LP Album Notes: The lights dimmed; anticipation crackled like electricity through the capacity audience gathered in the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel as the orchestra began to play the overture in what was to be a landmark performance in the annals of Philippine entertainment history: the first Manila Hotel one-woman concert by the internationally acclaimed daughter of the Philippines: AMAPOLA: The Queen of Hearts.

From the heartfelt introduction by Boots Anson Roa to the artist's spectacular entrance through the blue-ribbon audience, a vision in white; rhinestones aglitter, greeting old and new friends among the gathered press, celebrities and fans, to the dazzling opening number, "If My Friends Could See Me Now" followed by her exclamation, "Oh my God, look at all those beautiful Filipino faces...", to the highly emotional closing number which told her audiences of her feelings for them, appropriately titled "You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me"... the dynamic 4'11 star dominated the 42 foot stage in a compelling multi-lingual presentation of contemporary showstoppers. Supported by 32 musicians, dancers and singers with American recording artist Rob Wood, she personified the emerging Philippine entertainer, treating the crowd to two hours of song and dance, pops and classics, laughter and tears, impressions and ballet.

Established as a worldwide entertainer through performances at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, Kahala Hilton in Hawaii, Shangri-la Hotel in Singapore, and the Town Hall in New York, that evening, Amapola further established herself as a Philippine artist of uncommon range and sensitivity. The proof is in the album for those not fortunate enough to be there that evening. Ladies and gentlemen, take your seats, the performance is about to begin.

~ Doug "Glae" Douglas