I am not a great fan of Elvis Presley but I can name at least two of his oldies that I hummed when my three daughters were still infants. Love Me Tender and Blue Hawaii were lullabies to their ears. They would fall asleep before I could even complete the melody.
The King of Rock and Roll has been dead for three decades but undoubtedly more alive today. His spirit lives on. His magical presence is continually magnified by impersonators who mimic his iconic looks, moves and voice. Some are incredibly like his ghost_ complete look-a likes, singing just like him while others are amusingly ridiculous. They are out there to pay tribute to the man as they keep us entertained. They come in many shapes and forms. Thin, fat, short, tall, black and white.
I have seen a Child Elvis, an Old Elvis and a Lady Elvis. But a Grandma Elvis? Wow! This one really caught my full attention.
On July 19, at the stage of Mabuhay Festival, Metro Convention Centre, a youthful senior from Scarborough emerged before a cheering crowd. She was dwarfed by the gigantic Filipino flag behind her. Although she appeared tiny up there, this rock and roll grandma electrified the audience with her own rendition of Jail House Rock. She was not anywhere near the original. And rightfully so. She was not copying Elvis. She was simply having a great time sharing the excitement of being a Forever Elvis Fan. Or shall I say she was just performing what Elvis would have done to impersonate her? Either way, her grace and style would have impressed the legendary King of Rock and Roll, who had sent her his autographed photo from the US Army in the fifties. And like any other teenager in those days, she nearly passed out receiving it.
Ladies and gentlemen, kababayans or not, allow me to introduce to you the one and only Lola Elvis. Married twice and outlived both husbands; a grandmother of thirty grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Heeeeerre is........Zennnna Zaaaaaagala!!!
The sensational boxing ring style introduction is more than fitting. Zena Zagala can knock out the crowd with her well choreographed moves. The signature moves that she had put on hold for forty seven years. Back in 1958 at the Student Canteen, a TV show in the Philippines, she won the first round in the Lady Elvis Singing Contest. She could have moved on to the final round and probably could have won it, but her strict grandfather’s disapproval put a stop to her dream. Wounded but not dead, this one talented lady was born to perform. It is in her blood. She is the niece of the famous Filipino movie star, Carmen Rosales. The itch to perform has always hounded her. When her daughter, Pinky Faustino sponsored her to come to Canada, the old itch did not stay behind. And in 2005 after forty seven years of holding back, the Elvis in her could not be contained anymore. It broke lose and put Zena where she belongs_the centre stage. From then on, the “katuwaan lang” performance with family and friends in Toronto_ became a full blown fame.
She is now affectionately known as The Lola Elvis in the Filipino Community and happily living her dream. She performed at The Collingwood Elvis Festival in front of the big audience filled with screaming fans of Elvis. “I am doing this to keep the spirit of Elvis alive. And seeing the happy reaction of the audience to my performance makes it all worthwhile.” said Zena. She will once again dazzle the audience at the Ontario Place _Filipino Making Waves on August 6 and 7 of this year.
To Lola Elvis, I tip my hat in admiration to you. You make the Filipino Community mighty proud. May you have many more years of living your dream.
