Romy Jorolan, the acoustic man

MANILA, Philippines - Mention his name in the live performance circuit and he gets instantly remembered by music lounge aficionados. Rightly so, since Romy Jorolan is considered an icon of Manila’s night club scene, with 25 years of musical experience tucked under his belt.

Performing an admirable mix of acoustic folk, country, R&B, light rock and pop-jazz, Romy gives a fresh take to contemporary tunes, dishing them out in his unique vocal style reminiscent of the likes of Don McLean, Christopher Cross, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Kenny Loggins and Kenny Rankin.

Long before acoustic music became the trend, Romy was already onstage, performing with his guitar. Of late, he sings with his six-member band, Acoustic Jive, which performs at Merk’s Bar and Bistro on Tuesdays from 9 p.m. onwards. Romy goes solo during happy hours at Merk’s on Mondays, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

As a solo performer, Romy sings different tunes with his band. A music critic hailed him as “one of the best acoustic singers in the Philippines, with a voice that is sometimes better than the original.”

The fifth child in a brood of six, Romy was born in Dumaguete, but grew up in Manila where his family moved when he was five. He attributes his musical inclination to his family. Dad plays the violin and mom can also sing. His brothers also play the piano and the guitar. Yet, it was only Romy who pursued a professional musical career.

Encouraged by his siblings and relatives, Romy further developed his vocal talent when he went to college. “They pushed me to sing and even asked me to go to night spots like Bodega,” he shares.

He also joined song festivals and competed in singing contests. “I won some and lost some,” Romy recalls.

While taking up Industrial Engineering at Adamson University, he auditioned at My Father’s Moustache. “I auditioned at 6 p.m. and by 7:30, they already made me perform onstage,” Romy shares. “It felt good to earn your own money at such a young age. For me, it was fulfilling. I practically supported myself throughout college. I earned my degree, but never got to practice it.”

Earning P60 a night, Romy sang for 11 years at My Father’s Moustache. He was there rain or shine, doing three sets a night and eventually capturing his loyal following. He started at about the same time with Joey Generoso, who later became the lead vocalist of the Side A Band.

In 1983, Romy put up his own band, Sound Movement, which performed at El Camarote Lounge of Holiday Inn Manila, alternating with Music and Magic. In the late ‘80s, he joined Silk Band with Joyce Banal (sister of Judith Banal) and performed at the Playboy Lounge of Silahis Hotel.

Romy also did lucrative singing stints in Japan and Singapore. Once, he dabbled in the trading business with his brothers, but was quite unsuccessful in his venture. “I guess my heart will always be into music,” Romy reasons out. “Music is my passion.”

In 1996, Romy sang at Larry’s Bar in Malate. By 2002, he was among the first few performers who opened Merk’s Bar and Bistro to the public. The now-famous music lounge and restaurant is owned by jazz prince Richard Merk and his wife, Roni Tapia-Merk. Romy regularly sings at Merk’s with Acoustic Jive.

His career has its highlights, too. He did a duet with Kevyn Lettau — their version of the James Ingram-Patti Austin hit, How Do You Keep the Music Playing? — at the launch of the NBC Tent. Romy also performed for the Tourism Department’s show in Paris. He also did commercial jingles for San Miguel and Gold Eagle beer.

He calls the shots for Acoustic Jive, who basks on having done the front act in the Manila concert of Acoustic Alchemy. Performing for a more discriminating audience, Acoustic Jive carries out jazz standards, pop tunes and even Brazilian rhythms. Also part of the group as a soloist is May Bayot.

Romy has proudly developed his own following as a solo performer so that he draws in the crowd wherever he sings. His repertoire includes hits by other artists such as Steely Dan, Sting, Stevie Wonder, U2, Bread, America, Kalapana, Bob Marley or even John Mayer and Babyface. Romy’s unique style and rendition is coupled with his excellent audience rapport.

“Every now and then, I update my repertoire and include 10 new songs,” Romy informs. “I also give in to requests from the audience so they will appreciate me more as a performer.”

Merk’s Happiest Happy Hours from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. offers free pulutan for beer and even a wine buffet at a particular time. The venue is close to Romy’s heart that’s why whenever there’s a chance for him to perform at Merk’s, he never passes it up.

Aside from performing in top night spots in the city, Romy sings on weddings and corporate functions, solo or with his band.

“For the past 25 years, I’ve performed around the city,” Romy beams. “There were ups and downs in my career, but I still consider myself fortunate. The more I got older, the more good breaks I get. I’m endlessly blessed, that’s why I’m thankful. I always count my blessings.”