Elvis is Coming to Marco Polo

CEBU, Philippines - “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog,” “It’s Now or Never,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” and “Teddy Bear” are certified rock and roll hits. These are some of the hits Elvis will be belting out during his gigs on June 20 and 21 at the Lobby Lounge of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

The show is part of the Father’s Day weekend package by Marco Polo Plaza Hotel as they try to give fathers a unique kind of entertainment, something that will make them hum a tune or two.

When I spoke to Elvis Sunday evening, he told me that he is currently polishing his repertoire. He said he was jamming with a special band assembled by Carlo Borromeo, promotions and events manager of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

The band includes some of the best musicians in Cebu with Reggie Bernaldez, Mark Nadela, (drums), Jericho Limosnero, (piano) and Popoy Calumba (bass).

The last time I inquired, Elvis was practicing with the band for three whole hours and will be rehearsing again a few days before the event.

He’s that serious about this engagement and said he wants everything to be perfect. The other day, when I met him at Casa Ilongga, he refused my offer of a cold drink because he said he wants to “preserve” his vocal chords for those two evenings.

I asked him what the audience could expect and nonchalantly he said, “This will be a trip down memory lane where hits of Elvis from the 50’s to the 70’s will be relived.”

I believe him. There was no mistaking who was singing when he takes on the microphone. At least his version of these hits.

Elvis is no stranger to the Visayan crowd. Last December he performed in several TV shows in Iloilo City including Tatak Ilonggo where Iloilo Cable TV aired his performance for a week.

He also appeared over CCTN 47 with Sam Costanilla in the program Sam Enchanted Evening. In September last year, he represented The Freeman during the Press Freedom week celebration and wowed the crowd with his antics.

This Elvis dresses in old-school rock-and-roll costumes like aviator glasses, jumpsuit, medallions, black and white striped shirt or even a black leather jacket. His costumes (locked in a safe deposit box) were part of the original Elvis wardrobe – straight from Memphis – supplied by his brother.

Well, only the sideburns will be not so original, I was fooled myself. Sans the sideburns, Raffy Uytiepo will be Elvis personified those two nights at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

When he starts singing, he sounds, he moves, he dances, and he mimics the “King.” Hotel patrons and visitors who will be early will get a chance to pose with Elvis, as he will be at Café Marco an hour before the show.

I have crossed out June 21 in my calendar for this special performance by Elvis. Would suggest other fathers do the same. This will be a hell of a show – that’s guaranteed.

Editor’s Note: The author is a contributing editor and columnist in this paper’s Sports section. Elvis (AKA Raffy Uytiepo in media circles) is an active race organizer as well as sports columnist for this paper.