January 19, 2008 06:21 PM Saturday

Filipino singers breaking into international stardom

By: Aster Amoyo

If I Know

EA Salonga was the  very first Filipino artist to put the Philippines in the entertainment map of the world when she was recruited by Cameron Mackintosh to play the lead role of Kim from the award-winning musical play, “Miss Saigon” which was first staged in London in 1989 and on to Broadway earning for her various awards as Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical  which include   Laurence Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle.  She also played the role of Eponine in the Broadway production of “Les Miserables”. 
    
She also performed the song “A Whole New World” (of Disney’s “Alladin)” in the 65th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, where the song won an Oscar.  Lea sang the song in the movie as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in 1992 and for “Mulan” in 1998 and more notable international projects followed.
   
Another Filipino singer, Marlene de la Peña, made it really big in Japan in the  late 70’s to 80’s.  Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” made its mark in the international music scene when it was interpreted and recorded in over 80   languages by different foreign artists.  Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales was the first Filipino singer-performer to have performed at the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas in the ‘70’s.  She also wowed Australia where one street was named after her. 
   
The late Reycard Duets (Rey and Carding)  also left a mark at the Las Vegas strip during their prime (70’s to 80’s) while S.O.S. or the Society of Seven (where Martin Nievera’s dad, Bert Nievera started out) was already  wowing crowds at the Outrigger Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii for decades.  When Bert left the group to re-settle in the Philippines, Jun Polistico took over and eventually,  the late Gary Bautista replaced Jun.  Even up to his death, Gary was performing. (They’re now performing at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas with Lani Misalucha.—Ed.)
   
We’ve heard of other Filipino artists making waves in the international music scene but their achievements were not as big as Lea’s.
   
Due to advance technology, Internet has become an important part of our daily lives.  Fourteen-year-old ABS-CBN’s “Little Big Star” third placer Charice Pempengco became an overnight sensation when her rendition of Whitney Houston’s hit, “I Will Always Love You” was posted on YouTube which brought to the attention of Ten Songs Productions in Sweden. 
   
In June last year, she recorded seven songs on Stockholm which included three cover songs, Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” and Shakespeare Sister’s “Stay” plus four original songs, “Amazing,” “All The Money in the World,” “It can Only Get Better” and “Born to Love You Forever”.  A few months later, the music video of Charice singing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Dreamgirls was again posted on YouTube which paved the way for her to get invited by Seoul Broadcasting System, the biggest TV network in South Korea to perform in “Star King,” a popular talent show in that country where she sang “And I Am Telling You”.          That music clip was re-posted again on YouTube which led  her to American TV network’s “E!s”.  Her Star King performance in South Korea  was featured in The Daily Ten with the headline, “A Star is Born” on November 14, 2007 followed by “Queen of the Week” on the Hollywood Royalty segment and “A Queen is Born” on November 16.  It was also fea ured in “The Ellen Degeneres Show” on its November 28, 2007 episode. 
   
In that episode, the host showed web videos of different people she would like to have as guests on her show.  This prompted Ellen to personally invite Charice to perform on her show.  And on December 19, 2007, the young singer sang her already popular  version of  Dreamgirls’  ”And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and Whitney’s “I Will Always Love You” where she was given a standing ovation  by  the audience on both songs.
   
Now under contract with ABS-CBN’s Star Records, heard that an American record  producer has already shown interest in signing up Charice.
   
While Charice is on her way to international fame, another Filipino,  forty-year-old rock artist and lead vocalist of The Zoo (being managed by TV director Bert de Leon), Arnel Pineda is   on the verge of international recognition after he was picked out via Internet’s YouTube as the newest lead vocalist of America’s rock band, Journey, the group behind the  classic hits such as “Open Arms,” “Faithfully,” “Eversince The World Began,” “Separate Ways,” ‘Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Who’s Crying Now,” “Anyway You Want It” and more.
   
Come February 1, Arnel is U.S. bound to face a bigger challenge in his musical career.
   
“Dreams do come true,” he enthused after his electrifying farewell performance with his former band, Zoo at the Hard Rock Cafe in Makati last Friday night.

The 5’3" rock artist is just a simple guy who came from a poor family.  But his dreams and visions are bigger than he could imagine.
   
“Don’t stop believing,” that has always been the mantra of Arnel since he focused on his singing career at a very young age. 
   
He first joined Hijos Band which eventually evolved into the AMO Band.  He also tried his luck in Hong Kong but came  back to the Philippines after his separation from his former live-in partner.  He was so devastated to the extent of destroying his voice. When he had his throat examined, he was informed by the doctors that he will never regain his good voice again and he can’t be singing anymore.
   
“Pakiramdam ko noon, kalaban ko ang mundo.  Hindi ako makapaniwala because singing is my life,” says Arnel.
   
But his will to regain his voice remained.  After six months of rehabilitation, he continued singing and touring until he was signed up as a solo artist by a major record label but luck was still elusive to him until he crossed paths with TV director Bert de Leon in Hong Kong. 
   
De Leon convinced Arnel and his mentor, Monet Cajipe to return to Manila and form a new band called Zoo which was immediately signed up by MCA Records headed by music stalwart, Ricky Ilacad (OctoArts’ big boss younger brother).  Zoo released their debut album called “Zoology” (with “Pain in My Heart” as its carrier single)   late last year.  “Pain In My Heart” is Zoo’s guitarist’s (Monet Cajipe)  original composition.  The music video of the song, directed by Gino Nacianceno was premiered last January 13 on MYX.
   
Despite Arnel’s leaving Zoo to embark on a bigger journey, the band formed by Bert de Leon will continue with its new lead vocalist, Reujenson Lista together with Emil Bondoc (bass), Edgar Mendoza (keyboards) and Nathaniel Baruelo (drums). 
   
Arnel, on the other hand, will be facing a tough schedule ahead which include rehearsals, recordings and tours with his newfound ‘family’, The Journey.

People's Journal 

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-19&sec=3&aid=46404

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines -- Internationally acclaimed singer Lea Salonga has done her share of helping Gawad Kalinga build homes for the poor by singing to thousands at a benefit concert here.

"There are people who are more blessed, so sharing blessings is never ever a bad thing with those who don't have that much," Salonga said on Saturday, when she sang to a jam-packed crowd of more than 7,000 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum.

Funds to be raised from the concert would be used to build houses for the poor in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental in 2008, said GK provincial director Bobby Magalona.

Gawad Kalinga has been all about "building homes, building dreams," said Salonga, who traces her roots to Pulupandan, Negros Occidental.

She said her mother, Ligaya Alcantara Imutan, was the daughter of Leo Imutan, a vice mayor of Pulupandan town who briefly took over as mayor.

And the statue of a woman carrying a "bilao (basket)" on her head in the Pulupandan town plaza is that of her grandmother, Carmen Alcantara Imutan, according to Salonga.

At her concert, Salonga said it was a special night for her to perform in Bacolod because it was like a family reunion with a lot of her relatives from Pulupandan in the audience.

Salonga said she was told there was an Imutan Street in Pulupandan and she would appreciate it if someone would send her a photo of it.

She was accompanied by mother and brother Gerard Salonga, who conducted the orchestra at her concert.

Since GK began in Negros Occidental in 2001, it has built 1,300 houses in 33 sites all over the province, according to Magalona.

Gawad Kalinga was set to build 1,000 more houses in the province this year, he said.

Four-hundred of these 1,000 houses would be built at a proposed GK village in Purok Riverside, Banago in Bacolod City, a joint effort of Catholic and Protestant groups, Magalona said.

The multi-awarded Salonga, who won several awards for her role as Kim in the musical Miss Saigon at Broadway in New York and London’s West End, wowed the audience with her songs that ranged from Tagalog favorites to musical theater numbers, and the Ilonggo song "Ay Ay Kalisod."

Also performing with her was Ilonggo singer Jed Madela who drew a rousing applause for his rendition from Phantom of the Opera.

Salonga and husband Robert Charles Chien are in the Philippines with daughter, Beverly Nicole, born on May 16, 2006 and named after Salonga's late mother-in-law, Beverly Chien.

Salonga, who just finished playing Fantine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway, said she would have a lead role in Broadway Asia Entertainment's Asian tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella that was set to kick off in Manila on July 29.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080129-115380/Lea-Salonga-sings-to-thousands-in-Bacolod

Dollywood
Lea’s advice to young singers



By Dolly Anne Carvajal
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:45:00 02/10/2008

MANILA, Philippines – Lea Salonga has sound advice for kids aspiring to be like her.

“We need more kid singers who sound like children. Why make them sing the songs of Celine, Mariah and Beyonce, when they clearly lack the life experience to pull off those songs? I cringe at the sound of 10-year-olds singing about lost loves,” she says. “Pwede ba? ‘Big Spender’ shouldn’t be sung by [minors].”

Lea says there are some songs by the same singers that’s okay for kids, like Mariah’s “Hero.” But that is more of an exception.

She recalls: “My mom was very particular about the material I performed until I was 14. Kids need to be guided by their parents.”

If she were a judge in “Pinoy Idol,” how would she pick the winner? “I would critique song selection as [much] as the performance. It’s important to choose material that plays to one’s strengths, not highlight one’s weaknesses. Song and singer have to be a perfect fit. Intonation is another thing I would look for. I don’t like people going flat … sharp kaya ko pang pagtiyagaan.”

With her unlimited savoir faire, Lea’s more than qualified to choose even a “World & Universe Idol.”

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20080210-117995/Leas-advice-to-young-singers

Lea’s blog

The ever-gracious Lea Salonga has allowed me to share with you again portions of her latest blog. Birthday cheers, Lea! Here’s to more years that are well-lived by well-loved you!

‘Birthday Rumination’

As I turn 37 at the end of this workweek, I found myself awake until the wee hours of the morning ruminating on whatever lessons I might have come away with in my short life … and so far, I’ve learned that:

A side trip can prove more fruitful than the initially intended journey;

Long conversations with people who “get it” make time pass so quickly that you wonder where it’s gone;

Disappointment will exist, no matter how you try to avoid it;

Clean and freshly painted toenails can give joy beyond compare [on] a bad day;

Acting on one’s impulses can prove right some of the time;

You don’t always get what you want, but pray that you always get what you need;

There is beauty in unexpected places;

There is such a thing as “enough”;

It would have been more prudent to wait, after all;

Every day is a gift to not be wasted doing absolutely nothing;

Most of the time, there’s nothing on television;

Minding someone else’s business can be counterproductive … I mean, we have our own business to mind;

As a nation of 7,107 islands, if we each fix our own part of the island, we can then fix the nation.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20080225-120950/Shocking-revelations-about-Greta-Nadia

She came, she saw, she conquered
By Margie T. Logarta
Sunday, March 2, 2008

HONG KONG - We came, we saw, we were wowed. And so was the audience at the capacity-filled Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

The Salonga kids - better known to us as Lea and her "baby brother" Gerard - presented an impeccable musical package with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra at last month's matinee that had tears constantly pricking at the corners of our eyes that such talent was indubitably, unmistakably Filipino. Lea's two-day Hong Kong tour titled Lea Salonga - the Voice of Mulan took place on the weekend following the recent Lunar New Year celebrations.

In her blog (www.bigsis22.com), Lea wrote that she had been warned about Hong Kong audiences being "generally reserved," but the adoring ahhhh that greeted her entrance showed this particular crowd was familiar with her work and was eager to be captivated. Our quick survey of the room earlier revealed a fair mix of locals, western expats and Filipinos, who were obviously the loudest in rooting for their famous kababayan. Lea acknowledged us in her opening spiel, saying she was so "tickled" to be singing for us in a foreign setting, which of course whipped up fan fervor even more.

But being the consummate performer, Lea quickly remembered she had a wider market to cater to, slipping into crisp English dialogue to introduce each song. Her repertoire, arranged by her favorite musical director Gerard, contained enough to please both Disney fans (the reason for a good number of mesmerized children present) and Broadway enthusiasts. Strangely missing, however, was an excerpt from Flower Drum Song, a reworked version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic that has been criticized for featuring several Asian stereotypes.

In what seems to have become a regular feature of her act, Lea called for a volunteer to help her through the always exhilarating A Whole New World from Aladdin. The previous night's show had produced a gondolieri from The Venetian casino-resort in Macau; that afternoon it was TV personality Wong Cho Lam, who hollered his willingness to participate from the balcony section and lost no time in dashing downstairs and bounding up the stage. Like Lea, we didn't know if the boyish Mr. Wong is as famous in his city as let's say Paolo Bediones would be in Manila, but our Broadway babe was assured by someone from the audience who shouted: "He's a star here!" and so those of us who were non-Cantonese had to believe it.

Fortunately, Mr. Wong acquitted himself handsomely despite a quivery start, displaying a pleasant tenor that complemented Lea's polished tones. Both were given a thunderous applause and Mr. Wong skittered away with the experience of a lifetime - he said so while hugging his idol. We can only hope that one of his companions from their high perch recorded the moment somehow as the theater's ushers had such eagle eyes and were quick to pounce on people holding anything remotely flashing.

With Everybody Says Don't from Anyone Can Whistle - the anthem of Barbra Streisand - Lea ended her 18-song programme on a dynamic note. But of course, we clamored for more, which resulted in two Gershwin goldies, I've Got a Crush on You and Someone to Watch Over Me, as if Lea was saying to her fans that being older now she could - and would -  move on to increasingly mature selections.

After the show, we, including seven-year-old Bianca Rose and eight-year-old Crista, daughters of our friends, waited at the backstage entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the star, but for naught. Instead, it was Gerard, who - despite his baby face looks and Chinese-inspired outfit paired with black patent Converse rubber shoes conducted the Hong Kong Philharmonic with impressive gravitas - was gamely posing with his sister's admirers and dispensing autographs.

Soon it was time to hie off for some filling hot pot before contemplating the return-to-work week ahead. But we didn't leave exactly empty handed because of the memory of that amazing voice. 

And we can still hear it.

(The author is managing editor of Asia, Panacea Publishing Asia, publishers of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific, MIX for meetings and incentives and International Medical Travel Journal. She has seen Lea grow up, having been present at her press debut  when she was introduced by the late Bibot Amador as Repertory Philippines' newest star and has caught her occasional performances overseas like Into the Woods in Singapore.)

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Entertainment&p=49&type=2&sec=31&aid=2008030134

BUZZSTATION

Edgar Cruz

03/08/2008

Lea Salonga

“Mother, can you please check if they have fed Nicole?” Lea Salonga interjects during a break of the taping. Like a typical working mother, Lea mixed artistic work with her nurturing duties now that daughter Nicole Chen is about to turn a year old. Ligaya phoned Lea’s house and dutifully reported, “Robert (Chen) has fed Nicole.” Lea could only smile contentedly. Lea sang while Gerald conducted the orchestra. They have such sharp ears they detected the slightest mistakes. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo personally conferred on her the Order of Lakandula for her “outstanding dedication in fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, justice and dignified relations among persons and nations.” She holds the honor of being the only Filipina with a workable Broadway career. Local fans will no doubt remember this amazing working mom as she works in Broadway.

http://tribune.net.ph/life/20080308lif1.html

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0314&152008/life03.html

MANILA, Philippines—Since it’s graduation time, here’s Dollywood’s show biz honor roll:

*snipped*

Most Sensible: “I feel violated when some celebs share more than they should. It’s one thing to be found out and quite another to volunteer too much information about yourself.”—Lea Salonga

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20080324-126161/And-the-Dollywood-Award-goes-to

20 / 20


Lea Salonga... My Life

Shirley Matias-Pizarro

This year, Lea Salonga, the most successful Filipino artist who conquered the international musical theater and recording, marks her 30th year in the business with a concert.

Lea’s two-night concert will take us back into her journey as a performer from a Third World country armed with a world-class singing voice.

"Lea… My Life… On Stage," is slated on May 23 and 24, 8 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The concert is produced by media and entertainment mogul Ambient Events, together with her brother, award-winning musical director Gerard Salonga and FILharmoniKa and long time mentor and multi-awarded stage director Freddie Santos.

Part and parcel of Lea’s concert is her auspicious beginnings with Repertory Philippines , all the way to her West End and Broadway triumphs to this day where Lea continues to shine in her every endeavor.

In this feature, Lea, as always, generously shares part of herself.

1. How do you define or describe who you are?

I describe myself as honest (sometimes to a fault), blunt, professional, disciplined, focused, hard-working, romantic, emotional, loyal (hurt my loved ones, I hurt you), trusting (till you prove yourself unworthy of it). I shoot from the hip, and I love to laugh. I love my friends to pieces, and my family even more so.

2. What do you think is the general perception of people about you?

That I’m aloof or "suplada", as well as hard to reach. These are perceptions that have been with me for as long as I can remember... even from childhood, I think! Those close to me know that this isn’t the case.

3. What is your perception of yourself?

Hmmm... I can be a little difficult to get to know. Most people I meet know me only "to a point", and it takes a lot of people in combination to get a complete picture of me. No one knows me wholly. I always reserve and keep something from everyone I know, be it friend, family or foe. That’s just the way it is.

4. If you are to say one thing that the public doesn’t know about you, what will it be?

That I cry easily, even with commercials. It’s only gotten worse since I had a baby... every time I see a heartwarming commercial with small children in it, I start to tear up. My husband thinks it’s hilarious.

5. What does it take to be your friend?

Besides a sense of humor (the more wicked the better), and general niceness, you have to be someone I respect. I like a lot of people in the world, but unless I have respect for them, I can’t be friends with them. So the friends that I do have and keep are people I also look up to in some way.

6. Have you found the characteristics you were looking for in your life partner?

Thankfully, yes. I was looking for someone smart, sweet, devoted to family, understanding of me as a person, loving, funny, God-fearing and good-looking. I got all that in one person, and even more too.

In the way that he was raised, Rob understands my own upbringing. It was something that bonded us early. That, and the fact that we both love video games and technology as much as we do. Chances are Nicole will have a similar inclination... then again, maybe not.

7. Do you consider yourself successful? Where and to whom do you think you owe your career?

I consider myself incredibly blessed to be doing what I love to do for a living. So yeah, I guess I do consider myself successful, in the sense that I have the best job in the world and am active in it. There isn’t anything else I’d rather be doing. I know that I could never ever sit behind a desk all day... I don’t have the patience or the attention span. However, I do have the dedication to learn an intricate melody or a monologue to the point of obsession.

I owe my career to many people: God, my supportive family and friends, mentors, producers, directors, show creators, fellow actors and singers, members of the press, make-up artists, hairdressers, publicists, costume/gown designers, musical directors, musicians, sound engineers, recording companies, teleprompter operators, stage managers, crew guys, the box office, and everyone that comes to see my shows: my fans! Thank you all so very much, and I apologize if I forgot anyone.

8. Do you consider yourself rich (financially)? Why? Where do you invest your money?

I consider myself and my family able to take care of ourselves without worry, but not to the point that we’ll never have to work again. We still have to, and that’s a good thing. I don’t think any of us could ever live idly. That’s just not us. We love the work we do, and would love to keep doing it for as long as possible.

In the bank! We try to be prudent and smart with our investments, to allow for volatility and the unpredictability of the future. Sure we’ve made a few missteps along the way, but we learn from them.

9. Do you pay taxes honestly?

Of course! My accountant is also helpful in this regard.

10. What’s your idea of splurging?

A really nice meal... video games/DVDs... new technology... a great pair of shoes... a really nice pair of shades... a funky purse... a holiday... stuff like that.

11. Who or what do you think "cheapen" show biz image? Who do you think lend royalty to it?

Hmmm... unnecessary intrigue... sensationalizing for publicity... artists being stupid... excessive alcohol and drug use... not being mindful of one’s public image... being unprofessional... throwing an unwarranted fit without caring for whomever happens to be around... scandal.

Consummate professionalism... being good to fans... creating great shows for everyone to enjoy... being aware of how to behave in public... showing respect to fellow artists, both old and new... being a positive representative of our industry and craft... and being a good role model for young people. A positive image goes a long way in lending royalty to this industry.

12. Is being gay in show biz an issue?

Not for me, no. Nor should it be.

13. Do you consider yourself sexy? Why?

14. Among celebrity men and women – who is sexy to you and why?

Without a doubt, George Clooney. No bulls***, looks wonderful in a tux, has a wry sense of humor, and the older he gets, the better he looks. Angelina Jolie. Intelligence, motherhood, an all-embracing compassion, big souful eyes, and the most beautiful lips on any human.

15. In an industry that they say thrives on duplicity, is sincerity an asset in this business?

Sincerity, or the appearance thereof, is very important. Fans — yours truly included — can take things very personally when an artist lies, or appears to be lying. It’s important to a fan that their object of admiration is truthful to them.

Imagine when a famous actor, for example, tells God and everybody that he’s totally single and cruising the singles scene… how awful it is therefore when it’s revealed he’s keeping a wife and 3 kids at home! That hurts!

16. Do you consider yourself an honest person? Why? Who do you think are the sincerest persons in this business and why?

Yes I do… sometimes to someone else’s chagrin. I call things as I see them. Sometimes it’s appreciated, and sometimes, it pisses people off. So be careful when asking for my opinion, you might not like what you’ll hear.

Oh goodness, I don’t circulate much in showbusiness so it would be unfair of me to enumerate. I’d like to think that the people I’ve gained as friends are incredibly sincere and generous. I can’t really name names, as there may just be too many to list!

17. What was the worst thing ever written about you? What was the best thing ever written about you?

Whatever it was, I can’t remember it. I’ve either forgiven it or completely forgotten it. Everyone in showbiz gets their fair share of bad reviews… can’t really dwell on them, I guess.

I can’t remember that either! I guess I forget the good stuff too! An old friend said, if you believe the good reviews, you have to believe the bad ones too. So I just go by how an audience reacts at the particular moment and take it from there. Having said that, I’m thankful for every nice thing ever written about me! Truly I am!

18. Think of three most disliked people in show biz.

Oh goodness… I don’t know who the disliked people are so I wouldn’t know what to say! And there really isn’t anyone I don’t like in this business, but if there was someone I disliked with a passion, it would be "clean up your act… no one really respects you right now."

19. Was there ever a time you encountered duplicity in this business that led to a heartbreak?

I don’t know if it was a duplicitous act, but I have experienced heartbreak in this business… it was an absolutely terrible time and one that took away my respect for the person that committed the act. It took quite a few years for me to recover.

Our relationship, although somewhat mended, will never really be the same as before. I’m okay with that, that’s life I guess.

20. What is immoral to you? Do you believe that immorality is prevalent in show biz?

Immorality is anything that takes away from what comes from God. It’s prevalent everywhere, but perhaps more pronounced in showbusiness because everyone in it is public property and the environment seemingly more permissive.

More quotable quotes from Lea

• What do you pray for?

I pray that my family is always healthy and happy, that I’m able to sing and perform for many years more, and that our country enjoys a greater level of stability and gains respect in the eyes of the worldwide community.

• Do you consider yourself a good person? Why?

I consider myself fair. Not good, but fair. I’m not perfect, I’m certainly very human, and there’s a ways to go before I can call myself "good". I don’t think I’m there yet.

• If you die tonight, where do you think you will go? Heaven or hell?

I’d probably spend some time in purgatory to figure out where I went wrong… once I’ve learned all the lessons laid out for my lifetime, then maybe I’ll head to heaven. But only when God thinks it’s right for me.

• If you are not who you are today, what profession would you be in?

I don’t know! This is all I really know! Maybe a doctor specializing in pediatrics or voice.

• Is education important to you?

Education has always been important in my family, and was always encouraged. It’s something that cannot ever be taken away from me. It’s something I’d like to one day complete, when I have the free time in which to do it. Maybe when Nic herself is in school, then I’ll be able to devote the time and energy to school.

• Would you go for beauty or brains? Would you rather be rich or good looking?

Brains, please… they have a longer shelf life than a pair of boobs.

I’d rather be rich… it’s easier to be charitable when you have the funds. Good looks can only get a person so far. It most certainly doesn’t guarantee riches.

• What makes you angry? How do you get angry? How do you let off steam?

Oh goodness… a loss of trust, disloyalty, underhandedness, insincerity, when someone hurts any of my loved ones, injustice, malicious intent. As for how I get angry, sometimes I can feel my eyesight start to blur and my hands start to shake… I don’t have full control over what I’m about to say (and thus hurl some painful, hurtful words)… I have a hard time getting to sleep… and I cry uncontrollably. It’s a mental state I’d much rather not be in, to be honest.

I write in my journal (it helps to see the actual written manifestation of my anger right in front of me) or talk things out in my head or aloud… sometimes, stepping outside of myself and listening to words being said in a third person context help me to be objective about my emotions. It’s like being in therapy, without the prohibitive cost.

• How do you want to be remembered?

On my epitaph, I’d like it to read: "She did her very best at everything she did, and hopes that in the end, it’s enough."

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR20080326120246.html

Celebrating 30 years of Lea Salonga

Lea at Juday, huwaran ng kabataan...

After a very successful tour last year, Don Moen returns to the Philippines this coming summer for another series of praise and worship events starting off on April 4, 8:00 pm at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Don Moen is looking forward to his comeback as he is scheduled to visit more areas this time which include Lucena, Lingayen, Iloilo, Cebu and Cagayan De Oro.

Known for his many inspirational songs such as "God Will Make A Way", "Give Thanks", "Heal Me, Oh Lord", "God is Good All The Time" and "Thank You Lord", Don Moen is a famous songwriter and performer who gained success with his praise & worship songs that hewed closely to the words of the Bible.

He has traveled extensively around the globe to spread God's Word through his music and inspirational teachings. This March, Don Moen finishes his latest album which will be launched soon.

Don Moen's "Worship and Revival Concert Tour" promises to unite once again believes from the Evangelical and Catholic Communities who are all looking forward to another memorable religious event.

Come and celebrate a spirit-filled evening of praise and worship as well all unite in prayer for God's grace in the anointing of spiritual revival.

Watch Don Moen on April 4, 8:00 pm at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City; April 5, 7 pm at the Quezon Convention Center, Lucena City; April 6, 5:30 pm at Don Narciso Ramos Sports Center in Lingayen, Pangasinan; April 10, 7 pm at the Ilo­ilo Sports Complex, Ilo­ilo; April 11, 7:30 pm at the University of Southern Philippines (open grounds), Cebu City and on April 12, 7 pm at the Pelaez Sports Complex, Cagayan de Oro.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld (891-9999/891-5610). For group ticket sales and block buyers, please call Maximedia at tel. #(02) 551-7777 or email at don_moen.maximedia@yahoo.com.

The Don Moen "Worship and Revival Tour" is supported by Chowking, The Mabuhay Ma­nor, Commuter Express.

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Ngayong 2008, si Lea Salonga, ang maitutuing na the most successful Filipino ever to trail blaze the world of international musical theater and recording marks her 30th colorful year in the business where her trademark has always lives up to global standards of excellence.

What better way to celebrate this momentous event in her life than to look back at the musical journey by way of a two-night concert production that will span half a world of theatrical history and outstanding possibilities still.
In this concert billed "Lea... My Life... On Stage", slated on May 23 and 24, 8:00 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the lady of the stage extends, expands, explores with one eye looking back at all that has been and one eye out for all that is yet come.

Lea has mapped out this concert together with her brother, award-winning musical director Gerard Salonga and Filharmonica and long time mentor and multi-awarded stage director Freddie Santos to include her auspicious beginnings with Repertory Philippines all the way to her West End and Broadway triumphs to this day where Lea is simply not resting on her laurels but continues to let the excellence of Filipino shine in her every endeavor.

Expect Lea and Gerard to give life to all the songs that have endea­vored her to the world and so much more in this two-night musical event.
Sa totoo lang, si Lea pa rin ang dapat na ga­wing inspirasyon ng mga artista natin ngayon, na inuna muna ang career bago ang pakikipagharutan sa mga lalake.

Aba, nasa hustong edad na nga si Lea nu'ng mag-asawa siya, `no! Hindi nga siya katulad ng iba riyan na kebata-bata eh, nagsisipag­landian na agad, at puro lalake ang nasa isip.

Sa ganyang pana­naw nga nagkakatulad sina Lea at Juday, dahil pareho nilang minahal muna ang kanilang trabaho, bago nila binigyan ng kaligayahan ang kanilang sarili.

Pareho nga silang huwaran ng kabataan, `no!
Anyway, ang "Lea... My Life... On Stage" is produced for the first time by Ambient Events, a division of Ambient Media which is a media and entertainment company whose business include web interactive services, e-commerce and deli­very, mobile content, digi­tal music, event management, music and audio production, video production and ar­tist development and aims to provide innovative services and a comprehensive source for all media and entertainment re­quisites.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar3008/ent_al.htm