So when was the last time you heard those lines (from Diana) sung "live" by Paul Anka, considered the most enduring pop idol of all time?
Me? A few years ago when Anka topbilled a Valentine concert at the PICC Plenary Hall. I remember that Tony P. and I were seated at the last row of the balcony section, the farthest from the stage, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the show to the max.
The good news is that Anka is coming for yet another show on May 14 and 15 at the Araneta Coliseum, the same place where he performed to SRO crowds in the ’60s when he was at his prime. The two-night concert, produced by Viva Concerts, will highlight the Mother’s Day celebration. Anka fans then are now mothers and grandmothers who have hopefully nurtured their children (and grandchildren) on Paul Anka songs.
As Anka fans know, Diana was composed by Anka when he was only 16 in honor of an older girl he had a crush on while in high school in his native Canada. The song went on to sell 10 million records and marked the beginning of one of the most hit-filled careers in the history of pop music.
This time, I hope to seat at the front row of the Big Dome to enjoy even more such standard Paul Anka hits as You Are My Destiny, All of a Sudden (My Heart Sings), Lonely Boy, Put Your Head on My Shoulder, It’s Time to Cry, Puppy Love, My Hometown, Tonight My Love Tonight, Dance on Little Girl, Eso Beso, Adam and Eve, Cinderella, Let Me Get to Know You, Verboten, I Miss You So, Having My Baby, Times of Your Life and, but of course, My Way which Anka composed for Frank Sinatra and recorded his own version. If he does She’s a Lady (which he composed for Tom Jones), Autumn Leaves (the best version ever, bar none) and It’s Hard to Say Goodbye (his duet with Regine Velasquez) that will be a bonus.
While other singers (and actors as well) resorted to drugs, guess what kept Anka forever high?
"I partied with Sinatra and Sammy (Davis Jr.) and Elvis (Presley)," he was quoted in an interview, "and I saw what hard drinking and drugs did to them. I got my high on stage."
(Note: Tickets to Paul Anka Live in Manila: I Did It My Way are priced at P6,000 for patron, P5,000 for lower box, P3,000 for upper box A, P1,500 for upper box B and P500 for general admission. Tickets are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets and at the Araneta Coliseum box office. For inquiries, call 911-5555.)
Several stars have expressed willingness to rent booths (P3,000 per) and sell everything they want to. Anybody can rent a stall and contribute even a little share to the fund for the landslide victims.
The event also includes a free concert. The initial list of performers include Gary Valenciano, Heart Evangelista, Donita Rose, and Richard and Raymond Gutierrez. More artists are willing to perform gratis et amore.
Incidentally, Ruffa and daughters Lorin and Venice will be joined here by her husband, Yilmaz Bektas.
"He’s missing us," said Ruffa.
(Note: Those who want to rent a stall may call Jay Bautista at 0920-9236280. Entrance fee to the Bazaar is P300 each, inclusive of snacks and the chance to watch the concert. For tickets, call 727-2536, look for Liza.)
"My achievement," said Mildred, pointing to Michael (brother John wasn’t around) over snacks at Annabel’s Restaurant. "Now you know why I don’t have any regrets having left showbiz."
Tall and goodlooking, Michael could be in showbiz (he plays the guitar) or in the military but he opted not to follow in his parents’ footsteps. After finishing grade school at Lirdes and high school in San Diego, California, and later at Brent School in the Philippines, Michael took up AB Philosophy in UP and tucked up a degree in Law at Touro (a Jewish school) in New York.
"I concentrate on litigation and immigration cases," volunteered Michael who is here for a three-week vacation, his first in six years.
Asked how life is in The Big Apple, Michael said okay lang.
"I share a room with an engineer-friend. Like everybody else, we do everything – the laundry, the cleaning, all the household chores."
For her part, Mildred (who quit co-hosting the TV public-service show Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko three years ago after 14 years) has been concentrating on being wife to Mitch (now vice president of Filinvest) and mom to their sons. Every now and then, she sings in fund-raising shows (such as one for Bahay Kalinga). In 2004, Mildred ran for councilor in Quezon City but, she said, "Never again!"
Incidentally, Filipinos here and abroad who wish to hire the services of "Atty. Michael Templo" may call these numbers: 212-668-8888 (landline) and 646-417-1088 (mobile), New York; and 0906-358-3423, Manila (good only until March 12).
How much does he charge?
"Very reasonable," said Michael. "Very affordable."
The truth, according to Mildred, is that Michael wants more to serve his kababayan than to earn money (unlike other immigration lawyers).
(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)