TO STAY for more than three decades in showbiz is a feat. Only a few can endure this long. Maaaring sikat ka ngayon pero bukas ay hindi na. ‘Ika nga, longevity is the name of the game. Sa tagal ko na sa industriya ay marami na akong nakitang mga bituin na nawalan ng ningning at may mga artista namang hanggang ngayon ay nananatili pa rin ang ningning!
Isang halimbawa nito ay ang international singing superstar at Tony Award winner na si Lea Salonga who will celebrate her 35 years in the industry with a concert titled PLAYLIST at the PICC Plenary Hall on December 6 and 7.
Kuwento ni Lea, “It feels pretty darn amazing to celebrate 35 years in the business. I feel very blessed to have a career that I love and truly enjoy, and continue to love as the years go. It’s not often that anyone can say that. The best part of it has been the people I’ve gotten to meet and collaborate with, the places I’ve travelled to, and the music I’ve gotten to perform.”
Ang bilis talagang lumipas ng panahon! Parang kailan lang when Lea won our hearts as the little orphan girl Annie and when she made the Pinoys proud nang manalo siya ng awards for her role as the Vietnamese bar girl Kim in Miss Saigon.
What can the audience expect from her much-awaited concert? PLAYLIST lets them listen to some of Lea’s favorite songs. “A few years ago, we let the fans decide what I would sing. Now, however, the fans will get to hear what I enjoy listening to, and hopefully get to know me a little better. They just might be surprised with what I choose!”
Joining her onstage is Mitoy, the first grand champion of The Voice Philippines kung saan isa si Lea sa mga naging coaches together with Apl.de.Ap, Sarah Geronimo, and Bamboo Mañalac. Lea only has good words for Mitoy. Ayon sa kanya, “It really wasn’t difficult to pick him as guest. The first time I heard Mitoy sing, I knew he was something special. A force of nature with that distinct voice. He was such a joy to work with on The Voice of the Philippines, and I’m only too proud of his victory.”
Aside from Mitoy and other special guests, PLAYLIST will also feature the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. Musical Direction is by Gerard Salonga and Direction is by Bobby Garcia.
PLAYLIST runs at the PICC Plenary Hall on December 6 and 7. Tickets are available online at Ticketworld or call 891-9999 and the PICC Box Office.
Inarguably, Lea was born for superstardom. At magpahanggang ngayon ay kanya pa rin ang korona at ang entablado. Lea’s star will definitely continue to shine for a long, long time.
Bravo, Lea!
Kaibigan, usap tayo muli!
Points of Boy
by Boy Abunda
