
Cesar’s heart goes out
to Bohol children
Actor Cesar Montano will spearhead a special fund-raising concert for the families of the victims of food poisoning in Bohol at Merk’s Bar Bistro tomorrow, April 2, 8 p.m.
"My heart cried out for the children when I personally visited the school where the children were enrolled," said Montano who just won the Best Actor Trophy for his role in "Panaghoy Sa Suba" which won seven other awards in the last Metro Manila Film Festival.
Called "Panaghoy ng mga Bata," the fund-raising concert will be headed by Richard Merk who offered the venue and will perform for free in this concert for a cause.
Montano said he envisioned for the victims of food poisoning need not be limited to financial help. "We are also asking agencies and institutions to volunteer services of counsellors who can help families and survivors cope with the tragedy," said Montano. "I visited the schools and discovered that a few of those who died were outstanding pupils of their respective schools. I intend to honor the memory of those children by exhibiting their drawings and helping the schools with some basic facilities.
Cesar Montano will also lead the array of artists performing in "Panaghoy ng mga Bata’ along with Luke Mejares, Jenine Desiderio, Richard Merk, Rico Puno, Marco Sison, Rey Valera, Hajji Alejandro, Boyet de Leon, Bobot Mortiz, Willie Revillame among others.
"It’s our own ways of helping the victims of the tragic incident in Bohol," said Richard Merk who will also donate his services for this special concert.
Montano said there is a lot that can be learned from this tragedy and one of which is to look into the conditions of the schools where these children are enrolled. The actor appealed to corporations to donate for this worthy cause.
"We will be rebuilding their own out classrooms and facelift their school building and build a library for them. We plan to work with Dra. Honey Carandang, family child psychologist, doing sessions with families and children affected in coping with trauma and depression," said Montano.
Prospective donors may deposit their donations straight to Account name: Panaghoy ng mga Bata at any Bank of the Philippine Islands branch with account number BPI-CA 0011-1781-89. For inquiries, please call tel. no. 757-4720 or cell 0917-8241465.
* * *
Tidbits:Happy b-day greetings today, April 1, go to Tirso Cruz lll, Dr. Lettie Escarte, Melinda Hidalgo, Mae Romero-Guiao, Vicky Dee, Mrs. Charing Katigbak, Johnson Kwang, Suzie Moya-Benitez and Samboy Lim...
