Las Vegas Weekly

July 29, 2009 · 1:21 PM

Q&A with Imelda Papin, the sentimental songstress

By April Corbin

Imelda Papin.

Photo: Courtesy

Filipino singing sensation Imelda Papin is known for crying on stage during her emotion-packed performances, but when it comes to her upcoming performances at the Orleans Showroom, she is nothing short of overjoyed. Co-headlining shows with Melissa Manchester July 31 through Aug. 2, each concert will include separate performances from each singer and culminate with a duet performance of one of Manchester’s hits. Who knows, maybe a few tears of joy will be shed.

You’ve had your own television show in the Philippines and performed in Vegas on and off for about two years now. How will this upcoming concert stand out?

I used to sing songs that are really sad. So, especially for the Filipinos who are used to seeing me cry on television, this time will be different. I can call it spectacular because Melissa Manchester is in it. It’ll be a big thing, lots of surprises.

What’s the ratio of English to Tagalog songs during your concerts?

Normally, when I do shows, I do them mostly in English. I sing just one or two Tagalog songs. Though, it depends on the audience and what they want to hear.

Is there a difference between singing in Tagalog and singing in English?

Definitely. You sing them differently. When I sing in Tagalog, sometimes I cry. I’m famous for being the Asian sentimental songstress.

How excited are you to play with Melissa Manchester?

I’ve wanted to do a show with her for a long time. I used to sing her songs when I first started out… I just feel so lucky. She’s so nice. No star complex at all. I think the bigger of a star you get the more you have to bow your head. … What’s really excited is doing duets [on] her songs, because I love them.

In the Philippines, you served two terms as the first female vice governor for the province of Camarines Sur. Would you ever consider going into politics in America?

Oh, no. [Laughs.] No politics here. There was an offer to run for senator or governor in my province back home. I decided not this time, though. I like my career here in the states too much. I would like it in the long-term, though.

You donate a portion of your concert proceeds to your Imelda Papin Foundation. Why did you start doing this?

Helping the needy is important to me. I saw this as a child from my dad. He was in politics and helped the poor. So, I was a leader in my church when I was eight, giving food to children. … I think I did well when it came to helping the needy. I helped feed 300,000 malnourished [people], helped more than 100 kids go to school. We recently did an event with Manny Pacquiao to raise money for dialysis machines. Manny donated one. My producer donated one. [Public service is] a continuous project; it never ends.

Imelda Papin and Melissa Manchester’s limited engagement will run from July 31 through Aug. 2. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $60.

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