Why Imelda Papin rocks even after four decades
Imelda Papin is one of few artists who continue to survive the test of time – 45 years and counting in show business. Asked about the secret to her longevity, she remains consistent with her answer too: Faith in God. “Sobrang blessed ako ni God that whenever I go, nandiyan pa din siya to help and guide me. Never nagbago ’yun,” she said. “Plus na din siguro sa pagtagal ko sa industriya is ’yung pagmamahal ko sa musika, ’yung desire ko to help other people, sa pamilya ko. Dagdag mo pa diyan na wala
akong bisyo at ang focus ko lang ay ’yung musika at public service.”
In celebration of her 45th year, Imelda will hold the concert “Imelda Papin: Queen@ 45” on Oct. 19. Joining her on the show are her good friends Andrew E., April Boy Regino, Claire dela Fuente, Darius Razon, Eva Eugenio, Jovit Baldivino, Marco Sison, Pilita Corrales, Sonny Parsons with Hagibis, and Victor Wood.
Imelda’s daughter, Maria France, with her three kids, Keif, Zach, and Javier; as well as her sisters Gloria and Aileen, Garry Cruz and millennial artist LA Santos will also be present as guest artists.
Produced by DreamWings Production and Papin Entertainment Production, “Imelda Papin: Queen@ 45” takes place at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Part of the proceeds will benefit the humanitarian projects of the IAP Foundation.
Look back
The 63-year-old has indeed come a long way from being a simple probinsyana to the showbiz icon that she is now.
Imelda wasn’t able to contain her tears at a press conference where she looked back on her journey.
It started when, as a little girl, she would join and sing in church processions in the coastal village of Bitaogan, Camarines Sur. She later joined an amateur singing contest in Bicol, which is the local version of “Tawag Ng Tanghalan.” She won as weekly champion then later declared undefeated champion.
Her family migrated to Manila. While studying, she would sing on the side in small venues for R5 a night.
Imelda’s hits include “Isang Linggong PagIbig,” “Bakit?,” and “Hindi Ako Laruan,” among others.
She also became a star in Bangkok, Thailand where she was dubbed Asia’s Sentimental Songstress. Later on, she became a regular performer in
Los Angeles and the first Filipino artist to host a three-hour telethon there. “Sa totoo lang, natutuwa ako kapag may nakikita akong mga kabataan ngayon na alam pa rin ’yung mga kanta ko,” she enthused. “Kaya nga sabi ko ’yung pagkasinger ko, wala akong rason para ako gumive up eh kasi nandyan pa din ’yung mga
opportunities. ’Yung kanta ko tumutulay sa iba’t-ibang generation. Palagi ko sinasabi na Lord, wala na akong mahihiling pa.”
Unknown to many, Imelda was also a former beauty queen. She was an actress and incumbent president of the Actors’ Guild of the Philippines.
The Vice Governor of the Province of Camarines Sur manages several business including dialysis center, production center, and medical supplies enterprises. “Masyado akong busy no? Pero feeling ko, ’yan ang nakakapagpabata sa’kin,” she said. “Siyempre kasi ’pag marami kang natutulungan, magaan ang pakiramdam mo because you are able to touch people’s lives.”
Kapag marami kang natutulungan, magaan ang pakiramdam mo
because you are able to touch people’s lives.