FRESH from sentimental yet electrifying SRO shows in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, multi-awarded singing superstar and Philippine Music Icon Imelda Papin is set to captivate her Ontario fans and friends with the same vocal power and dynamic stage presence that earned for her the latter’s respect and admiration.
But when Papin performs at her “Bakit” Concert at the Toronto International Celebration Church, 190 Railside Road, North York, Ontario (not at the Toronto Centre for the Arts as earlier advertised) at 8 p.m. of May 27, Friday, she will be doing so “for a big cause.”
Giving back
The emotion of “Kung liligaya ka sa piling ng iba (If you’ll find happiness in the company of significant others)…” and the romantic hit “Isang Linggong Pag-Ibig (A Week of Love)” will have to equal Papin’s commitment to help less fortunate kababayans (compatriots) get free dialysis and other erstwhile expensive medical treatment in the Philippines.
“More than just seeing your sentimental songstress perform, you will also be helping many less fortunate Filipinos,” Papin tells fans.
“A big part of the proceeds of the concert would be coursed to the IAP Foundation, which supports juvenile patients at the Philippine General Hospital and a Dialysis Centre at the Quezon City General Hospital,” she said.
“Limited personally-signed CD albums will also be given to fans and concertgoers for a donation of $20 or more to the IAP Foundation,” she added.
In the May 27 concert, Papin will highlight every successful artist’s commitment to “give back to the tens of thousands of people who gave them the chance to shine and have memorable and rewarding careers.”
With Imelda onstage
Joining Papin onstage are Toronto’s Juness Talon and Zenamon Twist composed of Zena Zagala, Edmund Arevalo, Andy Gabriel and Manny Bade.
Parel Web Net Inc. is bringing Imelda Papin, the Philippine Jukebox Queen, to Toronto, in cooperation with Los Angeles-based 618 International Entertainment Inc. — which recorded and produced Imelda Papin’s latest CD albums — and Action Honda under General Manager Rafael Nebres.
Donors and benefactors include FV Foods, Ready Honda, Kapuso Lions Club, Bayan Grocers and Ernie and Maria Tanglao. Tonnie Furto is Papin’s hair and make-up artist for the concert.
Tickets start at $40. Ticket reservations and purchases may be made with Juliet at 416-477-7165.
Quintessential artist
A native of Presentacion, Camarines Sur province in the Bicol region, the Philippines, Papin started her musical career at an early age, joining and winning singing contests until she moved to Manila as a rising entertainment star.
She attended Bitaogan Elementary School, St. Bridget High School, University of the East, and the University of Hawaii, where she took Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce with a major in Management.
Before hopping on to the recording industry, she was a finalist and Best Talent winner in the Miss Republic of the Philippines beauty pageant.
Papin recorded blockbuster songs like Babaeng Makasalanan (Woman of Sin), Mahal, Saan Ka Nanggaling Kagabi (Dear, Where Did You Come From Last Night) , Huwag (Don’t), Bakit (Why), Isang Linggong Pag-ibig, and many more big hits.
While on the high note as a singer, she starred in seven Philippine films and hosted a talent show on Philippine TV Channels 9 and 13, later receiving the Star Awards’ Best Talent Show Host with Eddie Mercado.
She went to Las Vegas where she became a regular performer and did her own two-hour radio program over KLAV 1230 AM (Talk of Las Vegas) every Sunday.
She is also the first Filipino artist to host a three-hour telethon on Channel 18 in Los Angeles, California, where she hosted a television program over LA 18 and the one-hour television program Imelda Papin in America.
Political journey
She served as vice governor in Camarines Sur, the first woman to be elected and re-elected to the position in the province.
As an elected official in 1998, Papin worked hard to put up Integrated People’s Centers in every town and increase the number of school buildings in the province; as she initiated scholarship and milk-feeding programs that helped close to 300,000 schoolchildren, to name a few of her initiatives as a sincere, dedicated and honest public servant.
She was later recognized for her public service efforts and was presented the Most Outstanding Vice Governor of the Philippines Award.
Toronto visit
While in Toronto before her Bakit Concert, Papin will make the rounds to guest in Tinig-Himig Pinoy Radio, CIAO 530 AM (Mondays, 10-11 p.m.) hosted by Roman Carretas and in Talakayan Radio Pilipino, CHKT 1430 AM (Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.) hosted by Jess Cabrias.
She likewise hopes to bring to the fore her transformation from a simple country girl to a stylish performer, an inspiration to the many who dream and stay the course. (PR)