MANILA, Philippines--?I don?t believe in destiny. But I believe in circumstance,? said Julio Iglesias as he talked about his life as a world-renowned singer.

He considers his forthcoming concert on March 20 at the Araneta Coliseum as a special event?the Philippines being close to his heart, having been formerly married to the Manila-born Isabel Preysler, with whom he has three children (Chabeli, Julio Jr. and Enrique).

That?s why he?s singing for free; all proceeds of the concert, titled ?Heart of Gold,? will go to victims of the double-whammy typhoons that hit the country last year.

Currently on tour, Iglesias said he doesn?t need to go on the road, but that he can?t stop performing because he feels privileged to touch people?s hearts through music.

More than 40 years ago he was studying law in Spain and playing as a goalkeeper for the Real Madrid soccer team when a car crash severely injured his spinal cord.

That was a pretty bad circumstance, and the worst part was when doctors told Iglesias that he might never walk again. But slowly his health improved. As part of his therapy, Iglesias learned to play the guitar?another circumstance that led to something really good.

In 1968 he joined an international music festival held in Spain, winning the top prize with a song he wrote and signing an album deal with Columbia Records.

Iglesias recorded songs that topped the European charts. In no time, he was a Latin pop superstar; soon he conquered the world as a romantic balladeer.

The 66-year-old singer-songwriter was in high spirits as he spoke to the Inquirer by phone.

You?ve made a big fortune in the music business. You lead a pretty comfortable life. Is there anything that makes you unhappy?

Touching people?s hearts through music is something that I probably won?t get tired of doing. Yes, I have made quite a fortune from this job. Now I don?t need to work so hard to make money. I don?t think there?s any reason for me to be unhappy.

And what makes you happy?

Performing in places I never imagined...like in China! It?s still the thrill of being appreciated by many people that makes me happy.

You?re basically known as an interpreter or someone who covers songs of other artists. But you started out as a songwriter.

There comes a time when the tree dries up and I need other people to help me as an artist...

You?re also famous for your duets with artists from different musical genres. Are you still in touch with Willie Nelson, for example?

I?m also in touch with Frank Sinatra in heaven. Seriously, I still communicate with most of them, including Willie.

What was it like recording with Willie in ?To All the Girls I?ve Loved Before??
At first I was worried that it would not be okay since our musical styles were not the same. But Willie was very nice and he made it possible for the session to turn out fine. We actually had fun.

You?re really not getting a single cent from your show on Saturday?

The Philippines is my second home and Jorge and Stella Araneta (owners of the Big Dome) are good friends of mine. Like I said, performing is a privilege, what more a charity concert for the home country of my ex-wife? My three children with Isabel were raised with Filipino values. In a way, I become a Filipino, too, each time I go onstage in Manila. I?m looking forward to lumpia, pancit and adobo !