At 71, Edgar Mortiz stages his first concert

MANILA, Philippines — Nothing is never late in life as long as you pursue it. Having a concert at 71 happened for actor-turned-TV director Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz last June 13 at the full-house Proscenium Theater.

Edgar made it happen, no matter how belatedly. Two years ago, he launched his eight-track debut album, “Goin’ Standard,” when he turned 70. This time, he took the stage for the first time and did a solo concert. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) backed him up with Maestro Rodel Colmenares wielding the baton and also being the musical director.

It was not a tall order to make Edgar sing onstage and revisit the soundtrack of his stellar career. He was only 13 years old when he started singing professionally and joined “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in 1967. Nora Aunor came after him, and they were first paired onstage before the Vilma-Edgar became known. He started singing standard songs ever since.

When he sauntered onstage, Edgar instructed the orchestra not to play any intro. He immediately greeted the packed theater. “I’m Edgar Mortiz,” he humbly told the audience. “Please just ask any senior seatmate beside you, they will know me.”

His erstwhile love team partner, Vilma Santos, was not around, but she sent a video greeting, congratulated him, and promised to join him next time onstage if ever the concert stages a repeat.

The crowd hardly had Gen Zs in the audience. But the seniors around undoubtedly made Edgar’s heart swell. “I know you are here not to hear me sing,” he smilingly said. “You’re not here for my music. I just know you all love me.”

He started by crooning Frank Sinatra originals — Somewhere In Your Heart, followed by For Once In My Life, Let Me Try Again (written by Paul Anka) and The Lady Is a Tramp.

He also delivered Tony Bennett’s Yesterday I Heard the Rain, James Ingram’s How Do You Keep the Music Playing? and the “saddest love song written” that was really beautiful, You and Me (We Wanted It All), popularized by Frank Sinatra.

Edgar reminded everyone that his “Goin’ Standard” album was being sold at the theater lobby in vinyl form. The album was released by Curve Entertainment.

Klarisse de Guzman was the first guest who emerged onstage, and Edgar did a duet with her of What Now My Love. His former “Goin’ Bulilit” star Alexa Ilacad did Tony’s If I Ruled the World with him. “I’ve known you all my life,” said Alexa, who started as a child star in ‘Goin’ Bulilit.”

With Julie Anne San Jose, Edgar carried out Something Stupid, then the singer-actress was left onstage to belt out Etta James’ At Last. Edgar’s daughter, Calin Mortiz, did Who Can I Turn To with him.

The powerhouse guests that night were Edgar’s longtime friends, veteran actors Christopher de Leon and Tirso Cruz III, who rendered Come Fly With Me (Let’s Fly Away) with him.

Edgar left the two onstage, and Boyet and Pip, as they were fondly called, gave the audience Fly Me To the Moon, Night and Day, Our Day Will Come, That Sweet Little Thing To Me, Bring Back the Pieces and I Love You More Today Than Yesterday. Their numbers were much anticipated and well applauded.

“We are not rich, but we are not poor, either,” Edgar shared with the audience. “We owned passenger jeeps, which my father and I drove around. My father gave me P500 to record my first song that started my career.” Then he crooned My Pledge of Love.

“When I sang My Pledge of Love before, the crowd would instantly scream just when the first line of the song was played,” Edgar reminded everyone and requested the orchestra to stop playing. “My pledge of love cannot be broken,” his first line went, and the crowd went wild, as if reminding him about the early days of his movies with Vilma.

Edgar’s wife, Millet, was in the audience. He acknowledged her, as they have been married for 49 years. They tied the knot when Millet was only 17, had four children and by the time she was 21, she was already “ligated,” as he disclosed. He dedicated the song, Happy Anniversary, to her.

Mikko Angeles worked at the helm of “Goin’ Standard” which had a star-studded audience starting with direk Edgar’s family. His sisters-in-law, Charo and Malou Santos, showed their support by being there. Sen. Robin Padilla came with brother Rommel. Showbiz stars close to the family were also around — Lorna Tolentino, Sandy Andolong and Gina Alajar.

Directors Olive Lamasan and Al Tantay, Malou Choa-Fagar, Bibeth Orteza, Lyn Ynchausti, Ali Sotto, Darius Razon, comedians Jason Gainza and Empoy Marquez, Ali Forbes, Ana Marin were in the audience.

Newport World Resorts executive Kevin Tan, lawyer Ferdie Topacio, concert impresario Renen de Guia, recording executive Rudy Tee and “Goin’ Standard” concert producer Narciso Chan were in the house, too.