Love is alive at Merk’s

MANILA, Philippines - With nearly 12 years of running and managing Merk’s Place, couple Richard Merk and Roni Tapia-Merk show no let-up in reinventing the place. They conceptualize shows and entertainment regularly to serve their loyal clientele better. Even in the food, they constantly offer new dishes to give guests a variety of their specialties on the menu.

This Valentine’s season, shows have been lined-up the entire week with artists featured in special treats that are sure to entertain regulars and bring in new guests who are certain to enjoy and experience a different presentation.

To kick off the Valentine treats at Merk’s Place on Feb. 11 are Emcy Corteza, Tex Faustino and brother Ding Faustino in Poppin’ Jazz. Tex is on drums while Ding plays first keyboards and is also the musical director. Emcy does vocals and grand piano.

The group does mostly fusion artists such as Seawind and Sergio Mendez. Also part of their repertoire are songs like More Today Than Yesterday, Bridges, Africa, Sweet Baby, Fool on a Hill, Never Existed Before, Through the Fire, Like a Lover, Mas Que Nada and Half a Minute.

On Feb. 12, it’s sing-along poetry for the night to express one’s idea of love. Sing your favorite love songs and do a free-willing expression of love the entire night.

On Feb. 13, a special show, Save Your Heart for Me, features Richard Merk and friends, Emcy, Ferdie Topacio and other top jazz artists singing a varied repertoire of jazz, standards, love songs and popular ballads.

On Valentine’s Day itself, another special performance on Feb. 14, My Cherie Amour features Richard, Jeannie Tiongco and Ferdie. Jeannie is the eldest daughter of Emil Tiongco of the famous ‘60s trio, Tiongco Brothers. At only 17, she started her singing career rendering standards, fusion and mainstream jazz.

Richard will sing such tunes as You Are the Sunshine of My Life, Save Your Heart for Me, Fly Me To the Moon, It Had To Be You, Here Comes the Rainy Day, Autumn Leaves, All of Me, The Nearness of You, Our Day Will Come, Bye, Bye Black Bird, Spain and My Cherie Amour.

Meanwhile, Henry Katindig and his band will also play such originals as You and Me, I Dream of You and Cool Summer to name a few, plus songs in Henry’s latest CD. Henry is a jazz keyboardist and has been a noted figure in the local jazz circuit.

On Feb. 15, Forever Young band takes center stage while Bloomfields plays on Feb. 19 and every Tuesday thereafter. Bloomfields is a quartet of talented young men who has captured a niche market in the music industry.

Over the past few years, Bloomfields has been entertaining people, young and old alike with its electric renditions of the ‘60s and ‘80s rock music. The band’s repertoire is predominantly upbeat but they include ballads and original compositions.

Bloomfields brings to life the chemistry of four distinct personalities and talents. Dino Pascual is the resident balladeer who also plays the guitar, keyboards and occasionally the harmonica. Louie Poco is the bass player who also does raspy, high-pitched rock n’ roll.

Lakan Hila plays the lead guitar and keyboards. He is also the group’s musical arranger. Rocky Collado is the drummer, famous for his improvised solos. He also does lead and back-up vocals.

Part of Bloomfields’ repertoire in its Merk’s stint includes The Beatles’ Eight Days a Week, Come Together, Back in the USSR, Hard Day’s Night, Get Back, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Help, Ticket To Ride, Let It Be, Hey Jude, Love Me Do, Here Comes the Sun and Imagine.

Bloomfields also does instrumentals, OPM and rock ’n roll like Elvis Presley’s Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog and Blue Suede Shoes, Chuck Berry’s Johnny Be Good, Beachboys’ Surfin’ USA, Richie Valens’ La Bamba, Rollingstones’ Satisfaction and Jumping Jack Flash, Queen’s Crazy Li’l Thing Called Love and James Brown’s I Feel Good.

Meanwhile, relax and unwind in Wednesday Jazz Night with Merk and friends featuring Richard, Ferdie, Emcy and other top jazz artists. Pat Castillo sings on Feb. 20 while Jacqui Magno performs on Feb. 27.

Merk’s Place is at the second floor of Colbella Arcade 910 Pasay Road, Makati City. For details, call 547-3146.