Soundtrack to the city: how Filipino musicians rocked Hong Kong

Bading Tuason belongs to that bygone era of Hong Kong captured only in fading black-and-white photographs.

The former band leader, who celebrated his 77th birthday this month, worked at the Hongkong Hilton on Queen's Road Central for 32 years until the landmark hotel was knocked down in 1995 to make way for the Cheung Kong Centre.

He was a familiar face at the Eagle's Nest supper club on the 25th floor, which was the place to be seen during the 1960s, when few other venues were considered for wedding anniversaries, engagements and other special occasions.

Pianist Tuason, who came to Hong Kong in 1961, will be coming out of retirement today to perform at a concert co-organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Philippine Consulate. A one-day photo exhibition will run at the venue to raise awareness of the contribution Filipino musicians have made to the local music and social scenes.

'There are many musicians in the Philippines - it's just like a factory of musicians,' says Tuason, who played on the soundtracks of Hong Kong-made films in the 1960s. What was the attraction of the city for his peers at the time? 'It was better pay, security - and, of course, experience and adventure.'

Although age has dimmed his memory, he recalls playing backing piano for the likes of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jnr, whose exploits with fellow members Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin have become part of entertainment folklore.