The music lives on at Calesa bar

After 35 years of providing exciting entertainment, Hyatt Regency Manila’s Calesa Music Bar and Lounge continues the tradition with a series of musical feasts.

Entertainment Director and Resident Pianist, lawyer Rudy Francisco, is the center of this celebration. He is a passionate pianist who not only helped build the careers of superstars with his conscientious coaching but also served as father, brother, counsellor to a number of celebrities.

Rudy’s loyalty to Hyatt is legendary. Tempting offers were made by sheiks, presidents and royalty but Rudy stayed at Hyatt. He was, and still is, a permanent fixture at Hyatt come rain or shine, political turmoil or none. Humble as he is.

His father Maximo (a musician, graduate of the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music) and mother Consolacion (a school teacher) instilled in Rudy the value of faithfulness to his craft.

Music lessons from his dad and rich experiences culled from playing for the orchestra of Mamaril, piano demonstration for music stores and other gigs, molded Rudy into what he is.

Hyatt’s Executive Assistant Manager for Food and Beverage Abel Nolasco is another factor in the success of the shows at Calesa Music Bar and Lounge. A young hotelier and a singer/musician, Abel feels his work at the Hyatt is a blessing. An audiophile who brings with him over 200 of his favorite CDs wherever he is assigned, Abel dabbles in singing and playing the saxophone.

Joining the dream team of Rudy and Abel is Genny Puno, Hyatt’s Marketing Communications Manager whose classical piano training in her teen years gave her an understanding of music. She hardly practices anymore, but enjoys listening to whatever suits her mood, and continues to be amazed at how the three-man group Rudy and Friends (with Ray Ama on flute and Arnold Agcaoili on bass) can sound as good as a recording.

The Calesa series started out late August and will continue until the first quarter of 2003. A commemorative CD is being prepared (only for promotional purposes) in time for the holidays. Aside from the monthly specials participated in by Hyatt "alumni," a grand reunion is also planned in time for Rudy’s 35th anniversary with the hotel in March 2003.

Meanwhile, the productive trio continues to put together more special shows. On Nov. 13 Wednesday, Dulce takes centerstage, dishing out songs she used to sing at Calesa. Abel promises to do a couple of duets with Dulce, maybe Esta Tarde and Somos Sovios.

For this interview, Rudy goes on a nostalgia trip as he reminisces on Calesa stars:

Verni Varga

Signature song: Take Five.

She is "the singer’s singer." She is idolized not only by the crowd but by the singers themselves. She has the looks, the voice, the moves, the feel of the song, the ‘oomph!’ Take Five was originally recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet as an instrumental piece. Verni added her own sound effects using her own voice, so you can say that her version is also an original."

Janet Basco

Signature song: This Time I’ll Be Sweeter.

She was only 17 when she started and she was popular with the boys. Her manager used to schedule her admirers’ visit so they wouldn’t bump into each other! She was always the first singer to introduce new songs to the Calesa crowd."

Manila Band

(John Lesaca, Cash Manalang, and Danny Ong, later joined by Dingdong Eduque and Edmund Formoso)

"They were the first all-male band who sang at Calesa. During their time, the who’s who of Manila came to watch because many of them were friends of the manager, Sandy Daza. They specialized in Noel Pointer pieces, pop hits of the ‘80s, and Beatle songs."

Anna Fegi

"Anna has a soothing voice that is a cross between Celine Dion’s and Barbra Streisand’s."

Marissa Sanchez

Signature song: Some Good Things Never Last.

"Marissa ‘grew up’ in Calesa. She has a good voice and a comedic talent which the audience enjoys."

Dulce

Signature song: Ako ang Nagwagi.

"Her voice has the sound of a roaring 747 taking off! It is so powerful that is does not need amplification."

Rudy’s recollection is interrupted by a call for rehearsal. He returns to Calesa Music Bar and Lounge, promising more stories to fill the evening. Maybe more stories to fill the rest of the years!