SIBU, June 12: The Movement Control Order (MCO) has also impacted the local entertainment industry.
Since MCO came into force on March 18, one of the many Elvis impersonators, Sebastian Elbongo could not fulfil his singing engagements.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sebastian who used to sing at companies’ dinner and pubs statewide, Â had also performed in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan as well as the Philippines and Thailand.
As pubs and restaurants were disallowed from opening during the MCO period, he could only confined himself to singing in his room.
“For three months now, there was no show from me. I was supposed to sing at a company 30th anniversary dinner in Kuching in May, but as the event has been shelved, I have no choice but to postpone it also,” he lamented.
However the company has advised him to be on the standby should the dinner be allowed to proceed later on with entertainment items allowed.
Kuching-born, Sebastian, who is now residing in Miri, is also unable to perform at pubs there for the same reason.
“Almost every Friday and Saturday before Covid-19 pandemic, you could see me belting out Elvis songs at pubs in Miri. But not anymore during this period,” he said.
With the current Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) which will end on August 31, Sebastian is hoping that entertainment in pubs could be allowed.
“I am feeling rusty now after so many months of inaction. I hope to get back to the stage when RMCO is lifted or when singing at pubs and hotels is allowed anytime from now,” he said.
Bong became an Elvis impersonator about 10 years ago. Before that he was with a now disbanded local band.
Few years ago, he was placed in the top 10 among the 28 contestants from nine countries in an Elvis impersonator singing competition in Manila, the Philippines.
“At every show, I Â will be donning imported custom-made Elvis costumes from the Philippines and Thailand. When I sing at pubs or restaurants, I will be bringing my own equipment including a top quality microphone.
“When you are impersonating Elvis, you really need good equipment. You also need to sing and sound like Elvis or at least 30-40 per cent. You cannot sing in your own voice or else you will sound like Wang Chin Niang (popular singer in the early 70s),” he enthused.
His fans can always expect two numbers “The Wonder of you,” and “She wears my ring,’ at his show.
Of course there are also a host of other famous numbers by the great Elvis Presley which Sebastian is adept at singing to wow his fans.
Very soon, should RMCO be lifted, Sebastian will hit the stage again and fans can expect a night of solid performance by him.—DayakDaily
