Lea Salonga returns to Broadway and 'Les Miserables'

Lea to play Fantine beginning March 6

Erwin Santiago | Friday, January 5, 2007

The international star and the Philippine's pride, Lea Salonga, is set to return to Broadway in the revival of Les Miserables. The Tony Award-winning star of Miss Saigon will replace Daphne Rubin-Vega as Fantine beginning March 6.

This is actually the second time for Lea to appear in Les Miserables. The singer-actress played Eponine in the original Broadway production of Les Miz in 1993, right after leaving Miss Saigon.

No less than Les Miz producer Cameron Macintosh, who also produced Miss Saigon, announced that Lea "would be part of the production through at least the summer of 2007."

Lea first gained international stage stardom at age 17 when she was chosen—among thousands who auditioned around the world—to play the coveted role of Kim in the 1989 London production of Miss Saigon. For her performance in the Mackintosh-produced musical, Lea won an Olivier Award for Best Actress. When she reprised her role on Broadway, she went on to win a Tony Award.

The Filipino singer-actress returned to Miss Saigon twice during the almost 10-year run of the production. Lea has the distinction of being the first Asian actress to portray Eponine on Broadway in Les Miserables.

Lea's last Broadway appearance was in 2002 when she starred in the revival of The Flower Drum Song.

She has also served as the singing voice of two Disney characters: Jasmin in Aladdin and the title character in Mulan.

Aside from releasing several albums, she has also appeared in U.S. television. Some of her appearances include the 1993 Oscar Awards where Aladdin's "A Whole New World" won as best original song, the TV movie Redwood Curtain with Jeff Daniels, a guest-starring role on ER, and a recurring role on As The World Turns.

The international star, who will turn 36 on February 22, had her first U.S. concert tour in 2005 which culminated in a sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall.

Lea married Chinese-Japanese Robert Chien, managing director of an entertainment software company, on January 10, 2004. Their daughter, Nicole Beverly, was born on May 16, 2006.

http://www.pep.ph/articles/news/11772.htm

last cncert i saw her, she said she was happy in cali. is she moving back to NY? how's the hubby?

---

Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.

Pinoy poker players loves pokersapinasblogspot.com

Lea returns to Broadway


Shirley Matias Pizarro

Good news for the new year.

Our very own international singer-actress Ms. Lea Salonga will once again return to Broadway to be part of "Les Miserables" production soon this year

We were told that Lea will be leaving the country for New York, with her family of course, husband Rob Chien and daughter Nicole, on Feb. 22, also her birthday to be there in time for all the preparations, rehearsals for her new musical.

Lea once played Eponine on West End (a first for an Asian actress to essay the Western assignment) and we presume she’ll be playing the same role this time around. We can imagine the excitement of everyone since it’s been quite a while since Lea performed on Broadway.

Now, we have another wonderful opportunity to see Lea again doing what she does best, wowing them all on Broadway!

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2007010683887.html

Lea Salonga returns to Broadway as Fantine
Jan. 6, 2007

I got a word from Lea herself that she is returning to Broadway on March 6 to portray not Eponine, but Fantine, in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of “Les Miserables.”

Great news indeed! Whew!

She will leave the Philippines (I’m pretty sure with her sweet baby Nicole Beverly) after her Valentine’s concert in Manila featuring common friend and “Philippine Idol” big 3 finalist Gian Magdangal.

Lea, the Tony Award-winning star of “Miss Saigon,” will replace Daphne Rubin-Vega, original Mimi in Jonathan Larson’s “Rent,” who will leave “Les Miserables” on February 18 to star in the Labyrinth Theatre Company's production of “Jack Goes Boating.” Lea played Eponine in the Broadway production of “Les Miserables” in 1993, after her departure from “Miss Saigon.”

All the best, Ms. Lea Salonga! Wow Broadway all over again!

You may reach the writer at email add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph.

TAKE FIVE
Lea auditioned for Fantine


By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 01:00am (Mla time) 01/07/2007  

LEA SALONGA WAS JUST about to pop, eight months pregnant with firstborn Nicole Beverly, when she sang for composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, in a bid for the role of Fantine in the new Cameron Mackintosh production of “Les Miserables” on Broadway.

Schönberg was the same man who tested her for the role of Kim, heroine of “Miss Saigon,” in 1988.

In spite of her awards—including a Larry and a Tony for “Miss Saigon”—and the fact that she had worked in past Mackintosh musicals (“Miss Saigon” and as Eponine in “Les Miz”), she still had to go through the wringer.

She never had qualms about trying out for roles, and Fantine, was no different. Until then, Lea said, she hadn’t eyed Fantine—not even when she did “Les Miz” in New York, London and Honolulu from 1993 to ’96.

“I was only 22 then,” she explained. Now she can better appreciate Fantine’s struggles. “She’s also the mother of a little girl.”

Of course baby Nic, born on May 16, is going with mom to New York, where “Les Miz” is running at The Broadhurst Theater until the summer of 2007. Lea is replacing Panama-born Daphne Rubin-Vega, a Tony nominee.

Last time Lea was on Broadway was in a revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Flower Drum Song,” in 2002.

“This is a completely new experience for me—my first time to perform on Broadway while caring for a child at the same time,” she explained.

Fortunately, her mother Ligaya and husband Robert Chien will be around, too. They are all leaving together on Feb. 22, Lea’s birthday.

What is it like to get the plum role?
It feels really exciting! I’m already giddy and my head’s starting to prepare for the trip to New York, as well as for the work. I can’t wait to meet everyone in the company and start singing the role.
Right now I’m waiting for my script and score to arrive, so I can start studying the part. I’d like the rehearsal period to be as smooth and easy as possible for myself and everyone I’ll be working with.

Is it a dream role? Fantine’s signature song is “I Dreamed a Dream,” after all?
It wasn’t a dream role in the way that Eponine was (in the sense that I was near-obsessed with her even before I played the part), but now that it’s here, it’s something I can’t wait to sink my teeth into, to go through her journey and challenge myself to play this character.
It’s a beautifully written part vocally, and it’ll be a supreme honor and pleasure to live her life night after night.

How did you land the job?
I actually sang for it a couple of times, once when Claude-Michel Schönberg was in Manila and then when John Robertson, one of Cameron Mackintosh’s associates in Australia, came to Manila.
I sang for Claude-Michel when I was eight months pregnant, and for John in early December. They both were my strongest advocates and champions, and I thank them both for being in my corner.
It was after John heard me sing that things were set in motion.
Yeah, I played Eponine, but I guess the production wanted to make sure (and rightly so) that I was right for Fantine.

How are you preparing?
Right now, I’m not really doing anything … I’m just going through my days of being in Manila and enjoying my time with friends and family. Preparation will really start for me when I get my material to study.

Does this mean you will be based in New York for a while?
I’ll be based in New York for the entirety of the show’s run, and right now that’s through the summer of 2007.

Will you be bringing your baby to the US?
OF COURSE!!!

How will you balance mothering and working on Broadway?
I guess in the same way other working moms do, with lots of help. My mother will definitely come with me, as well as Rob. I’m trying to get my yaya (nanny) to come as well. Nic is so comfortable with her and trusts her, and it’ll be difficult to find someone else like that.

I heard your mom will be helping all throughout?
Oh definitely. And thankfully, she loves New York.

What is the significance of playing Fantine for you? Especially since it seems you will be the first Asian to play her on Broadway?
It means that I return to Broadway again. I’ve missed performing there, and am looking forward to it. It means that there’s another Filipino joining the company. (There are two lead actors who are half-Pinoy: Ali Ewoldt who plays Cosette and Adam Jacobs who plays Marius … at least that’s what I know.) So I’m not going to be the only Pinoy in the company, and given that the show’s “Les Miz,” it feels really good!

What are your other projects?
Well, I have a new album with Sony-BMG coming out this month. I also have concerts in Manila (Feb. 11), Cebu (Feb. 14) and Davao (Feb. 17). It’ll be a great way to send me off, that’s for sure!

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view_article.php?article_id=42020

RATED A Ni Aster Amoyo
Ang Pilipino STAR Ngayon 01/08/2007

Si Lea Salonga ang kauna-unahang singer-actress sa buong Asya ang nakapag-portray sa lead part ng Miss Saigon na si Kim nung 1989 na siyang nakapagbigay sa kanya ng Oliver Best Actress award. Pagkaraan ng dalawang taon, ito’y dinala sa Broadway sa New York, USA kung saan niya muling ginampanan ang papel na Kim na siya namang nakapagbigay sa kanya ng Tony, Drama Desk at Outer Critic’s Circle awards. Taong 1993 naman ng kanyang gampanan sa Broadway ang papel ni Eponine sa Les Miserables na dinala rin sa West End at sa Honolulu, Hawaii. Muli ring ginampanan ni Lea ang nasabing role sa ika-sampung anibersaryo ng Les Miz na ginanap sa Royal Albert Hall sa London. Huling napanood si Lea sa Broadway nung 2002 sa remake ng Flower Drum Song. Anupa’t si Lea lamang ang kaisa-isang Filipina na nakaabot sa ganitong kalaking estado.

Sa pagpasok ni Lea sa buwan ng Marso sa Les Miz ay papalitan niya ang Broadway actress na si Daphne Rubin-Vega na nakatakdang umalis sa Broadway play sa Pebrero 18. At habang pinaghahandaan ni Lea ang kanyang role (Fantine), pansamantalang gagampanan ito ng ensemble member na si Nikki Renee Daniels mula Pebrero 20 hanggang March 4.

Tulad ng kanyang ginampanang papel na "Kim" sa West End at sa Broadway, bilang Epinone sa Les Miserables at sa Flower Drum Song, si Lea pa rin ang kauna-unahang Asian singer-actress na gaganap sa papel ni Fantine sa Les Miz sa Broadway. Ito rin ang kanyang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na bumalik sa Broadway ngayong may asawa’t (Robert Chien) anak (Nicole Beverly) na siya.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/PINOY200701087304.htm

Title: One Heart One Hand Artist: Various Artists Label: Sony BMG Pilipinas Released: 2006 Number of Tracks: 12

Track Listing

1.	I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song - Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo
2.	Ikaw Ang Pag-ibig - Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo
3.	Pangako - Sharon Cuneta
4.	Tunay Na Ligaya - Ariel Rivera
5.	I Need You - Anna Fegi
6.	Love Of My Life - South Border
7.	The Gift - Lea Salonga & Michael Lee
8.	Your Love - Jim Brickman featuring Michelle Wright
9.	I Want To Give It All - Air Supply
10.	This I Promise You - N\'SYNC
11.	You Changed My Life In A Moment - The CompanY
12.	One Hand, One Heart - Philippine Madrigal Singers

Lea and Robbie: A Wedding Fit for a Diva

The world-class performer sang her vows:"Never with sadness, always with gladness, I

Yvette Fernandez-Ferreol | Wednesday, January 10, 2007 

On the day of her wedding, Lea Salonga woke up at 7:30, refreshed and giddy after only five hours of sleep. She had a light breakfast and a quick shower. And then it was time to get ready. Stylist Juan Sarte had worked on her a number of times before, and today he worked his magic on her as well, so that she didn't look too made up, but not too normal either. He enhanced the natural radiance every bride has on her wedding day.

Lea's hair was pulled back the way it usually is for her performances, but this time it was twisted up into a little braid knotted around the actual bun, held in place by crystal hairpins.

Designer Monique Lhuillier, whose sumptuous dresses already grace the pages of virtually every bridal magazine in the U.S. was making a dress for a Filipino client for the first time. She had first met Lea to brainstorm about the dress over a year ago, and it took five months to finish the actual dress. It was hard work, but this was her Philippine debut, and she was pleased.

To stick to the wedding traditions, Lea wore something old, something new, and something borrowed.

Something old: Lea was wearing a garnet-and-diamond ring that belonged to Beverly Jean Chien, mother of bride-groom Robbie Chien. Lea says Robbie's mom was wearing it on the day she died last year.

Something new: her gown and shoes.

Something borrowed: her earrings from Diagem at Shangri-La Makati.

Something blue... ssshhh: her baby-blue undies, a present from bridesmaid Christine Yasunaga, who first introduced her to Robbie over two years ago.

Then Lea was off to the church in a white stretch limo. The wedding wasn't to start till 3 p.m. While many brides are fashionably late, getting to the church way after guests arrive, Lea was there before 2 p.m., earlier than the bridesmaids and just any of the guests.

Lea went straight to the bride's room downstairs. It was cold and stark, with just stairs, and a table. There was a bouquet of large red roses in one corner—from Robbie. There was a little present, too. Excitedly, Lea ripped open the package. It was a pendant with three little hearts of diamond. "Oh!" she gasped. "I love it!"

Monique had earlier suggested she not wear any jewelry so as not to detract from the drama of the lace top. But Lea put on the pendant anyway. She wanted to, it was a present from Robbie.

She took the card from the flowers and read it, a big smile on her face, her eyes alight. "To my wife-to be... Of all the hearts in the world, I'm glad I found yours."

A bit past two, Victor Lirio, main wedding coordinator and Lea's honor attendant arrived. "Have you seen Robbie yet?" She asked them. "How is he?"

Robbie had been feverish earlier that morning. Apparently, he was much more nervous than she was.

Lea asked everyone to gather in a circle, and she led a prayer of thanksgiving, thanking Him for Robbie, for the gift of friendship in the circle of women, for the perfect day.

One by one, the bridesmaids walked down the long aisle of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Then Lea, accompanied by her mother Ligaya and her brother Gerard, walked down the aisle, all calm, collected, and poised, smiling and radiant.

Till she saw Robbie burst into tears, and take off his glasses  to wipe the tears off his face.

That was when she burst into tears herself, her nose crinkling and her lips quivering.

The tears started again when Fr. Brian Castañeda mentioned that the ceremony was also dedicated to the memory of Robbie's mother, who passed away in July.

Robbie was Beverly's only child, and she had raised him pretty much on her own after she and his father Robert divorced. Beverly was Robbie's whole world before Lea, that was why the whole clan was happy in the knowledge that, with Beverly gone, he still had Lea.

Perhaps that was going through Robbie's mind when he said his vows. He barely said his name when his voice broke again. The rest of the guests ended up just as choked up as he was, as they watched him slowly manage to get the words out.

Then Lea took center stage, surprising  him by singing her vows "Two words" (music by Louie Ocampo and lyrics by Freddie Santos), accompanied by her brother Gerard on the piano, and Gerard's fiancée, Divina Juanita "DJ" Franciso, on the violin. 

Fr. Brian then proclaimed the couple Mr. And Mrs. Robert Chien.

This time, Robbie was composed and confident. He and his new bride surprised everyone by singing ""With You I'm Born Again."

Best man Eric started off the champagne toasts, reminiscing about the time Robbie had him eat ice cream with chopsticks, and the first time he ever met Lea. He had been expecting a glamorous diva. Instead he met a young girl in ripped jeans and sneakers.

Finally, it was time to dance the night away. Robbie danced with Lea's mom, and Lea danced with Robbie's dad, to "It's a Wonderful World."

Two years after, except for the arrival of their firstborn Nicole, nothing much has changed. Robbie and Lea are still dancing to the tune of "It's a Wonderful World."

http://www.pep.ph/articles/celeb/11566/

Lea Salonga is the best among the rest singers!!!!!!!!!!! Difinitely!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lea Salonga is ‘Inspired’

Shirley Matias Pizarro 

Before Lea Salonga leaves us again to make her big Broadway return via "Les Miserables," she will be making sure her Filipino fans won’t be missing her terribly by releasing her first studio album in seven years which, if we’re not mistaken, will be entitled "Inspired."

To be launched before this month ends, Lea is preparing an elaborate showcase for this album which will have Beverly Craven’s "Promise Me" for its carrier single. Watch out for it’s airplay anytime soon!

Released by SonyBMG Music Entertainment, "Inspired" will be a collection of Lea’s personal favorite songs and a few originals exclusively written for her. "To Hear You Say" is a contribution by Jim Brickman while "Do You Hear It" was from Lani Macaraeg. Her official wedding song "Two Words" written by Louie Ocampo will also be part of the album. Lea’s first studio album under SonyBMG was "In Love" released in 1998 and "By Heart" in 1999.

Lea says of the new record, "I’m very, very excited about this new album. It’s been a while since I’ve gone into the studio to record a full scale CD, so the process has been truly enjoyable. I love these wonderful orchestrations (courtesy of Gerard Salonga, Ria Osorio and Marvin Querido) and the sound they’ve created. My job was made incredibly easy! All I had to do was open my mouth and sing!"

She pays tribute to great collaboration in the making of this masterpiece. "The song selection was definitely collaborative... Gerard, SonyBMG and myself had a hand in what song would make it to the album. A lot of them were personal favorites, songs I’ve enjoyed singing in concert that were never yet recorded, or originals that were so beautiful we had to include them. And singing all of them was just a joy."

Why "Inspired?" Lea says, "I guess it’s a word that describes our collective state of being. We were inspired by various things: My new baby, different artists’ albums and/or vocal stylings, experiences, people, just going about our individual days. There wasn’t any one thing I can pin down or point out, but whatever these things were, it brought out our best. I hope you all enjoy what you’ll hear."

Other tracks in "Inspired" are "Who Are You?," "When October Goes," "Brian’s Song," "Sing," "Two Words," "Promise Me," "When The Winter’s Gone," "Land Of The Loving," "Waiting For Love," "To Hear You Say," "My Foolish Heart," and "Do You Hear It."

Hey, and here’s a tip for those who wish to catch Lea on her Broadway return: She goes onstage on March 6.

Jan 16 - 31, 2007

Lea Returns to Broadway

LEA Salonga will return to Broadway as Fantine in Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Les Misérables beginning March 6 at The Broadhurst Theatre. Lea played Eponine in 1993 in the original Broadway run of Les Misérables.
Due to strong box-office and enthusiastic audiences, Les Miz recently announced an extension through at least the summer of 2007, and Lea will stay with the production through the entire period.

Lea, who has been staying in the Philippines since giving birth last May 16 to firstborn Nicole Beverly, is bringing her daughter to the US.

Even if she’s already a proven Broadway talent, still Lea had to audition for the role of Fantine in April last year. She was eight months pregnant then when she sang for composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, who was the same man who tested her for the role of Kim, heroine of “Miss Saigon,” in 1988.

Lea, who is turning 36 on Feb. 22, catapulted to international stage stardom when she was chosen to star as Kim in the 1989 London world premiere of Boublil and Schonberg's Miss Saigon, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. Only 17 at the time, Lea received critical acclaim and went on to win the Olivier Award as Best Actress in a Musical. In 1991 she reprised her performance on Broadway, again earning rave reviews and winning the Tony Award as Best Actress in a Musical, along with Best Actress honors from the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics' Circle.

She returned to Broadway in 2002, starring in the revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song.

LEA SALONGA...UNCUT at the PICC Plenary Hall

LEA SALONGA....UNCUT with Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Venue: PICC PLenary Hall Date/Time: February 11, 2007 8:00pm Price: P3090 / P2575 / P1854 / P1236 / 515 Venue: PICC PLenary Hall Date/Time: February 11, 2007 8:00pm Price: P3090 / P2575 / P1854 / P1236 / 515

Lea Salonga...Uncut

 

International star Ms. Lea Salonga is gracing Philippine shores once again to hold a concert with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

PICC Plenary Hall  (Pasay City)
For inquiries and reservations, please call the Ticketworld at 891-9999
Feb 11, 2007 - 8:00pm

PICC Plenary Hall

PICC
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd.
Pasay City
Telephone: 551-7920, 891-8638, 891-8609

Events/Performances

Lea Salonga...Uncut
Feb. 11, 2007 - 8:00pm

Friday, January 26, 2007
By Roger Serna
Sounds and images

WHILE almost everyone else in the metropolis was busy cramming for the last-minute preparations for the various activities related to the recently concluded Pista Senyor and the Sinulog festivities, yours truly found himself enjoying cold frapuccino and the ambience of Starbucks Ayala one afternoon with Nelia Neri, Jonas Rey Panerio of Cebu Daily News and Wings Travel’s Steve Alfafara.

Actually, it was Steve’s idea to have us converge in that area as he was going to give us some updates on the upcoming big event next month on the red-letter day itself, Valentines Day. 

The event is, of course, Lea Salonga’s second coming to Cebu with the concert Lea in Love … With Cebu. Unlike her first show two Decembers ago where her repertoire had many Broadway hits in it, this time Lea will be singing more popular love songs.

She’ll be accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. Her brother, Gerald, will be the musical director. Chari Arrespacochaga is at the helm as director.

World Talent Olympics grand champion Jed Madela will share the limelight with Lea as special guest. He’ll perform two solo numbers and two duets with her.

It will be a dinner concert for those who buy tickets priced at P4 and P3 thousand. During dinner, children from Marie Ernestine school will present the play Princess Bride.

Being a major sponsor (or is he the presenter?), Manny Pangilinan of Smart and PLDT is said to bring along guests from Manila (including press people) who will be occupying the tables situated near the stage.

Long-stemmed red roses and special gift items are in store for the ladies and gentlemen, respectively, who will be having their dinner at the venue. As of that afternoon, Steve informed us that the tickets for the dinner seats are almost sold out.

Just call Citickets or Wings Travel for last minute reservations.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/01/26/life/serna.kuya.s.return.html

Celebrity (as of 4:08 AM)

Lea Salonga returns to Broadway    Lea Salonga, the country’s Broadway star, is set to fly to New York next month to join the cast of the musical play Les Miserables after years of absence in theater, TV Patrol World reported Friday. The report said Salonga will play the role of Fantine, a poor woman who is forced into prostitution to support her daughter, Cosette, left in the care of villains The Thénardiers. The first time mother admitted that although it will be difficult to leave her family in the Philippines she will still do it for the country. Before she flies to New York, Salonga will also launch her latest album titled "Inspired," which will feature original songs and revivals including her favorite "Promise Me" by Beverly Craven, the report said. The report said Salonga will play the role of Fantine, a poor woman who is forced into prostitution to support her daughter, Cosette, left in the care of villains The Thénardiers. The first time mother admitted that although it will be difficult to leave her family in the Philippines she will still do it for the country. Before she flies to New York, Salonga will also launch her latest album titled "Inspired," which will feature original songs and revivals including her favorite "Promise Me" by Beverly Craven, the report said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=64785

Lea Salonga wants daughter to grow up in the Philippines

Lea reveals her dreams for her eight-month-old daughter during the launching of her album Inspired.

Rachel Malaguit | Saturday, January 27, 2007 

While some Pinoy parents dream of raising their kids in the United States, international stage actress and singer Lea Salonga wants her daughter Nicole Beverly to grow up here. Yes, in good old Pinas. 

During the launch of her newest album Inspired yesterday, January 26, at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Lea told the press that she wants her daughter to study in the Philippines, where she feels Nicole would get the best education. 

She says: "It's just that a lot of kids that are schooled here turned out to be very articulate and well-spoken, as well as good writers in the English language."

But according to Lea, the biggest reason why she wants to raise her eight-month-old daughter in the Philippines is the societal values imparted on children. "There's just our fear that she'll be growing up too fast and we have hesitation to how kids dress up in the States. And they tend to mature very quickly, I guess out of necessity than it is anything else. And here, I think here, people hold on to their childhood so much longer it seems. And I'd like for her to be a kid at least for as long as I was."

"I mean, I didn't stop being a kid until I was 13 or 14 years old. And I want that for her. I don't want for her to be a woman at ten. She's not ready for that and she won't be. I want to let her grow up at her own pace and enjoy an environment where other kids around her will feel the same way," explains Lea. 

DREAMS FOR NICOLE. Lea plans to give her daughter the freedom to choose whoever she wants to be and whatever she wants to do. "All I wish for her is she figures out what she wishes to do in life. She may want to say, ‘I want to be an engineer. I want to build a nuclear plant!' you know? Who knows, she may announce that she will be a ballet dancer, she might announce she'll be a chemist, or find the cure for AIDS. Who knows? All I can do as a mommy is guide her, encourage her, support her. So my dream is just for her to figure out what she wants to do for her life. After that, that's it." 

Undoubtedly, Lea is enjoying motherhood. In fact, she enjoys it so much that she plans to have another child.

"I would like one more. One more and I'm done. If it's another girl, great, [but] if it's another boy fantastic! I'd like one of each but if I get another girl, [it's still] wonderful."

Nicole Beverly is the eldest child of Lea with her husband, Robert Chien.

Aside from launching her album Inspired, Lea is also busy with another big project. She will again appear on Broadway via the musical Les Miserables, where she will play Fantine starting March 6. She previously played the role of Eponine in the same musical.

Lea first made a name for herself when she became the first actress to play Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, where she won acting awards from the Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards and the Laurence Olivier Awards.   

http://www.pep.ph/articles/news/12013.htm

How Nic Changed Lea’s Life
CONVERSATIONS With Ricky Lo
The Philippine Star 01/28/2007

Yes, normal.

"I’m not in a normal profession but I’m normal in it," says Lea Salonga, who’s turning 36 on Feb. 22 (she’s a Boar and this is her year), in an exclusive Conversation last Friday in connection with the launch of her latest album, Inspired (produced by her brother Gerard and released by Sony BMG).

Yes, indeed, normal – if that means keeping a happy balance between being wife (to Robert "Rob" Chien) and mother to Nicole Beverly (fondly called Nic for short, turning a year older on May 16) and a demanding career that brings her around the world.

On her birthday, Lea will fly to New York to start rehearsals for Les Miz in which she’s playing Fantine whom she describes as "ang dakilang ina ni Cosette," so dakila (noble) that she would do anything to keep body and soul for her and her daughter, never mind if she turns prostitute.

It’s Lea’s second outing with Les Miz. In 1993, she played Eponine in the same long-running musical. What’s different is that Lea has become a mother since then, so she can tackle the Fantine character straight from the heart. She did play a mother in Miss Saigon (as Kim, the role she originated in London’s West End in 1989) but, according to Lea, "I didn’t really know how being a mom was like back then."

Motherhood has radically changed Lea’s outlook in life. You can sense it in the way she sings ("More feeling," she admitted) the 12 selections on Inspired, all of which are her personal favorites (including a few originals exclusively written for her, such as To Hear You Say by Jim Brickman, Do You Hear It by Lani Macaraeg and Two Words, her official wedding song, by Louie Ocampo).

"She’s the sunshine of my life," she said of Nic.

Lea will be in New York practically the whole year, coming back early next year to prepare for the Asian tour of Cinderella. Out there, she’ll have her hands full – and those of her mom, Ligaya Salonga, and a nanny – playing mother Cosette on stage and to Nic in real life.

How has motherhood changed your perspective as a singer?

"Hmmmm. I don’t know if motherhood has necessarily changed any perspective but emotions are deeper because there’s a certain kind of love that no one knows even exists until a child comes. It’s something you can only imagine, something you can think about, it’s something that you know isn’t there until your child arrives. And then you know love like you’ve never known love before. It’s amazing and incredible! Incredibly special. If ever, my perspective in life has changed in that my daughter is far more important than a lot of things in the world – more important than my career, more important than a show that I could ever do. Her comfort and her happiness, just her and everything about her, are more important than anything and anyone."

Now you know why mothers are so protective of their children.

"My mom kept telling me before I became a mother, ‘Iha, you won’t understand until you have a child of your own. You won’t know how it feels like until you have one.’ Blah, blah, blah, blah! Yes, now I know. When I see Nicole in pain, when I see her in any discomfort, when she cries, when she’s happy, when she’s whatever, I feel just...different. It’s bigger than anything I’ve ever experienced."

Different from how you felt when you played a mom in Miss Saigon?

"Different! I didn’t understand it because I wasn’t a mother yet at that time. I would probably have been more protective of that little boy than I ever was but then I could only imagine how it was to be a mother. Being a mother is something that no one is ever really prepar