Expert: Bong Santos - 4/30/2007

Question
Hi sir, just wondering if you can point me in the right direction concerning a certain song/hip hop tune from the 80's (artist and album title). I think it was very popular here in the Philippines when it was released but unfortunately, I can't seem to track down the CD. The title of the song is "SHOWDOWN", very upbeat, here is a sample verse: "this is it, this is a showdown, this is a showdown between you and me..."

And if it's ok for you to send me a copy of the song in mp3, I would really appreciate it. My email is dayamos@gmail.com. Thank you! [^_^]

Answer
Dear Victor,

The year was 1985 when that song came out. BREAK DANCING was still in its infancy right after STRUT was introduced to the world (or at least in the Philippines) in the early 80's. It was featured in the movie FAST FORWARD directed by legendary actor SIDNEY POITIER. The movie according to imdb.com is about "eight young people from Ohio who are dancers, come to New York, to compete in a major talent competition. But when they get there, they learn that they have to wait some time before they take part in it. So they try to do their best to survive in the Big Apple before competition, and get some lessons about the real world".

The movie came on the heels of several blockbuster dance movies of that era: FOOTLOOSE, FLASHDANCE to name a few. SHOWDOWN was written by JOHN "JELLYBEAN" BENITEZ, STEPHEN BRAY and TONI C. and performed by PULSE FEATURING ADELE BERTEI. The album also includes the popular duet LONG AS WE BELIEVE as performed by SIEDAH GARRETT & DAVID SWANSON.

I don't have a copy of the song, though. Let's hope some of readers do and help us secure a copy.

Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines