New Jersey-based Pinay jazz queen Annie Brazil is in Manila for her annual homecoming. Last time I watched her sing was when she turned 82 in October 2015 at an intimage gig in Makati.

In the audience that night was Inquirer editor in chief Letty J. Magsanoc, who said the “soundtrack of (her) life” had been rendered by Annie, back when Carlos Magsanoc was courting Letty Jimenez and would take her to a club, also in Makati, where Annie was gigging.

As it turned out, that would be the last time Letty and Annie were together in one place. Letty passed away two months later in December 2015.

Annie’s homecoming this year seemed a bit anxiety-laden, when her son Richard Merk posted on his Facebook wall a short message asking prayers for his mother.

Truth to tell, Annie always looked frail and, in fact, suffered from asthma attacks every time I saw her perform.

But, always, she pulled through.

I was told she would still sing a song or two at her gig tonight at Romulo’s Cafe in Azumi Hotel in Alabang.

But the main show is about paying tribute to her as the Filipino queen of jazz, whose music is being carried on by her son Richard, who will share the stage with Emcee Corteza, Pat Castillo and Janis Cagara.

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