Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home. Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone. That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]
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Page added on September 25, 2013

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MARY KATE ROCKS CALGARY

For those of us who are a little older and have been in Calgary for a few years, it’s fun following the lives and dreams of those around us. Whether it’s friends, relatives or people we admire, we hope, support and Pray for those people.

Mary Kate Aquino, better known as “Calgary’s Song Princess” is one of those people. Singing since she was 5 years old, somewhere along the way Mary Kate chose to pursue her dream. A dream of performing and recording her music and sharing the talent that God has given her.

Personally, my wife and I first met Mary Kate when she was a newborn baby, about 14 years ago. Although she didn’t sing then, she had a very strong and loud voice! The voice grew, but Mary Kate didn’t. Surprisingly, when she was between 7 and 10 years old people started to notice her voice. They were astonished to discover that the “big” voice was coming from this “little” girl. Fast forward to the present day and Mary Kate’s voice continues to electrify, but the little girl has matured into a beautiful young lady! Even without her high heels I think Mary Kate is now taller than her dad, Mar, a well known and respected Calgary businessman!

With her lengthy list of awards and medals won in competitions in California, the Hollywood big-wigs have shown an interest in Mary Kate too. She has recorded and released her first CD. Recently, on August 30, 2013 Mary Kate took the next step towards making her 2^nd CD a reality. To me, Mary Kate’s first CD was done when she was a “kid” – cute, sweet and not uncommon for those who know of the immense talent in the Filipino world. Now, as a young adult, with enormous talent and a very supportive family, Mary Kate is ready to take on the challenging and demanding world of Hollywood.

Of course some dreams take a financial investment to get them going and Mary Kate is keenly aware that mum and dad’s backing is limited. She chose to entertain and share her dream with Calgary on August 30, and the moral and financial support from friends, family, relatives and the business community proved right away – We believe in you Mary Kate!

Mary Kate is working with Mr. Don Grierson, one of Hollywood’s well known and respected Album Producers. Mr. Grierson is an A&R (Artist and Repertoire) Album Executive Producer and has worked with many notable hit artists in modern music history. As a Promoter for Capitol Records he was involved with The Beatles, receiving the only Golden Apple award ever given by the Beatles. Mr. Grierson is the founding member and Vice President A&R for America Records and V.P. A&R for Sony/Epic records in New York. He has signed or worked with greats such as Sheena Easton, Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, Tina Turner, Heart, Joe Cocker, Duran Duran, Celine Dion, Cyndi Lauper, Cheap Trick and many more.

Mary Kate is well on her way to being able to offer a compilation of her best music, a second CD scheduled to be released in 2014. Her Concert at the Polish Canadian Centre has brought that dream closer to reality.

A testament to those who believe and support her efforts, Mary Kate’s Concert opened with numerous local stars including the ever popular Mariedelle Velasco, Alberta’s Princess of Songs Jasmin Remoquillo and newcomer Anne Marie. Julliene Salon, Sharlene Gatus, Rene Barnachea and Shyrone also supported Mary Kate with their music. Mary Kate’s entrance unquestionably was loud and full of energy, bringing the crowd to their feet. She weathered a sound system technical glitch like a professional and she showed versatility with her choice of songs. She did excellent renditions of familiar stars including Selena Gomez and Whitney Huston. Mary Kate knows what it takes to entertain her fans and that was evident during her Concert.

She was supported by the best in the business, The Crew Band with Robert Tamayo, Sound/Light expert Fred Sayson and the awesome Technical Stage Director Neale Elumir. With M/C Radio Pinoy icon Juan Manila, Artistic Director Rex Elumir and the strong organizational skills of Mar Aquino, Mary Kate put together a slick, smooth show for the appreciative audience.

Through many people who believe in Mary Kate, she had no shortage of Volunteers to help with her Concert. These people, too numerous to mention all of them, are to be commended for their help to make Mary Kate – Live in Concert! such a huge success.

Major backing from Pacific Hut Restaurant, Scotiabank and Greatway Financial as well as 55+ other Sponsors gave Mary Kate the chance to do her show in style.

Like a professional Mary Kate was sure to give credit where it was deserved. From her parents, to her brother, to her #1 Fan, her sister Jenn, Mary Kate acknowledged their support. Big time dignitaries including MLA Ric McIver and Consul General Ferdie Aguirre showed their support and admiration for Mary Kate’s dreams, efforts and commitment. The sponsors and crowd thoroughly enjoyed themselves and Mary Kate’s final thank you was to the one that has Blessed her with immense talent – our Father in Heaven. We all believe in you Mary Kate, thank you for including us in your dream!

Steve

MARY KATE ROCKS CALGARY

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