PHILIPPINES: FILIPINO ELVIS PRESLEY WANNABES ARE HOPING TO VISIT GRACELAND ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE "KING'S" DEATH

Record ID: 863481

  • Title: PHILIPPINES: FILIPINO ELVIS PRESLEY WANNABES ARE HOPING TO VISIT GRACELAND ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE "KING'S" DEATH
  • Date: 10th August 2002
  • Summary: SV ELVIS IMPERSONATOR JOHN SANDOVAL SINGING HOUND DOG
  • Embargoed: 25th August 2002 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: MANILA, PHILIPPINES
  • City:
  • Country: Philippines
  • Topics: Entertainment,Quirky,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVACZOB3E01FNQXCF192MDHCG1RL
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: Filipino Elvis Presley wannabes are hoping to gyrate and croon their way to their idol's home in Graceland to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the "the King's" death.
    The Philippines' best looking, best sounding, best moving Elvis look-alike will be chosen at a contest in the capital Manila this week and win the chance of a life time: to visit Graceland on the 25th anniversary of the "King's" death.
    "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, wish me luck. This is the greatest thing that ever happened to me," says Elvis impersonator Walter Perez.
    Thousands of fans are expected to gather at Graceland in Memphis, in the US state of Tennessee, on August 16 to commemorate Elvis Presley whose untimely death shocked the world.
    The contest was organised by the Elvis Presley Friendship club of the Philippines and clubs from several other Asian countries.
    For sixty-five-year-old retired government worker, Walter Perez, singing Presley songs to hundreds of adoring fans is almost compulsive.
    "He's really got to be the artist of the century. So we can't help it. We can't help. Whether he likes it or not, he is the king of rock and roll, he is the king of ballad, he is the King of the music, he is a soldier", Perez said.
    Although Elvis never set foot in the Philippines he has a healthy following here and hundreds of people of all ages came to see the show.
    Another Elvis impersonator, Alfred Sanchez, a bank employee and father of three, said he knew his friends would make fun of him but that it was a small price to pay should he win the prize.
    "Firstly, just for fun. Number two, I love Elvis and number three, because of the very attractive price, which is a trip to the USA. Imagine, a trip to Graceland, which I have never been to before, so that's my dream since my childhood", Sanchez told Reuters.
    Club Officer Nita de Guzman believes Elvis will live in people's hearts and minds forever.
    "Elvis is timeless. He appeals to both the young and the old. It transcends the generation gap", Guzman said.
    There are similar contests in Japan, Thailand and Malaysia.
    Finals will be held on August 16 and the winner will take home two tickets to Graceland.
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