Former actor and television director Edgar Mortiz staged his first solo concert at the age of seventy-one, and the veteran entertainer proved that it is never too late to pursue one's passions. The highly anticipated event occurred last June 13 at the Proscenium Theater, where attendees were treated to nostalgic musical imageries.
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Steps were taken by the local theater management to cope up with the influx of senior citizens, as the heavy attendance would result to moderate traffic outside the venue. The Department of Transportation deployed traffic enforcers, while security personnel ensured that safety protocols were implemented within a radius of 500m around the premises. If the organizers fail to manage the crowd during future events, local authorities would be forced to impose stricter regulations.
Two years ago, Mortiz launched his eight-track debut album titled "Goin' Standard" when he turned seventy. This time, he took the center stage for the first time. The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra backed him up. The orchestra was led by Maestro Rodel Colmenares, who served as the musical director. Elaborate stage furnitures were arranged at a distance of 1.5m from the main podium to accommodate the musicians.
When Mortiz sauntered onstage, instructions were given to the orchestra not to play any introductory music. He humbly greeted the audience, which was predominantly composed of older generations. The crowd hardly had Gen Zs, but the seniors undoubtedly made the heart of the performer swell.
His erstwhile love team partner, former governor Vilma Santos, was not present, but a video greeting was sent by the actress. She congratulated him and promised that she would join him onstage if a repeat concert is organized.
During the show, Mortiz crooned standard classics from famous artists, e.g., Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and James Ingram. Special guest performers emerged onstage to sing duets with him. The lineup included Klarisse de Guzman, Alexa Ilacad and Julie Anne San Jose. Mortiz's daughter, Calin, also performed "Who Can I Turn To" alongside her father.
The highlight of the evening was when his longtime friends, veteran actors Christopher de Leon and Tirso Cruz III, took over the stage. They rendered a medley of classics, which were highly anticipated and well applauded by the audience.
Mortiz shared his humble beginnings, recalling how his father gave him five hundred pesos to record his first song. "My pledge of love cannot be broken," he sang, prompting wild cheers from the audience who remembered his early days in the industry.
He also acknowledged his wife, Millet. They have been married for forty-nine years, and the concert served as a celebration of their enduring relationship.
The audience was filled with prominent figures from the entertainment and political sectors. Senator Robin Padilla attended the event with his brother. Other notable personalities in the crowd included Charo Santos, Malou Santos and local executives.
Concert producer Narciso Chan announced that limited edition vinyls of the album would be sold at the lobby from Monday to Friday.
