Singing sensation, Lillian de los Reyes turned 60 in style last Sunday, 2 August at Burwood RSL Club, surrounded by family, friends and the Filipino community.
With her definitive and distinctive long, lean legs, she stood with grace with no trace of years gone by and no wrinkles to hint the reason for the night. She simply twinkled on her night of nights poised in a long silver gown that reflected her own inner glow.
It was a tribute befitting the Filipino community’s first lady of song and for someone
who has entertained Filipino community ‘gratis et amore’ for over 30 years. Only this time it was her turn to be entertained by a line up of superb entertainers backed by the Dino Leary Band with Trece. Pianist, Jesse Bañez kicked off the music portion followed by William Mafi, Lena Cruz and Louie George who were absolutely fantastic!
Of course the night would not have been complete without Lillian herself taking centre stage. In her glittering best, she belted out the Shirley Bassey favourite “This is my Life”, one of her best performances that exacted no less than a standing ovation from the clamoring public.
As an encore, she returned in a black mini to do her signature song “Simply the Best” and was joined by Mafi who did a parody of Tina Turner leaving the audience upbeat and in stitches.
Ever faithful, ever true by her side, were friends Rod Dingle and Grays O’Brien whose opening speech spliced with humour was a welcome delight.
“There was a lot of emotion behind the scenes. I’m happy it all went well” said Rod .
Lillian de los Reyes always hits that note and this time she’s hit that milestone age that most people would not be comfortable with. However, in Lillian’s case, she’s managed to embrace age with grace. How does she do it? “I don’t stress” she charmingly announced to the audience.
She was a model turned singer and has performed with some of the top Filipino and international entertainers. She continues her regular gigs on the RSL club circuit with her “Manila by Night” shows.
“I was overwhelmed and there was so much love in the room,” said Lillian. “I am so grateful to all those who came,” she adds.
From a grateful community, a big thanks for filling their hearts with music and songs over the years. May she continue to enthrall her audience for a long, long time.
