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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Edgar 'Bobot' Mortiz goes full circle and returns to singing

Edgar 'Bobot' Mortiz goes full circle and returns to singing

Published Jul 31, 2024 11:00 pm

At A Glance

  • At the recent album listening party of "Goin' Standard," recorded by Pro-Ject Audio System, Edgar's friends in and out of the entertainment industry arrived in droves and supported him.
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Edgar Mortiz

Two years ago, before director-actor Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz turned 68, he thought of recording an all-standards album and releasing it on vinyl before he turned 70. The man has been away from the limelight and detached from singing.

He was only 13 years old when he started singing professionally and joined "Tawag ng Tanghalan" in 1967.

Thanks to Curve Entertainment recording executive Narciso Chan, who approved the release of Edgar's eight-track, all-standards album.

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"I asked for Ciso's help," Edgar shared. "I told him, kumanta ako sa Ipad and made him listen to the tracks. I asked Ciso, 'Boss, pwede pa ba ko? I want to release an all-standards album' So we produced it."

Edgar added, "That was what I wanted. 'Yun ang trip ko noon. The album has always been a passion project brewing through my heart and mind. Those are songs that became part of my life then. Like when I became broken-hearted, I had a song for that."

His voice glides through all the standard tracks in the album. "You And Me (We Wanted It All)," "All My Tomorrows" – "I met my wife (Millet Santos-Mortiz) and I had no work at that time" – He also sang the ballad in the wedding of Al Tantay.

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Edgar included "Somewhere in Your Heart" for his Ninong Ron (Fernando Poe, Jr.), "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?," "You Will Be My Music," "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?," "You Turned My World Around" and "That's Life."

"All the songs have meaning in my life," Edgar pointed out. "I chose all the songs which are my favorites from the time I was a teenager. Bata pa ako kinakanta ko na 'yung mga standard songs."

The album was finished last February, so Edgar's life comes full circle now that "Goin' Standard" is released. "I am turning 70 this August 30," said Edgar. "Umabot naman ang album.

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"The tracks are not perfect, but I told Ciso, ituloy natin 'yan. If we want to make the songs perfect, I think kaya naman with today's technology. How I really felt at the time I was recording, that was what's important to me."

Edgar clarified, however, that "Goin' Standard" is not a comeback for him. He is simply returning to the recording studio to sing what his heart had yearned for all these years.

Edgar noted that the landscape of today's songs has obviously changed. "Standards cater to a certain crowd," he said. "Nawala na sina (Frank) Sinatra, Tony Bennett. I was thinking after my recording, maybe no one will sing the songs I recorded anymore.

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"Mine is heavy standards. You really have to listen to the songs and the story behind them. The lyrics are very important."

At the recent album listening party of "Goin' Standard," recorded by Pro-Ject Audio System, Edgar's friends in and out of the entertainment industry arrived in droves and supported him. The event was held at The Gallery Bar of Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Edgar's wife, Millet, and his children were present in the listening party and launch. Edgar and Millet did a rare duet of "Don't Mention Love." Sister-in-law Charo Santos-Concio was in attendance with her friends.

Ricky Davao came with his girlfriend Malca Darocca and rendered "The Way You Look Tonight." Jazz prince Richard Merk arrived by his lonesome and carried out "Fly Me To the Moon." Ali Forbes sang "The Wonder of You." Joey San Andres crooned "There's No Easy Way (To Break Somebody's Heart)."

Al Tantay was with his wife Micha and sang "It Had To Be You," Eric Nicolas, who also hosted the event, dished out an OPM number, "Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko," Lianne Quebic rendered "You Made Me Live Again." Even comedian Tuko delighted the crowd and greeted everyone with all the "languages" he knew.

Former recording executive Rudy Tee joined Curve Entertainment bosses Narciso Chan, Mario Joson, and Chito Confiado. Serafin Pua, TV executive Malou Fagar, and actress Amy Austria were also present.

"Goin' Standard" is now available on all digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Deezer, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and more. The vinyl can be ordered at Backspacer Records. 2F D'Ace Plaza, United St. corner Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

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