At the recent Solaire concert of Pilita Corrales, the guest artists included the Wing Duo, composed of Nikki Ross and Angie Yoingco. It brought back memories of the ’50s, when I used to watch stage shows at the Manila Grand Opera House and Clover Theater in downtown Manila.
Nikki and Angie are now in their 80s, but still very entertaining, singing the same old songs like Hernando’s Hideaway and Side by Side. Proof positive of their enduring appeal.
I remember that jazz and bodabil queen Katy de la Cruz used to introduce Nikki and Angie as her daughters, but never failed to joke that Nikki was ‘Anak ko noong Liberation.’
In a piece penned by Helen Yoingco in the July 27, 1960 issue of Kislap Graphic, Nikki and Angie were described as perfect combination of two voices.’ Yet in looks and temperament they were ‘different as day and night.’ Nikki is fair and blonde, Angie is ‘kayumanggi.’ Nikki is outgoing, while Angie is more reserved. Nikki loves jazz, Angie goes for sweet and mellow tunes.
Of course, they are now both white-haired.
But when their voices blend it is magic, as they showed in the Solaire concert of Pilita who, I also watched at the Opera House and Clover from way back when.
As I earlier wrote, the Wing Duo brought back memories, when times were sweeter, kinder and gentler.
Accompanying vintage photos of Nikki and Angie are from Kislap Graphic.— RKC