It is hard to cross the fine line between politics and show business said Governor Jade Ecleo of Dinagat Islands who is starring in forthcoming back-to-back concert opposite Ai Ai de las Alas called “Face to Phase” at the Aliw Theater on Sept. 12.Herself a singer, former member of the Bayanihan Dance Troupe and the band Amadeus, Gov. Jade told the Manila Bulletin that contrary to popular notion politics and show business are two intertwining worlds, her experiences told otherwise. “Why is it that there’s a huge wall between showbiz and politics? In my experience, I had offers before (to do TV and commercials) and when they found out that I’m a Governor parang, ‘Naku governor pala yan… mahirap na…’”
The governor also passed an offer to do a regular primetime soap opera sometime back. “I could not deal naman with thrice a week na taping schedule. It would take too much naman of my time away from my constituents.”
She said though that the people of Dinagat loved seeing her trying her hand at showbiz. “Some 800 [people] will be watching the concert at Aliw Theater. They all want to see me perform.”
But she warned the Bulletin, “But you have to forget that I am a public official when I’m up on stage because you will be shocked. Up there, I’m entirely someone apart from being a governor. I dance because I do not like singing lang talaga. I get bored watching performers confined to singing lang. I love singing. I’ve been singing since I was little.”
The only reason why the governor did not pursue the entertainment business over politics was because, “My late father was very strict. He would not approve of a career in showbiz.”
It is not new for the public to see singing male politicians but a lady public servant doing very pop-Latin routines is at the very least something to be curious about. Amongst the surprises Ecleo prepared for the show are some authentic steps a la Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. A confessed fan of some of today’s sing and dance pop stars, Ecleo said, “I’m a fan of J.Lo! I love her; I love the way she moves and the way she performs.”
Concert producer Milton Ngu vouched for Ecleo’s talent. “I decided to be part of this project because I’ve seen Gov. Jade perform. She’s really good.”
FRIENDSHIP WITH AI AI
“Face to Phase” was a joke of an idea Ecleo and friend Ai Ai de las Alas used to throw around. “‘Why don’t we do a concert together?’ Ai Ai and I would say to each other. Then we got serious about it and before we knew it, here we are… promoting the show already.”
The talented governor said she wanted Ai Ai on board not only because she is a friend. “She’s very fun to watch and like what I said, ayoko ng boring. Masayang mag-show si Ai Ai na talagang never a dull moment with her.”
Joining the “Singing Governor” and the Comedy Concert Queen are guests Prince of Pop Erik Santos, singer-songwriter Dingdong Avanzado, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani “BF” Fernando.
Directed by Paulo Bustamante, with musical arrangements and musical direction by Elmer Blancaflor and Ms. Beth Martin, “Face to Phase” also includes numbers from Tango Argentine Master, Jun Borja.
The concert’s proceedings will be for the benefit of the Jade Ecleo-Villaroman Foundation, which also supports socio-civic projects in Dinagat Islands, institutions in Metro Manila like the Associacion de Damas in Manila, White Cross in San Juan, the Philippine General Hospital’s Pediatric Charity Ward for terminally ill patients, Golden Acres Home for the Aged and Hospicio de San Jose’s Home for the Aged. (KAYE VILLAGOMEZ,MB)
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