Richard Merk is Grateful

MANILA, Philippines — After surviving last year’s car accident that left him immobile for nearly the entire 2016, jazz prince Richard Merk has been constantly grateful to God for the “gift of life.” With his wife, Roni Merk, who undoubtedly helped him recover from the accident despite her own sickness, Richard remains blessed.

His right leg nearly got amputated. “God healed me and made sure that I have my right leg in good condition,” Richard shared. “I also thank my physician, Dr. Luinio Tongson.”

Every morning, Richard posts encouraging messages on his Facebook and sends it to his close friends, inspiring them with his testimony about how God has healed him and the blessings that he has been consistently thankful for.

Turning 63 on Oct. 14, Richard cannot be happier that he is able to perform live again and do what he loves most, which is singing. On the night of his birthday, Richard will stage Grateful, a concert at Musica Bar in Greenhills. He first staged Grateful when he turned 60, three years ago.

“My journey in life and music continues,” Richard asserts. “Through this concert, I want to share the miracle that happened to me. It was truly a blessing and I believe, I can achieve this by sharing the healing process, the faith that I would be healed and that there is a God who loves us all.”

Richard credits his mom, 84-year-old jazz queen Annie Brazil, as well as his late father, James Bernard Merk, for igniting his passion for music. His parents met in Okinawa, Japan, where his mother sang in a military club and his dad was the lead announcer in a radio show that played jazz music. His dad dedicated songs to his mom.

“Richard was Okinawa-made,” reveals Roni. “His dad was like Hollywood actor Robin Williams in Barry Levinson’s military comedy-drama, Good Morning, Vietnam.” Though Richard never met his dad, he got to visit his dad’s grave in Cleveland, Ohio many years after the elder Merk’s death.

Richard is Grateful to Musica Bar owner Cely Gabaldon for welcoming the idea that he celebrates his 63rd birthday with a show in her entertainment venue. Guests in the concert are singers Emcy Corteza and Jeannie Tiongco, with the Sticky Band (guitarist Rudy Lozano, keyboardist Henry Katindig, bassist Colby de la Calzada, drummer Mar Dizon and saxophonist Dix Lucero).

Also performing in the concert are The Brothers, a group led by singer-keyboardist Bobby Gomez, a good friend of Richard’s.

“Please be with me on this journey,” says Richard, who believes 2018 will be a good year. He will still do live performances and, hopefully, even a TV sitcom.

“Thank you to all those who prayed for my healing, those who financially helped me and to those who still believe in me. I am Grateful to all of you.”