Patti Austin back in PH to help build homes for ‘Yolanda’ victims

PATTI Austin VIDEOGRAB FROM THE VOICE

MANILA, PhilippinesThe Philippines is one of the places American singer-songwriter Patti Austin holds dear to her heart. Having been to the country numerous times since 1973, Austin described the Philippines as her home away from home. She then mused that, for some reason, Filipinos have always been part of her life.

The first time I had enough money for an interior decorator, it was a Filipino designer who used to work at Bloomingdales who did my apartment. And when my mom fell ill after suffering a major stroke, two Filipino caregivers helped me take care of her, Austin told reporters in an interview on Saturday afternoon at the M Studio in Makati City.

She continued: My makeup artist and hairdresser are from the Philippines. So is one of my dearest friends, Marguerite Lhuillier, who designs and builds furniture in her factory in Cebu.

The last time Austin held a concert in Manila was just last September. And the experience, the 63-year-old music artist said, was mind-blowing. This time shes back in town for a worthy cause. As her way of giving back to the Filipinos who have given her so much support, Austin will be holding two benefit fundraising shows for the survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

The Grammy Award-winning jazz and R&B artist said she hoped to help build new homes for the calamity survivors through Habitat for Humanity. I will try visit the hard hit cities; I would really like to do that, related Austin, who plans to stay in the country until Jan. 6. Its been really rough for everyone, but I know that if we move forward, things will be better. And I want to be a part in lifting up the peoples spirits.

Tonight, Austin will perform with special guests Lea Salonga, Richard Merk and Martin Nievera in a show titled Brand New Day at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Paraaque City. On December 31, she will go onstage at Fairmont Makati for the New Years Eve show One Heart, One Voice again with Merk, plus Emcy Corteza, and the Sticky Band.

Tickets are available at TicketWorld; call 891-9999.

Excerpts from our interview:

What went through your mind when you heard about the devastation in the Philippines?

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Patti Austin back in PH to help build homes for ‘Yolanda’ victims