Fil-Canadian singer Joey Albert brings good old days of OPM to New York

Joey Albert has a mile-long list of original megahit songs that made her an OPM (Original Pilipino Music) icon from the 80s, the golden age of Pinoy music along with the 70s. But at her “November To Remember” concert on Nov. 10 at St. Sebastian School Auditorium in Woodside, N.Y., Albert disappointed us by performing only five of her own songs, all toward the end of the show. Thank God our personal favorites “Tell Me,” “A Million Miles Away” and “Iisa Pa Lamang” were among them. But how could we complain when the big crowd that packed the auditorium enjoyed the evening immensely, dancing and singing along with the Pinay-Canadian songstress who was radiant and funny and sweet as she belted disco pieces like “I Will Survive,” “Last Dance” and “Manila,” Pinoy teleserye themes, and ballads like “Smile” and “Betcha By Golly Wow.” Much as we wanted to chide Joey for not sticking to her archive of timeless original hits the way Barry Manilow and Celine Dion do, we must admit that Albert gave a spirited show despite an unreliable sound system. She even shared intimate periods of her life, including her scary bouts with cervical and later colon cancer. Albert still possesses the vibrant and youthful beauty that helped launch her lucrative showbiz career 30 years ago, leaving New Jersey-based businessman Ray Rogan repeatedly gushing over it throughout the concert. And not only did Albert entertain her fans and colleagues at Assumption Alumnae Association Abroad, which sponsored the event, she also helped raise big bucks to benefit charity groups the U.S.-based Assumptionistas have been helping over the years. The pop queen received solid support on stage from her special guests. Balladeer Francis Cruz’s soothing baritone set the evening’s romantic mood, as the lively San Canterba Band pumped up the audience with a string of Pinoy rocks songs. Live wire rock star MiG Ayesa also made a surprise appearance and brought the house down with two numbers. “MiG is awesome! Great performer and wonderful guy,” tweeted Darlene Cruz. “We had a blast!” Albert’s soulful duet of “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” with her musical director Lerrick Santos was also one of the evening’s big treats. Santos was a revelation as he held his own with impressive vocals and passionate performance, all while playing the keyboard superbly. Even Albert appeared astounded by Santos’ feat. With Albert’s discography still as crowd-pleasing as ever, we won’t get tired listening to her songs over and over. We just hope she doesn’t get tired walking with us down memory lane to reminisce the good old days of OPM music. - Filipino Reporter