Surprise letter from Albert

I recently received an e-mail from Albert Gayo, who is a CEO and filmmaker based in Dubai and the Middle East for the last 30 years. I first met Albert in 1991 when I went to Bahrain with Ms. Nora Aunor (Ate Guy) for her Legend Superstar world tour. At that time, I was with the team of Girlie Rodis and Vivian Recio that managed Ate Guy’s career in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

Albert maintains a blog where he posts stories about his various adventures including his exciting experience in Bahrain during La Aunor’s tour in 1991. I remember describing Ate Guy to Albert that time, “During the height of her career, she is the only singer-actress where they had to bring in a helicopter to be able to leave the venue where she had a concert, and this never happened to any other singer in the Philippines until this day.” I told Albert this like an evangelist preaching the gospel truth. Ate Guy was a “saint” devotedly venerated by adoring fans at the peak of her popularity.

According to Albert, the time we spent together during our stay in Bahrain was one of the memorable times he had in the Middle East. I could not forget this anecdote. We were invited by a Filipino-American group for dinner at 7:30 p.m. Albert was inside the washroom with Ate Guy who was fixing her eyebrow. We were running a little late so I asked Albert to inform Ate Guy that it was already time to leave. Albert told me that I should tell her since I was in her management team. I shot back, “I can’t ask her. I’m her fan.” We finally managed to leave the hotel and arrived at the dinner by 10:30 p.m. And everybody was happy!

Beto Caletti and Mishka Adams

I flew back to Bahrain a couple of times with my talent Ariel Rivera for a series of shows. I would visit Albert whenever my haywire schedule permitted. One time, we watched the great poet and author Maya Angelou being interviewed on a BBC program. I shared with Albert about my simple dream of having my own television show where I would interview people from all walks of life. I remember Albert telling me these kind words, “Yes, Kuya Boy, I think it will come! First, because you are capable and second you have the personality for it.”

Albert and I have remained good friends throughout the years. We make sure to see each other whenever Albert visits the Philippines. I am happy that he is now carving a name for himself in the international arena.

His film Cities with a Heart received nominations and awards from the New York Audience Now Filmfest, Chicago Big Arthouse Filmfest, Bangladesh International Filmfest, AM Egypt Filmfest and Indiewise Miami Filmfest. His first feature film titled Year After revolves around the story of unconditional love, friendship, longing and betrayal. Among his film credits include Crystal Wish, Lamentation, Airport to Taksim Square, documentary film AIM Global Obinna Collins Brown and the music video I Like the Way.

Bravo, Albert! All That Jazz

Conrad Manila celebrates the 14th Philippine International Jazz Festival with a six-night series performance titled All That Jazz at its C Lounge from April 30 to May 5. Show starts at 7 p.m.

“We at Conrad Manila celebrate the eclectic beauty and distinct genius of jazz music and artists, together with our friends from the Philippine International Jazz & Arts Festival Foundation, with this six-day event that we share with our guests in our commitment to providing them with unique and inspired experiences,” shares Laurent Boisdron, hotel general manager.

Wairua Collective featuring Damon Grant

All That Jazz features exciting live performances by jazz luminaries including the duo Mishka Adams (a Filipina who made a name in London) and Argentinian Beto Calleti (composer, singer, educator); award-winning Israeli composer Daniel Zamir with guitarist Nitzan Bar; New Zealand-based Polish-born pianist and keyboardist Michal Martyniuk; Wairua Collective consisting of top session players from Australia, among others.

Ticket price is P1,000 per person, consumable of food or drinks, with a specially crafted menu available. During the day, patrons may unwind in the laidback atmosphere of C Lounge with floor-to-ceiling views of the captivating Manila Bay, fresh brews, juices and lite bites. At night, C Lounge transforms into a sophisticated sunset destination with cocktails, live music and entertainment, comfortably seating 145 guests both indoors and outdoors.

For details, call (63 2) 833-9999 or e-mail at [email protected].