nge, isibya jud diay?

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Langit ang buhay sa tuwing ika'y hahagkan
Anong ligaya sa tuwing ika'y mamasdan
Sa piling mo, ang gabi'y tila araw
Ikaw ang pangarap
Ikaw lamang

bleh .hehehe

parang nde tumatanda si mr lauchengco..

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mabuti nga yan para forever gwapo sya

bleh ka din! Mr. Karaoke King!. .

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Langit ang buhay sa tuwing ika'y hahagkan
Anong ligaya sa tuwing ika'y mamasdan
Sa piling mo, ang gabi'y tila araw
Ikaw ang pangarap
Ikaw lamang

CD Cover

Title: Decades Of Duets
Artist: Various Artists
Label: Vicor Records
Released: 2006
Number of Tracks: 20

Track Listing
1. Something S.t.u.p.i.d - Vilma Santos & Edgar Mortiz
2. Together Again - Nora Aunor & Tirso Cruz III
3. Samba For Luisa - Bong Penera & Mila Garcia
4. Here And Now - Jose Mari Chan & Ambivalent Crowd
5. Dialogo (Usapan) - Singsing
6. Magkasuyo Buong Gabi - Rico J. Puno & Eliza D.
7. Ewan - Sharon Cuneta & Louie Ocampo
8. Umagang Kayganda - Ray Ann Fuentes & Tillie Moreno
9. Kailangan Ko, Kailangan Mo - Richard Tan & Bambi Bonus
10. Lagi Na Lang - Leah Navarro & Basil Valdez
11. Apoy - nthony Castelo & Imelda Papin
12. Come What May - Sharon Cuneta & Gabby Concepcion
13. Nothing I Want More - Eugene Villaluz & Louie Reyes
14. Init Sa Magdamag - Nonoy Zuniga & Sharon Cuneta
15. Falling In Love Again - Raymond Lauchengco & Iwi Laurel
16. Could We - Gary Valenciano & Zsa Zsa Padilla
17. 'Di Na Muling Mag-iisa - Basil Valdez & Pat Castillo
18. High On Love - Pops Fernandez & Martin Nievera
19. What Matters Most - Aiza Seguerra & Vic Sotto
20. Wag Ka Lang Mawawala - Ogie Alcasid & Aiza Seguerra

Ayen, Raymond in ‘The Best of Us’


Catch Ayen Munji-Laurel and Raymond Lauchengco at the Teatrino on Oct. 1, 14 and 21 in a concert at 8:30 p.m. Billed as "The Best of Us," the concert features Broadway, standards, blues and OPM songs.

Raymond has made a comeback in the recording scene by reviving his old hits "I Need You Back," Farewell," "Saan Darating Ang Umaga," and "So It’s You." Ayen, who also recorded her own albums accepts corporate projects every now and then. Raymond and Ayen established their chemistry in several concerts and theater projects.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006081071363.html

Wow! A big fan of Raymond Lauchengco here..

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PROUD TO BE ASTIG NA PINAY!!!

-Hindi ka lang bibilib.. sasaludo ka pa-

Bukas ang show ni Raymond Lauchengco sa Café Lupe.

BUZZSTATION

Edgar Cruz

08/26/2006

Raymond and Ayen at Teatrino

Raymond Lauchengco and Ayen Munji team up for the first time in the “Best of Us, ” a concert of with a Broadway, standards, blues and OPM repertoire on Oct. 7, 14 and 18 at the Teatrino, 8:30 p.m. Raymond Lauchengco staged a comeback last year with a CD release, while Ayen has been doing big-venue concerts on a regular basis. They will give a preview of the “Best of Us” at Café Lupe today, Aug. 25, at 8:30 p.m. For tickets, call 638-7776 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/life/20060826lif4.html

VIEWFINDER


By Nestor Torre
Inquirer
Last updated 09:15pm (Mla time) 08/28/2006

Published on Page D2 of the August 29, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘The Best of Us’

AYEN Munji Laurel and Raymond Lauchengco are a perfect musical match in their forthcoming concert together, “The Best of Us.” Set to be performed at Greenhills’ Teatrino at 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, 14 and 21, the show features standards, the blues, OPM tunes and songs from musical theater. Both Ayen and Raymond love performing in musicals, so their numbers from the musical theater repertoire are expected to be particularly well-sung and deeply felt. Call 638-7776.

http://showbizandstyle.inq7.net/entertainm...rticle_id=17704

Raymond Lauchengco is doubly bent on proving versatility



By JOJO P. PANALIGAN

Balladeer Raymond Launchengco, who made a comeback last year by releasing a new album after about a decade in hiatus from singing, is doubly bent on proving his versatility as some people see him still as just a singer of 80’s songs.


"Many times when I get invited to sing its always to hear me do my hit songs from the 80’s," says he during a recent interview. "I will always be grateful to that time and the songs that made me but I prefer people to see me as a singer of songs from any era including current ones."

Raymond gained renown for his signature hits right after his career went up following his exposure in the phenomenal 80’s movies "Bagets." Among his signature hits from that era were "I Need You Back," "So It’s You" and the graduation anthem "Farewell."

His series with Ayen Munji Laurel titled "The Best of Us" at Teatrino on Oct. 7, 14 and 21 is one platform to prove his eclectic style. Aside from doing some of his hit songs in the show, Raymond will also be tackling Broadway, blues, standards and Top 40.

When asked if he regrets taking a sabbatical for photography during which his singer contemporaries made more headway in their careers, Raymond avers.

"No because though I have regrets, I do not regret my regrets," says he. "I also had my success as photographer so it wasn’t time ill spent. Besides, I learned things about life during the absence one of which is that it’s possible for people to major on minor things and minor on major things. Now that I’m back, I know for certain that nothing brings me more joy than to touch a chord in people’s lives using my major gift that is singing."

This is not Raymond’s first time to work with Ayen Laurel whom he refers to as one of his favorite producers.

"Because Ayen, too, is an artist, she is empathic producer who is both passionate and compassionate to her talents or collaborator," says Raymond. "She knows that for an artist to bring the house down, so to speak, he must feel on top of the world first. And Ayen ensures that by seeing to it that her talents are given enough preparation, talent fee, motivation — and multiple costume changes!"

What’s the hardest part in working with Ayen?

"She makes us take dance lessons!" Raymond says putting on mock grimace. "And not just basic dance lessons but one under the tutelage of, oh, Douglas Nierras for example. Somehow I always find an excuse to escape from such sessions, hence, Ayen bestowing on me the title ‘Most Creative Escape Artist!’"

Among the shows the two had done together in the past were "Rama At Sita," "Classic Romance" and "The Very Thought Of You."

Apart from doing shows and promoting his album, Raymond is currently working with his "Bagets" co-stars to do an updated reunion movie of the same film. Should this push through, fans will once again see Raymond on the silver screen with Eula Valdez, Yayo Aguila, William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, Aga Muhlach, Ramon Christopher, among others.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006091774651.html

Raymond Lauchengco, Ayen M. Laurel in ‘The Best of Us’


Expected to be a great musical presentation is "The Best of Us" which will be staged on Oct. 7, 14 and 21, 2006, at 8:30 p.m. at the Teatrino, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

Raymond Lauchengco and Ayen Munji Laurel will give their best in that concert!

Why Raymond Lauchengco and Ayen Munji Laurel?

Their "chemistry" is perfect for each other! Ayen recalls that performing together with Raymond started during a Valentine show in which both of them performed.

"It was then just a small desire," Ayen reveals. "But then I was already fully convinced of his artistry. So I waited that we might perform together in a much, much bigger show, like a back-to-back!"

The answer? "The Best of Us!"

Raymound however, appeared as leading man in a very expensive, period drama-musical which Ayen produced several years ago.

Theater arts has always been Ayen’s passion, and Raymond is the singer of songs covering any period.

"I want to be a singer not for particular songs in one or two periods but for all eras," Raymond said.

He confessed however, that he has always been scared of any back-to-back concert. "A back-to–back brings in a clash of ego and personalities of the performers," Raymond said.

Unless of course when the chemistry is right for the two performers like Raymond and Ayen in "The Best of Us."

Ayen gave a revealing description: "You should draw energy from each other during the performance!"

What do we expect from "The Best of Us?"

Each performer will render five solo numbers each. The rest of the show will be duets!

Raymond said that the should would be intimate and personal and they will be performing beautiful Broadway segments.

Raymond, during his early singing career, went into recording and sang "I Need You Back," "Farewell," "Saan Darating Ang Umaga," and "So It’s You."

He also performed in theater musicals like "The Fantastics," "South Pacific," "Romeo and Juliet," "Once on this Island," and "Rama Sita."

Ayen meanwhile took the path to live entertainment circuits in hotels and music lounges aside from singing stints abroad, and also performed in concerts.

She released an album entitled "Thankful," and later guested in Raymond’s Valentine presentation "Classic Romance" where they did a duet, "The Very Thought of You."

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006091774649.html

The way of the artist
DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda
The Philippine Star 09/18/2006

One of the most fascinating conversations we’ve had recently was with Raymond Lauchengco and Ayen Munji-Laurel. The duo is having a series of concerts The Best of Us at Teatrino on Oct. 7, 14 and 21. We got to sit down with them and we talked about showbusiness and life.

Both very eloquent and sincere, the verbal calisthenics explored passion and compassion, timing and priority, and taking risks and claiming victories for one self.

Take for example Raymond. After years of producing hit songs like I Need You Back, So It’s You and the graduation anthem Farewell, he suddenly decided to lay low with his singing and concentrate on photography where he has tremendous talent. He was successful in, too. Then last year he went back to singing. Why?

"I realized I might have been majoring on minor things and minoring on major things. The sabbatical helped me appreciate the truth that God gives people gifts for them to use and not waste. A human being is so gifted that it is possible for him to learn many things in life. But in the end, it is wise not to deviate from the major gifts because they were given to you because He knows you can find ways to use them best."

Raymond missed entertaining people; communicating messages to them in a way only good songs and singing can do. Deep down, whenever he would take pictures of his colleagues like Martin Nievera, his heart told him that he belongs out there, too, and not merely behind cam. "Do I have regrets? Yes. But do I regret my regrets? No. Though I have made wrong decisions, I understand life is a process of learning and growth. And part of the process is stumbling and, more importantly, picking yourself up. Don’t get me wrong. I do not pertain and will never regret getting into photography because it truly is also a passion and one that has also been good to me. But who doesn’t make mistakes? And who isn’t all the better after it?

The type who would bring his character home, Raymond says he felt burned out after doing Rama At Sita. The emotional highs and lows he would feel then every night after playing the role of royalty who almost lost his wife and throne, took its toll on him. And since he had already acquired photography equipment, it was most natural to re-channel his creative energy in that direction.

Thanks to her much-publicized marriage to royalty just a few years back, Ayen is probably one of the most misunderstood celebrities around. Because people think she has more than enough money to do whatever she pleases, that’s exactly what she’s doing.

Think again. "I could be doing more shows if I want to but the truth is, family is and will always be my top priority," she says. "I will never sacrifice them for anything. Franco (Laurel, her husband) and I even have this agreement that no matter how busy we both are, there should always be one of us at home with our kids at any given time." This also means the shows they do must be worth the time they’d be spending on them away from their kids.

Little wonder that both always get the best people in the industry to work with and learn from. "Theirs might just be names artists mention or thank in passing but the kind of people behind a production is very important to me. I always get inspired to give my best when I have people who give the same energy and commitment we artists have. It’s so much easier to work with people who have the same wavelength as you do because you don’t waste time explaining what you want to achieve," she says.

That’s no lip-service. It can be recalled that years ago, Ayen was behind Rama At Sita, the most ambitious production in Filipino theater history to date. Rama At Sita not only raised the bar several notches higher but also gave breaks to now big names in the industry including Lani Misalucha who played one of the title roles.

"That’s why when people ask me, ‘Were you able to recoup your investment?’. I always reply, ‘That’s not even the point,’" she says. "It’s enough that Rama At Sita, at the very least, did its share in helping artists and the scene."

Raymond theorizes it’s always better when the producer of a show is an artist himself. "Because he knows and understands how to make things conducive to bring out the best in artists. Ayen is one of those producers who is passionate and compassionate because she knows exactly that artists need to be prepared, need not be hungry, and need a good support team to deliver. Ayen knows the artist must first feel he is important before he could bring the house down with his talents," he says.

Raymond and Ayen know an artist never allows himself to be boxed in not only by his audience but by himself. In The Best Of Us, the two will be doing Broadway songs, standards and blues and not just Top 40 and OPM songs. "This type of show is something I actually look forward to because, let’s face it, when people hear the name Raymond Lauchengco, most often they just think of ’80s songs," he says. "But I’m more than just ’80s songs! I am a singer of songs and shows like these give me the chance to prove that."

Having worked with Raymond in several concerts this year, Ayen needs no convincing. Few know, however, that another reason why Ayen delights in working with Raymond is because she is… "a bonafide Bagets fan! I was in first year high school then and I am one of those who loved the film. I also had this big crush on JC Bonnin," says Ayen. "But even then, too, I’ve always admired Raymond’s singing." "And the photographer in me considers Ayen as one of my favorite models," quips Raymond.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200609181703.htm

The secret between Raymond and Ayen



BUZZSTATION

Edgar Cruz

09/23/2006

Ayen Munji-Laurel will always be the visionary producer of the critically acclaimed musical Rama at Sita, while Raymond Lauchengo will be remembered for his cutie role in the breakthrough youth-oriented movie Bagets. Both have moved on since these breakthrough works — Ayen as a superb solo singer, ideal wife and mother and noteworthy singer, and Raymond as renowned singer/actor, excellent photographer and comebacking solo singer. Imagine the synergy when two great singers passionate about their art collaborate, as they are doing this in “The Best of Us” at the Teatrino on Oct. 7, 14 and 21 at 8:30 p.m.


Raymond’s career went full swing when he starred in Bagets, together with Eula Valdez, Yayo Aguila, William Martinez, Hebert Bautista, Aga Muhlach, Mia Pratts, Ramon Christopher, among others. Raymond went into recording and sang “I Need You Back,” “Farewell,” “Saan Darating ang Umaga” and “So It’s You.” He also did the musicals The Fantasticks, South Pacific, Romeo and Juliet, Once on This Island and Rama at Sita. But showbiz and theater had to take a backseat. He ventured into commercial photography. The pictorial he did of Mylene Dizon for StarStudio magazine when I was editor-in-chief was so good that Metro magazine used it for the cover story.

Ayen, on the other hand, took the path of the live entertainment circuit singing in hotels and music lounges. She also had singing stints abroad. Her marriage to a royalty temporarily stopped her concert career. Even then, she continued to produce shows abroad. When she came back to be at the forefront of mainstream entertainment, Ayen released the Thankful album. She also held concerts. Ayen also guested in Raymond’s Valentine concert Classic Romance where they did a duet of “The Very Thought of You.”

Both are keeping “The Best of Us” repertoire close to their heart although Raymond gave the clue that they are doing classic numbers and standard hits including his own. They had a preview of sorts in a showcase at Café Lupe and as Ayen puts it, “The audience felt bitin. The show was already one-and-a-half hours and they wanted more. Of course, we intended it to be bitin. We want them to watch the main show, “The Best of Us.’”

Call 638-7776 or Ticketworld (891-9999) for tickets.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/life/20060923lif4.html

A pleasant surprise
STARBYTES By Butch Francisco
The Philippine Star 10/01/2006

Fans of Raymond Lauchengco will be treated to eclectic music in his upcoming series with Ayen Munji Laurel entitled The Best of Us. To run at Teatrino, Greenhills on Oct. 7, 14 and 21, the concert will have Raymond doing not only songs from the ‘80s but also Broadway, Top 40, standards, jazz, blues and OPM. These are songs people perennially request from him since his return to the scene last year following a near-decade hiatus.

"I want to be known as a singer of songs from any era and of any genre," he says. "Though I will forever be grateful to my signature hit songs from the ’80s, I am an artist who needs to grow in versatility and hopefully bring my audience along to where this decision takes me."

The journey with Raymond is bound to be a gratifying one. The boyish-looking singer, after all, commits his heart and soul to anything he does. As proof, Raymond co-wrote the script for The Best of Us with his wife, Mia, and worked closely with musical director, Danny Tan, as well as with top designers for the clothes he will use on the show.

During his absence, Raymond pursued his interest in photography; one where he, too, excelled in. "Looking back, the purpose of that ‘disappearance’ was for me to appreciate singing more, hence, the extra mile I put in my career now," he says.

"I’ve always given my best in my craft but knowing God has given me many gifts pushes me to use them to the hilt. Of course, I have to determine which to prioritize. And as time goes by, I realize I am happiest when I touch people’s lives with my singing."

This joy to share, to give, begets joy from his audience. In the recent First MYX Music Awards, Raymond was nominated in a category that had him competing with today’s hot acts. His new album is also moving fast in retail even as special shows he had done over the last year were almost always standing-room-only affairs.

Raymond is a classic act that had been missed – and is still very much loved by Filipino music lovers. "I never expected this kind of reception," he says. "Before my return, all I was thinking of was how it would be nice to hold a microphone again in front of people and to fill the air with my voice. But I wasn’t sure if people would still believe in me. Now I know."

In the upcoming series, Raymond also draws inspiration from singing partner, Ayen. Describing the chanteuse only in superlatives, Raymond says that like him, Ayen leaves no stone unturned until near-perfection is achieved in every aspect of the show. "Dedicated and disciplined people like her bring out the best in me," Raymond says.

"Few people know artists feed on something to sustain their energy and enthusiasm while performing. In this show, I don’t only get that from people in front of me but also from the person beside me on stage."

Raymond rose to fame as one of lead actors in the now-classic movie, Bagets. From then on, he had worn several hats as thespian and recording artist/concert performer. Among the productions he has played significant roles in are The Fantasticks, South Pacific, Romeo and Juliet, Once In This Island and Rama at Sita. Raymond gave music lovers OPM gems like I Need You Back, Farewell, Saan Darating Ang Umaga, So It’s You and Okay Ka.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200610011702.htm

GOOD MUSIC FROM AYEN AND RAYMOND
FREEHAND
by : Mario E. Bautista

IF you want great music and relaxing songs, don’t miss the Raymond Lauchengco-Ayen Munji Laurel concert, “The Best of Us”, that starts this Saturday at Teatrino in Promenade Greenhills, with repeats on October 14 and 21, 8:30 p.m.. Raymond starred in movies like “Bagets” and “Saan Darating ang Umaga” and did plays like “The Fantasticks” and “South Pacific”. His hit songs include “I Need You Back,” “Farewell” and “So It’s You.” Ayen is famous in the live entertainment circuit as a lounge singer here and abroad. Her album, “Thankful,” is a paean for all the blessings she received from the Lord. She guested in Raymond’s last Valentine show, “Classic Romance,” and the response is so warm they’re now appearing together in “The Best of Us.” For tickets, call 638-7776 or Ticketworld at 891-9999

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?page=n...date=2006-10-06

DREAM FACTORY
Mario E. Bautista

* * *

If you want great music and relaxing songs, don’t miss the Raymond Lauchengco-Ayen Munji Laurel concert, "The Best of Us," that starts this Saturday at Teatrino in Promenade Greenhills, with repeats on October 14 and 21, 8:30 p.m.

Raymond starred in movies like "Bagets" and "Saan Darating ang Umaga" and did plays like "The Fantasticks" and "South Pacific." His hit songs include "I Need You Back," "Farewell" and "So It’s You." Ayen is famous in the live entertainment circuit as a lounge singer here and abroad. Her album, "Thankful," is a paean for all the blessings she received from the Lord. She guested in Raymond’s last Valentine show, "Classic Romance," and the response is so warm they are now appearing together. For tickets, call 638-7776 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct07/ente_2.htm