For the love of Dessa



Friends and industry colleagues of Dessa are mounting a fundraising show for the returning 1990s singer, who’s suffering from severe anemia and “problems” with her uterus and left ovary, which require her to undergo blood transfusion and hysterectomy soon.

Despite getting tired easily and experiencing bouts of palpitations and headaches, Dessa—dubbed as the “Front Act Queen” back in the day—continues to perform and give her all onstage. “I can’t really say I’m doing okay, but I have to work!” Dessa wrote in an e-mail to the Inquirer.

“My condition does affect my performances, but I try not to mind and show it,” she added.

Famous for the songs “Lipad ng Pangarap” and “Bring Back the Times” and a winner of different international singing competitions, Dessa migrated to the United States in 2004. “But now I plan to stay here in the Philippines for good,” said the singer, who’s in need of Type A+ blood.

Joining her in “Dessa and Friends”—to be held at Zirkoh Tomas Morato, Quezon City—are Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Dulce, Vernie Varga, Jamie Rivera and the The CompanY. For more info call, 09273394301.

What are you future plans?

My managers, friends and I have talked about doing recordings and more shows and gigs. We even talked about acting, which I’m very excited about! I hope everything pushes through!

What can the audience expect from the show?

It will be a night of jamming, with my friends doing solo numbers or singing duets with me. Anything goes; it’s going to be fun and casual—just like a party.

How does it feel that a lot of your colleagues in the music industry have been very supportive?

I feel blessed and thankful to have Regine, Tita Dulce, Vernie, Jamie and The CompanY as my friends. I didn’t know that I have so many friends who love me, especially in this industry where it’s very tough to find people that you can call true friends… I feel their love, concern and support. It’s so overwhelming.

Take Regine for instance. We were super close in the 1990s, but it has been decades since we last saw each other. I didn’t expect that she would still be still here for me.