The ‘ultimate’ love songs

Joey Albert says fans sing along when she performs “Tell Me.”

Every year, Inquirer Entertainment helps readers pick a show for that special day, by asking the concert artists to talk about their gigs …and romance.

‘Our Love Songs (OPM Greatest Hits: Live)’

Joey Albert and The Company; Feb. 13, 8 p.m., Music Museum; call 8919999, 7210635 or 7216726

‘Only You’

Christian Bautista, Matt Monro Jr. and The Platters; Feb. 14, 8 p.m., PICC Plenary Hall; Feb. 16, 8 p.m., Newport Performing Arts Theater; call 4702222, 9115555 or 8919999

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Which of your love songs do most fans connect with the most, and why do you think that is?

Joey Albert: “Tell Me,” for sure. Random people used to share with me their life stories, how “Tell Me” helped them nurse their broken hearts.

To this day, in every concert I do anywhere in the world, the audiences sing along in resounding unison—with feelings! Actually, they start screaming the minute I sing the first two notes. What a glorious feeling!

Christian Bautista: It’s still “The Way You Look at Me.” It’s a song about the strength in love usually seen when one stares intently into the eyes of his one and only.

Donne Ray Radford of The Platters: The biggest favorite of all of our songs is “Only You.” I believe it’s because people [can relate to] the song’s sentiment and beautiful lyrics.

Matt Monro Jr.: “Portrait of My Love,” a song my dad recorded for my mom. It says everything about the beauty of a woman when she wins a man’s heart. To me, it is the ultimate love song, and I think Filipinos relate very well to it.

What’s the most important thing to remember when doing a Valentine show?

JA: In Valentine shows, I make sure that all kinds of love—not just romantic love—

are celebrated.

Chistian Bautista thinks his loyal followers are sweet.

CB: That the show is all about love and all its aspects, and that I should fully express the true meaning of the love songs that I sing.

DRR: The audience members are out for an evening of love songs and romance, each one with a partner. As entertainers, we must be very mindful of this.

MM: I’ve always thought of the Philippines as my second home. For me, Valentine’s Day is about the love I feel for the Filipino people.

What’s the sweetest thing a fan has done for you? Has anyone dared to ask you out?

JA: No (laughs)! Oh, that would be a first! But I’ve experienced fans doing amazing things for me. They would come up to me after a concert with half-torn autographed [paper] I signed 30 years ago…very touching.

But for Valentine’s Day, one memory stands out: I came out of the hotel after a concert, and a random guy came up to me and gave me those roses that you buy on the street…with matching kneeling pa!

CB: Yes, a couple of times! But one thing I consider really sweet is that they have stayed with me until now.

DRR: Yes, indeed. But not for a number of years now!

Many years ago, we played a fundraiser for a children’s hospital, giving our services free of charge. Tickets to the event were very expensive. On the night of the show…one Platters fan in the audience got up and said he would match whatever amount had been raised…that was the sweetest thing a fan has done for us.

MM: The sweetest thing a fan has ever done is ask me to marry her. I was so surprised I stopped the show and walked down to the audience to give her a kiss…This happened in Manila a few years ago, and since then, I’ve been getting the question a lot, even from men! But no one ever asked on the most romantic day of the year. You never know, I may say yes!

What can we look forward to in your concert?

JA: More fun and memorable times with true, genuine and excellent musicians and friends (The CompanY).

CB: Romance in the air…great love songs that will fill your senses with delight. And of course, we’ll surely have a great time enjoying one another’s company.

DRR: An evening of love and romance, and a chance to hear all those lovely hits again, like “Only You,” “The Great Pretender” and “Twilight Time,” to name a few.

MM: My favorite part of the show is when I come down the stage, and sing to the [ladies]. It’s a special moment I always cherish when I visit the Philippines. Allan Policarpio

‘Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics, Live in Manila’

Known for 1970s radio hits such as “Betcha By Golly Wow,” “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” and “You’ll Never Get to Heaven (If You Break My Heart),” among others, R&B singer Russell Thompkins Jr. and his band The New Stylistics will be back in Manila to perform in a Valentine’s Day dinner show at the Isla Grand Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La, Manila. (Set dinner is at 7 p.m.; show starts at 9. Contact TicketWorld at 8919999).

Thompkins and The New Stylistics performed in Manila last year. In an e-mail interview, the singer, whose music career spans over three decades, discussed the show mounted by Steve O’Neal Productions.

Russel Thompkins Jr. (right) and The New Stylistics

How will your Valentine show in the Philippines be different this time?

My show will basically be the same because everyone wants to hear the hits, [or] their favorite Stylistics songs. There might be a few surprises!

Which of your love songs do fans respond to the most, and how would you explain such a connection?

Every fan has a favorite love song. Maybe it describes the way they feel about someone, or maybe it’s something they would like to say to someone.

How would you describe the perfect love song?

It’s a song that [helps create] romance.

What qualities make the group’s music enduring?

The songwriters and arrangers created an atmosphere with words and music that everyone in love can understand.

What is the most important thing to remember when performing a Valentine’s show?

Give the people what they want! Oliver M. Pulumbarit

‘A Love Affair’

The New Minstrels Divos—

Rene Puno, Ding Mercado, Chad Borja, Eugene Villaluz and Ray An Fuentes—will perform with Pilita Corrales in a show, “A Love Affair,” to be held on Valentine’s Day at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. For tickets, visit TicketNet (www.ticketnet.com.ph).