Wency Cornejo, former lead singer of iconic 90’s Philippine alternative rock/pop band AfterImage, was a ‘no show’ in a fundraiser organized for the benefit of a medical mission in Negros Occidental, Philippines.
Vancouver based “Retro Diva” Goldie and her team of Filipino Canadian talents had planned a birthday concert featuring Cornejo for the Negrenses Association of British Columbia. Tickets had been sold for the April 12 concert at Columbia Theater in New Westminster when the unfortunate incident happened.
“To all my dearest friends especially those who already got their tickets — “I am so sorry to inform you that Wency couldn’t make it … due to unavoidable circumstance. But my team and I will promise you a quality entertainment no matter what. Hope you can all support my goal for my birthday and make my wishes comes true,” she posted on her Facebook page.
Goldie and her team dished out an intense performance to make up for Cornejo’s no show to win over some AfterImage fans who were expecting some of his music which hit the charts in the Philippine in the 90’s. The band disbanded in 2001 but reunited to put up an album in 2008. Cornejo, the son of veteran newscaster and talk show host Mel Tiangco, continued as a solo artist.
“It could’ve have been all good if he didn’t miss getting his visa stamped on his passport at the Canadian embassy on time in the Philippines before his flight to Winnipeg via Vancouver. He missed his show in Winnipeg as well,” Goldie said.
“According to Wency, the producer and lawyer from Winnipeg threatened to revoke his Canadian visa,” she added.
Negrenses Association of British Columbia president Cris Sotana confirmed what Goldie revealed
“In my own humble opinion, if an artist doesn’t show up it would always create a negative effect no matter how you look at it. However in the case of what happened to us, it actually turned out positive because the talents are somehow challenged to be the best that they can be,” Sotana told Metrovan Independent News.
Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer made an impromptu appearance on stage with retro-diva GOLDIE. Photo by Simply the Best – The Luisa Marshall Show
The show, according to sources, this time headlined by former Retrospect member, Goldie went on smoothly the whole evening. Friends, family and supporters applauded with sincere appreciation while some members of the audience even got up and danced to her music rhythm and beat. Goldie and her team of local talents showed they could do it without Wency.
“As to how much we raised, we don’t have the final figures yet because we haven’t finished paying for all expenses incurred to put up the show. As we have done in the past, the money will go towards purchasing medicines, vitamins, and other food supplements,” Sotana said.
“In our coming medical mission this October we will be doing a feeding program for at least 500 or more children. This time our mission will be in Pontevedra in Negros Occidental. The date will most likely be in the fourth week of October, “he said.
“It will be okay to show transparency as all organization should be transparent,” Sotana explained addressing the issue of transparency in Filipino fundraising activities. Cris Sotana and wife Natie leaves for the Philippines this month.
Metrovan Independent News tried to get in touch with Wency Cornejo but received no response as of press time.
