Thursday, May 4, 2017

The singing nurse

He is a nurse by profession but Nick Vera Perez is passionate about singing.

For 24 years now, Nick has been working as nurse at the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital in Chicago.

But he can’t deny his love for music and through the inspiration of his father, Pastor Philip Tan Sr., Nick is now out with his debut album under Warner Music.

It contains the tracks “Alapaap,” “’Di Maglalaho,” “’Di Ko Na Kaya,” “Another Chance,” “Hintayin Ko Nalang,” “Three Best Words,” “I Believe In You,” “Dito Sa Aking Puso,” “My Mom,” “You’re My Hero,” “Keep The Fire Burning Within,” and “I Am Ready” which was composed by Adonis V. Tabanda.

Nick is coming home this May to promote the album. He said, “I am extremely excited to launch my album in the Philippines, and see my fans and supporters under NVP Worldwide.”

“For me, having an album is already a big accomplishment. An album validates your essence as a singer. It creates fulfillment and motivation.”

He started singing at age three and went on to prove his mettle in various singing competitions where he almost always emerged champion.

The singing nurse revealed, “I would have loved to continue my singing then but I needed to finish my studies. Then my father was afflicted with cancer, so I let go of my singing career as I cannot finish singing a song without crying.”

Nick, who trained at the Center for Pop Music Philippines, is now ready to resume his singing career, echoing the title of his album, “I Am Ready.”

“I Am Ready” and “My Mom,” have earned airplay over FM 95.5 and Wish FM 107.5.

One of Nick’s dreams is to collaborate with some of the country’s top singers like Martin Nievera, Morissette, Regine Velasquez and Jona.

While in the country, Nick will be appearing in some shows, like Jaya’s “No Boundaries” concert at the Music Museum on May 12.

He will launch his album via a concert at the Great Eastern Hotel on May 14.

Nick will have a meet & greet with fans at KCC Mall, Zamboanga on May 16, 4 p.m., and at Sta. Lucia East Mall on May 20, 3 p.m.

On Nov. 11, Nick will appear at VDance Fever’s 11th Anniversary Ball at Avalon Banquets in Chicago.

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A surprise for Gloria

Every night, the handsome boys of “Meant To Be” – Ken Chan, Jak Roberto, Addy Raj and Ivan Dorschner – attract the attention of viewers.

Now, Lola Madj (played by Gloria Romero) is getting her fair share of notice, too.

Tagged the Millennial Lola, the erstwhile movie queen admitted to being amazed by the creativity given to the street lingo of today’s youth.

“To be honest, when Direk LA (Madridejos) told me about my role and ’yung mga language ng kabataan ngayon like ‘selfie,’ ‘girl,’ and ‘ganern,’ nagulat ako kasi ibang-iba from my time. Kaya pina-practice ko talaga. Pero at the same time, natutuwa ako kasi hindi ko siya everyday nagagawa eh. That’s why I am enjoying my role in the show,” she related.

“Meant To Be” is topbilled by Barbie Forteza. Also in the cast are Manilyn Reynes, Keempee de Leon, Tina Paner and Sheryl Cruz among others.

It airs weeknights after “Destined To Be Yours” on GMA Telebabad.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 4, go to Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Stella Marquez-Araneta, Monique Wilson, Pacita Madrigal Gonzales, Nona S. Ricafort, former DOT Sec. Peter Garrucho, Lily Nicolas, Laurie Tan, Jun Sy, Dr. Florante Martinez-Muñoz, Johanna Jean C. Angeles. Robbie Joseph, actress Monica Rodriguez Herrera, Darl Vincent R. Perez, Sandy Hontiveros, Leah Monique Gertos, May Vega-Soliven, Jopee Rejano, Andrea Torres of Star Magic and MB’s columnist Giselle Sanchez… Happy wedding anniversary to Col. Mateo Luga and wife Lita; and Alfredo and Lily Mendoza…May 5: Butch Tuason, Ernesto Sarao, Raphie de Ocampo, Manny Ortega, Jeffrey de Leon, Atty. Amado Valdez, Lita A. Cadiz of Toronto, Canada, and Chynch Florendo...