Ella del Rosario who enthralled us with such mega hits “Pers lab” and “Mr. Disco” in the 70’s with the iconic Hotdog Band will be in Manila in December. Don’t miss her homecoming concerts Dec. 14 – Strumms; Dec. 16 & 17 – Music Museum
She honed this talent in singing shows and programs during her elementary and high school years at Assumption Convent.
While performing with a high school garage band in 1974, Ella was discovered by Dennis Garcia – leader of then newly formed Hotdog band – and invited her to be the frontline female singer of the group. This move established a major milestone in Pilipino music because, back then, convent girls wouldn’t be caught listening to (and God forbid – singing) Tagalog songs. (Tunes in the vernacular were considered “bakyang-bakya”.)
But the taboo didn’t deter Ella. Her first single with Hotdog – “Pers Lab” – was one of two Hotdog songs that cemented the emergence of the “Manila Sound” – and the unexpected appreciation of original Pilipino music by local music lovers from the entire spectrum of Philippine society.
In 1976, Ella decided to go solo and her first single was produced by Dennis Garcia – “O Lumapit Ka”… also a huge hit.
This was followed by several more popular songs like “Mr. Disco”, “Meron Na Bang Iba?”, “Shake It, Baby”, “Pabulong” and more.
Ella graduated summa cum laude from Maryknoll… packed her bags 22 years ago… and left for America – without saying goodbye.
But she’ll be back this December to formally bid ‘adieu’ to her countless fans and friends.
Armed with her big hits and several new songs written and produced by Dennis Garcia, Ella will have three homecoming concerts billed as “ELLA IN MANILA” (Dec. 14 – Strumms; Dec. 16 & 17 – Music Museum). The legendary DIMSUM Band will be the special guest at the concerts.
She will also have an SM Mall tour covering major malls in the Metro, as well as those in Cebu and Bacolod. The SM Mall Tour is open to the public.
For tickets to Music Museum and Strumms, call Ticketworld 8999991 or 8973047.
The homecoming concerts are brought to you for the benefit of Bahay Maria by Philippine Star, RJ100FM, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Crossover 105.1, North Park, Quantum Hotels, San Miguel Beer, Bounty Farms and Strategy&Magic.
I know where to bring my Balikbayan relatives.
I love Ella. I love her flirtatious “O’Lumapit ka”
What resumé! Beauty, brains and talent…
Would love to go to her concert! Have heard so much about her on FB, sadly, have not planned for Manila holidays (besides, with travel advisory against Pinas, would be difficult to get company to insure travel ….Ayayayay!)
Incidentally, Ellen, remember when you and Dennis Garcia were telling me on FB about Hotdog and I said I couldn’t remember the group — now, I know why. Wasn’t in Pinas at about the time they became popular (1974 onwards???) and before that either, wasn’t living in Manila full time 😉
Their song “Manila, Manila” has become the anthem of Filipinos overseas. I’m sure there’s a video of that in You Tube. You should listen to that. It’s nostalgic but fun.
The “Hotdog” band soloists were all the colegiala type. I remember Zsa-zsa Padilla and Mazo Diez.
Thanks, Ellen… have looked it up on You Tube. (Don’t believe have heard it before.) Nice song.
Hotdog was a very good band. I also like Asin. I also miss the “New Minstrels” and “Circus Band”.
Blast from the past! Ella still looks stunning despite her age.
Ella must be contemporaries with Leah Navarro. Have listened to Leah’s hits and she is really great. Now I have to search for Ella’s music on You Tube before I can comment. One thing for sure … Ella and Leah are like wine – they mellow with time.
Ella is much,much,much better than Leah Navarro.
No comparison.
Agree with Al, #9 post. 🙂