Joey vows to never quit singing

There are some things Joey Albert doesn’t miss about the biz—the intrigues, the social pressure, the network war. But as it has always been, what fuels her passion is the singing itself, which she has never thought of giving up, despite having had to endure three arduous bouts with cancer.

“All I miss is being onstage, holding a microphone, hearing beautiful music, and singing along to it. It transports me to a different world,” she told the Inquirer in a recent interview for “Celebrate Love,” her Valentine’s concert with American singer-songwriter Dennis Lambert, set on Feb. 14 at Solaire’s The Theatre. (Call TicketWorld at 8919999.)

Joey, who’s based in Vancouver, Canada, had her last chemotherapy session for colorectal cancer in November 2015, and was happy to relate that she’s now cancer-free.

“I underwent some tests before my trip to Manila, and the results were normal,” said Joey, who was previously diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1995 and colon cancer in 2003.

While she intends to slow down this year to focus on her health, the former New Minstrels member doesn’t see herself quitting any time soon.

According to Joey, her battles with the Big C have not diminished her will to be onstage. In fact, she soldiered on to perform with The CompanY in a Valentine’s show last year, despite having been told two weeks before that she had cancer once again.

“My drive comes from my desire to give back. It was never my plan to become a singer. Somehow, I feel that this is something I didn’t truly deserve—all the more reason for me to be thankful,” she pointed out. “The more grateful you are, the more blessed you become.”

In Canada, where she runs a Catholic daycare center, Joey keeps her voice in shape and satiates her thirst for performing by playing gigs with the Manila Band Vancouver every so often.

Meanwhile, Joey related that her coming concert is a special one, because she’ll be sharing the stage with one of her favorite artists growing up. “Imagine being in a show with someone you always listened to back in high school,” she said. “I associate Dennis with that part of my life.”

Aside from their respective hits (Dennis’ include “Ashes to Ashes” and “Somebody Found Her”), Joey, who popularized the song “Tell Me” in the 1980s, promised not a few surprise numbers. “I may sing a Bruno Mars song!” she quipped, laughing.