STILL rockin' it: Ramon "RJ" Jacinto to mount milestone concert. RJ
LIFE

Rock 'n' roll icon Jacinto to celebrate 80th with tribute concert

TDT

Filipino rock 'n' roll legend and entrepreneur Ramon "RJ" Jacinto is set to celebrate his 80th birthday in true musical fashion on Tuesday, 3 June with a special tribute show at the iconic RJ Bistro in Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati.

The birthday bash will spotlight rising young talents in the local music scene, each performing tributes to musical greats from past decades. Among them: Milo Ibrado channels Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé, Bam Angping revives Elvis Presley, David Young brings Dean Martin to life, while Nathan Randal interprets operatic classics from Pavarotti and Josh Groban. Meanwhile, Aquila Packing pays homage to Karen Carpenter, and Mix Fenix delivers her take on Amy Winehouse.

The celebration also marks a milestone for RJ Bistro, now on its 40th year as the country’s longest-running music lounge — a venue that has served three generations of rock 'n' roll lovers with live music and timeless classics.

An enduring legacy

For over six decades, RJ Jacinto has been a trailblazer in music, broadcasting, and business. As a musician, record producer, and founder of DZRJ, he has championed OPM since 1963.

Many became icons of the music industry such as Sampaguita, Juan Dela Cruz Band, Apo Hiking Society, Florante, Andrew E, Father and Sons, and many other rock bands.

The station was a pioneer in broadcasting US hits and offering first exposure to The Beatles, Eric Clapton, and The Beach Boys to Filipino listeners.

DZRJ later earned two Presidential Awards: one for being the voice of freedom during the 1986 People Power Revolution, and another for its contribution during EDSA II.

He also made his mark in retail through RJ Guitars, which began in 1988 and grew into a respected brand supplying handcrafted guitars locally and internationally — becoming the only Philippine brand to export to Japan and beyond.

In line with tradition, RJ Guitar Center will hold its much-awaited legendary birthday sale on 31 May and 1 June (Saturday and Sunday) across all 10 branches and online platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. Discounts will grow throughout the day, culminating in a 50 percent discount on all items from 9PM to mall closing.

Seats are filling up fast for RJ’s 80th birthday concert on 3 June. To reserve a spot, call 0906-221-1524 or visit Facebook.com/rjbistro.

This celebration is presented by RJ Bistro in partnership with DAILY TRIBUNE.