NEWSFLASH 

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DAVID POMERANZ WANTS TO SETTLE IN RP

Quezon City, March 2, 2000 - American singer/songwriter David Pomeranz is so popular in the Philippines he is practically an adopted son of the Filipino people. And the feeling is mutual.

David is so popular that his latest album “Born For You…His Greatest Hits,” sold a stagerring 360,000 copies in the Philippines alone, equalling the combined sales of all local albums sold last year.

“I first had a show here in 1983. At the time, I was surprised to find out that ‘Got to Believe In Magic’ was a huge hit locally so I decided to come and check out the country. I became friends with Ramon Chuaying (of MCA Universal) and we’ve kept in touch through the years. But prior to that, my only idea of Asia was Japan where I won in a Yamaha songwriting contest,” David said.

That show sowed the seeds David was to reap more than a decade later. Even when long-haired grunge artists took over the American music scene, the Philippines continued to embrace David and his music.

“Filipinos gave my pop career a new life. What’s interesting is that Filipinos have this artistic understanding of beauty. I feel understood here. Filipinos and Iwe’re a marriage in the sense that we both adore love songs” David said.

David was in London writing pieces for some theatrical plays when the Philippines beckoned. He was perfectly contented playing behind the scene until the Filipinos ensconced him once more in the limelight.

“People ask me why I did not choose to continue my career in the States. You tell me! I mean, you can sell four or seven million copies in the States. But what’s four million in a world of six billion people? That’s like a drop of water in the vast ocean. I’d like to explore other parts of the ocean and that’s why I’m here,” David said.

One of the main reasons is the Filipinos’ natural musical talent.

“My wife and I were watching this afternoon show on tv. Anyway, there was this contestant, a young boy, during the program that could sing and move like Michael Jackson. Man, was I blown away! This country is a treasure of talents and the only thing that amazes me is why no Filipino has penetrated the American scene yet. Maybe they need a New York manager who smokes a big cigar or something. But as far as talents is concerned, this country has it. Lots of it,” David said.

David and his wife are seriously considering the idea of making the Philippines their base.

“We’re planning to build a resthouse in Cebu or somewhere,” he said, as he revealed that they have also been talking to his colleagues Rex Smith and Stephen Bishop, urging them to try their luck in the Philippines.

“I’m the best ambassador for the Philippine music industry,” David joked.

Meanwhile, in fulfillment of his promise to bring his music to various towns and cities in the Philippines, David kicks off his “David Pomeranz: Born For You…His Greatest Philippine Concert Tour 2000” on March 1 at the summit Gym, Zamboanga City with guests Rosanna Roces and Carla Guevarra.

His itinerary covers Queen Margarette Court,Lucena City (March 3); De La Salle Sentrum, Lipa City; Aquino Sports Complex , San Pablo (March 5); Music Museum, Manila (March 10); Araullo Gym, Cabanatuan City (March 11); and People’s Astrodome, Dagupan City (March 12).

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