A background check of Elvis Presley impersonator Douglas Masuda should make you think that to really enjoy life, “it’s now or never.” He experienced the high life of a litigation lawyer, found true love at 45, and then entered showbiz when he was 64.
“This is just for fun. I’m having a good time as everybody I knew says I’m getting younger, not older,” he happily expressed.
For the last 11 years, the ‘hound’ Doug has embraced a monthly average of two gigs honoring his idol we all know as King of Rock ‘N Roll.
Here’s a man who has found some new meaning by revisiting the soundtrack of his youth and dressing up, singing a la Elvis. He entertains people as he cheers himself up within.
While still a working man involved in ensuring the efficiency of jet engines (talking about a life less ordinary!), Douglas has found the right balance dealing with paper works and having a party. He implied, “I recall the doctor telling me that if I don’t retire from a life of stress, I’d die. Doing this Elvis thing must have kept me alive.”
The son of a Japanese couple who migrated to the US, the Los Angeles-bred first went to Manila in 1985 and later met Vicky, a Filipina he “can’t help falling in love” with and who masterfully sews his Elvis jumpsuits.
Staying here for good, he now resides in a Makati condo unit beautifully loaded with life-sized Elvis mannequins, records, memorabilia, and of course, those fancy jumpsuits—nearly 50 of them including the latest called “Spanish Flower.” He earned the moniker “Elvis of Japan” after he won a competition that kicked off his career and landed him a TV guesting in a Korina Sanchez show. He is not joking when he tells he lost many of his relatives from the 1945 atomic bombing in Hiroshima.
“Elvis died 41 years ago and yet last year he scored a number one hit after the Philharmonic Orchestra backed his vocals from old records,” he pointed out with a grin.
Exactly a week from now, he will perform at the “Elvis Night” live at RJ Bistro in the lower level of Dusit Thani Hotel Makati. Elvis died from cardiac arrhythmia on August 16, 1977.
Interestingly, the tribute night will feature five Pinoy Elvises in their 20s, namely, Bam Angping, Daniel Raymundo, Jun Mac Grecia, and ladies Agnes De Leon and Anjeanette Japor. “Elvis of Greece” George Sarakinis and “Elvis of Asia” Jun Espinosa will also perform, along with “main man” RJ Jacinto.
“There are 200 thousand Elvis impersonators all over the world and Aug. 16 is the biggest day in Elvis land,” Doug commented, “It’s nice we have young Elvises on board and I hope we get more millennials to like Elvis music. It is still relevant to this day.”
(For inquiries about Elvis Night, call 0906-2211524.)