Every now and again, Filipino entertainers grace Australia’s shores if only to remind us of the past we once had.
Most recently, Nonoy Zuniga honoured us with his presence at Blacktown RSL Club. Although one would have hoped for a more suitable venue for the caliber of Zuniga, we still have producer, Carol Manaloto for having shared him again with us. It wasn’t his first visit to Australia but seeing him in the flesh, a little older perhaps, but undeniably still as good as he has always been is a welcome treat for Filipinos longing to have a link to home. And he stands there on stage like no time has been lost at all. And that first time feeling tingles all over again.
From the ashes of the Plaza Miranda bombings in the early 70s, Nonoy Zuniga, rose to become one of the Philippines top balladeers. He was discovered at the Metro Manila Pop Festival where he was asked to sing and champion the cause of the disabled. He is the symbol of hope. For despite his huge setback, he had not only succeeded in becoming one of the Philippines’ top recording artists but he also managed to obtain his degree in Medicine. And for that, he was dubbed as the singing doctor.
He started as a folk singer and turned pop singer. He was the lead singer of the Family Birth Control Band and from 1975 to 1980s he was seen in the hottest nightspots in the Philippines club circuit. He was definitely one of the hit makers that defined the music scene of the 80s.
For three decades his music made the top of the charts and filled the air waves . And he clean-swept almost every music award: Aliw Awards, Awit Awards, to the Katha Awards. Needless to say he has performed around the globe and has partnered with other major names in the industry.
From Pop icon he is also now the TV host for “Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko” and “Med Talk with Dr. Z”. He also stages fundraising charity concerts for the street kids back home. He is also the CEO for EcoWise and NOW, environmentally friendly companies which focus on the environment and marketing of eco friendly organic products.
Reminiscent of the mellow sound of 70s and 80s, his hits are endless: “Just Tonight “, “Live for Love”, “Magandang Gabi” and “Sana’y Wala nang Wakas”, to name a few. But his music will live on for each tune brings back a special time and place, as etched in our hearts, a golden memory nugget from a distant past. www.filipin-oz.com
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