David Pomeranz gives benefit show for ‘Yolanda’ victims today

David Pomeranz was set to perform in Tacloban, Leyte on Nov. 23 as part of his current Philippine tour. But because of the devastation that supertyphoon “Yolanda” wrought in the Visayas, the American singer-songwriter decided to give a benefit concert for the hard-hit city instead.

For someone who considers the Philippines his second home—having performed here on more than 20 occasions in the past— helping was a reflex reaction to the singer-songwriter.

“Shocking” was the first word that came to his mind, he said, upon seeing a video footage of “Yolanda’s” wrath. “But there are really no words to describe something like that,” he said in a recent press con. “I had a similar reaction to the 9/11 attacks. I’m glad that I’m here and can be of help.” He was delighted to see the international community extending a helping hand, too. “It’s just terrific,” he said.

In a previous interview, the artist behind such hits as “Born for You,” “King and Queen of Hearts” and “Got to Believe in Magic” told the Inquirer that the Filipinos’ “warmth and love for his music” were just two of the many reasons that he kept coming back to the country.

“There’s this feeling of togetherness,” he said.

It’s Pomeranz’s turn to give back via his concert, “Got to Believe,” today at Resorts World Manila’s (RWM) Bar 360. Part of the proceeds, he said, is earmarked for “Yolanda” survivors.

Allan Policarpio

‘Engelbert Humperdinck Live in Manila’

Veteran singer Engelbert Humperdinck will perform on Dec. 4 at RWM’s Newport Performing Arts Theater.

One of the hottest male pop idols of the 1960s, Humperdinck winds up the pre-Christmas offering from Ovation Productions, on Dec. 5 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

This is the crooner’s fourth time in the Philippines. “The King of Romance” continues to captivate listeners with his repertoire, which covers a broad range of genres.

Among Humperdinck’s chart-toppers are “Release Me,” “Quando, Quando, Quando,” “The Way It Used to Be,” “Strangers in the Night,” “After the Loving,” “Dance the Night Away,” “Spanish Eyes,” “There Goes My Everything,” “Am I That Easy to Forget” and many more.

For tickets, call 908-8000 loc. 7700/891-9999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph or www.ticketnet.com.

Wang Chung, Naked Eyes

Solaire Resort and Casino and JCI Senate Manila present 1980s bands Naked Eyes and Wang Chung in “Back 2 Back Throwback,” Dec. 5 at the Solaire Grand Ballroom.

Naked Eyes’ hits include “Always Something There to Remind Me” and “Promises, Promises.” Wang Chung popularized “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” “Hypnotize Me” and “Let’s Go!”

For tickets, log on to www.smtickets.com.