Catriona Gray reveals her dream music collaboration

MANILA -- Catriona Gray was asked about her dream music collaboration in a radio interview on Thursday.

On RX 93.1's "The Morning Rush," the Miss Universe 2018 titleholder said she has always been a huge fan of Tony Award winner Lea Salonga.

"My dad used to play cassettes over and over again of 'Miss Saigon' because it was his favorite, and Lea was the lead," she said. "I didn't know [that Lea was the lead] at the time but I've been listening to the music, so it has become my favorite musical as a grew older."

"And, of course, I grew up watching 'Aladdin' and 'Mulan,'" she continued. "And so when I found out that the voice to all of my childhood favorite songs was a Filipina, I just felt very awestruck, like starstruck. And so she just became a person that I really look up to in music."

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Gray said she hopes to have the opportunity to perform a song from "Miss Saigon" with Salonga one day.

When prodded by one of the radio hosts to mention a specific song from the musical, she replied: "'Movie in My Mind.' I'll be Gigi and she can be Kim!"

Meanwhile, Gray said she is open to trying musical theater in the future if given the chance.

And naturally, she would love to star in her favorite musical, "Miss Saigon," as Gigi.

"That would be what I would love to challenge myself for," she said, as she praised Rachelle Ann Go's portrayal of her dream role. "Let's see, but I don't know, I just really love that musical talaga, as in."

news.abs-cbn.com

'The Voice Teens 2': Teen's take on Visayan love song charms judges

MANILA - A 15-year-old from Cagayan de Oro City charmed the judges of "The Voice Teens 2" with his smooth voice.

On Sunday's episode, JP Romero performed the Visayan love song "Usahay," catching the attention of both Lea Salonga and Sarah Geronimo.

"I've been sitting here, wishing for someone like you to come along," Salonga told Romero.

"Your strength kasi is your voice quality. Ang sarap sa tenga," Geronimo added.

Romero eventually opted to be part of Salonga's team, adding he believes Salonga will bring him to his best state as an artist.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Christmas gift idea: Philip Stein's Legacy Petite watch

MANILA – This new watch collection is made available exclusively in the Philippines first, just in time for the holiday season.

Philip Stein’s Legacy Petite watches are as chic and elegant as its predecessors and come in two styles – the stainless steel oval case and the rose gold-plated version.

Each timepiece has Philip Stein’s signature dual time zone dial in white mother of pearl, fitted with mineral crystal, and comes with interchangeable silk calf straps available in black, white, pink and light blue.

It is also equipped with Philip Stein’s Natural Frequency Technology, a chip that acts like an antenna to help the wearer “tune in to the earth’s positive alpha waves.”

Broadway star and “The Voice of the Philippines” coach Lea Salonga, an endorser of Philip Stein, co-created the Legacy Petite collection.

Priced from P37,100 to P47,950 each, the Legacy Petite watches will be available in Philip Stein stores nationwide in late December.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Meet the other 'Kim' of Miss Saigon

LONDON – Seasoned theatre actress Tanya Manalang still finds her West End debut 'surreal.’

The 26-year-old alternates as Kim, the lead role for the musical revival Miss Saigon, originally played by Lea Salonga more than two decades ago.

The musical hit, which returned to West End after a 15-year absence, stars Jon Jon Briones as The Engineer, Alistair Brammer as Chris, and Eva Noblezada as Kim.

"I still can't believe I'm here. It hasn't really sunk in yet that I'm playing a leading lady in the West End. Sometimes, I'm just out there on the stage and I still can't believe it's happening. I feel very blessed, and I'm very thankful that I'm here," said Manalang.

In an exclusive interview at her dressing room at Prince Edward theatre before the show, she shared with ABS-CBN Europe how the Manila production of Miss Saigon shaped her dream to make a name in theatre.

"I was around 11 or 12 (years old), in CCP in Manila. Lea (Salonga) was Kim and it was the first time I saw her perform upclose. It was breathtaking: the way she did everything. I was so inspired to actually do something in musical theatre," she narrated.

She added: "It was the first major musical I saw in my life. And when I saw Lea do it, I said I want to do the same thing when I grow up".

Theatre training

She began her formal training in theater at age six and she did not stop to nurture her skills in the performing arts. She was recently educated in the musical theatre at the Arts Educational School and London.

At age eight, Manalang had her professional theatre debut as Lucy Pevensie in an adaptation of CS Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Trumpets, Meralco Theatre, Manila).

She played Liesl in 'The Sound of Music" and Tuptim in "The King and I". Both shows were musicals produced by Resorts World Manila (Newport Performing Arts Theater, Manila).

Auditioning for Miss Saigon

Manalang confessed she was halfhearted when she auditioned for Miss Saigon in Manila because she wasn’t sure if she wanted to leave the country. But she was certain she wanted to be part of the Cameron Mackintosh production.

With a little push from her theatre friends, family and mentors, she gave the audition a try.

"Pinush nila ako. I got a call back from the audition. And then after that, iba na yung feeling. I had only two hours to learn 'I give my life for you' for the call back. And after, I thought this is a sign," she said.

Now alternating for the lead role at West End, she wanted to follow in the footsteps of former Kims: Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson and Joanna Ampil.

"Every time I get feedback from them--from Ate Lea, from Tita Monique, from Jo, it's just so inspiring. It just feels really good to make them proud," said Manalang.

Miss Saigon family

Miss Saigon boasts of an international cast of 18 nationalities, with diverse mix of talents and culture. This mélange is now 'family' to Manalang.

"I feel so at home with them. They make everything so comfortable and easy for me. And it's just a great thing that we've become one big happy family here," she said.

The revival musical of Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil is described by Manalang as a 'darker version, more organic, passionate and sensual.'

She hopes to inspire younger and aspiring actress to reach for their dreams.

"I never imagined myself to be here, to be where I am right now. Just never stop dreaming, never stop praying," she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Rachelle nervous about wearing bikini for 'Miss Saigon'

MANILA – Rachelle Go is more anxious that she would have to wear a two-piece bikini for her role as Gigi in the West End revival of "Miss Saigon."

Go, however, said talking to veteran stage actresses greatly eased her fears.

“Nakausap ko si Miss Lea. Napakarami niyang tips na binigay sa akin. Ang takot ko talaga 'yung costume ng role na gagampanin ko. Sabi lang niya, ‘Don’t worry about what you’re going to wear. Just sing kasi kapag kumanta ka na, hindi na nila mapapansin ang suot mo.’ Sobra rin akong thankful kay Miss Lea dahil ine-encourage din niya ako and ang dami niyang advice sa akin,” Go said, referring to Lea Salonga, who originally portrayed the lead role of Kim in the musical.

“Mas kinakabahan ako sa suot than sa pagkanta. Pero role lang naman, so kakayanin ko iyan… Actually kailangan talaga fit. Kailangan mag-exercise. Ayaw ko naman na paglabas ko doon, nakakahiya naman. Kailangan talaga ng disiplina,” she said.

Apart from wearing a bikini, Go said she is also nervous that she would be living by herself in a foreign country for a year.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala. Hanggang ngayon nga hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na aalis ako at pupunta ako doon. Thankful lang talaga ako, hindi ko ine-expect. Feeling ko first week pa lang, maho-home sick na ako. Mami-miss ko din ang friends ko and trabaho ko. Nape-pressure talaga ako,” the former Kapamilya singer said.

Saying this experience will definitely change her life, Go said: “Nakakatuwa kasi hindi ko inakala na ganito pala ang magiging trabaho ko, hindi ko rin ine-expect. Next year, ang daming magbabago panigurado sa buhay ko. Ang dami kong mami-miss sa Pilipinas. Sana makayanan ko naman.”

But before leaving for London, Go will first stage a concert to mark her 10th year in showbiz.

“Tenth year na rin and parang despidida. Gusto ko lang i-share sa mga tao ang journey ko sa industriya. Last concert ko iyan bago ako umalis so sana suportahan niyo. Gusto ko makita ang pinagdaanan ko sa buhay. Guests ko doon ang mga naging parte ng buhay ko and mga idol ko,” she explained.

While she will be gone for quite a while, Go is hoping her fans would still support her when she returns.

Go will be leaving for London in March in time for the musical’s rehearsals. "Miss Saigon" will open on May 3.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Elated Rachelle Ann talks about 'Miss Saigon' role

MANILA - Former Kapamilya singer Rachelle Ann Go admitted that she still can't believe she landed a role in the West End revival of "Miss Saigon."

"Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala," she said in a video interview posted Friday on Viva Entertainment's official YouTube page.



The 24-year-old singer is a talent of Viva Artists Agency.

Go bagged the role of the hardened bar girl Gigi, which was originally portrayed by fellow Filipina Isay Alvarez.

"Nanggaling ako sa London. Ang alam nang lahat nagbakasyon lang ako pero sumegway ako sa auditions. Kinabukasan naman tinanong nila ako kung interesado tapos siyempre, ano pang sasabihin ko? 'Of course!'" she said.

Go, who recently played Ariel in a local adaptation of the Disney classic, "The Little Mermaid," admitted that she has no clue on how to portray a "strong personality" like Gigi.

"Sexy 'yung role niya doon. 'Yun lang din 'yung concern ko doon. Good luck sa akin kung paano ko gagawin 'yung role," she said. "From Disney na Ariel ako tapos ngayon...talagang sobrang extreme nitong gagawin ko."

The former "ASAP" mainstay will be joining fellow Filipino Jonjon Briones and Filipino-American Eva Noblezada in the latest production which will open at the Prince EdwardTheatre in London on May 3, 2014.

The original 1989 London production of "Miss Saigon" was starred by Lea Salonga as the 17-year old Kim.

On Twitter, Salonga congratulated Go and urged her to make the country proud.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lea waiting for Aga to lose weight for reunion movie

MANILA – It seems that the fans of Lea Salonga and Aga Muhlach would have to wait a few more months before they could finally see the two together again on the big screen.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Tuesday, Salonga said she is just waiting for Muhlach to lose some more weight before they start working on their reunion project.

“He needs to lose 20 more pounds. I’m looking good in skinny jeans now. I’m doing my share and my trainer is really motivated. He’s like, ‘Go sige pa. We have a project to make you look amazing by the summer.’ We’ll see. [Si Aga] na lang,” she said.

Back in July, Salonga revealed that there have been talks about a possible reunion movie for the two of them.

She, however, said both of them have decided to look “physically ready” first before jumping into the project.

“The ball is in his court, it is always in his court. Let’s see how much more he can go. Napapansin na parang medyo he’s losing weight na so let’s hope for some more,” Salonga said.

Reiterating that Muhlach is her favorite leading man, the acclaimed singer said: “Not Piolo, not Sam, not John Lloyd, not anybody. Sorry, it’s really him. When he looks his best, he’s untouchable.”

Muhlach and Salonga starred in two movies in the 1990s -- "Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal" and "Sana Maulit Muli."

In a previous interview, Salonga said she only wants to be paired with Muhlach because she is already comfortable working with the actor.

“Minsan lang kasi ako gumawa ng pelikula. As in once every 17 years. I don’t do movies very often so I want to be with people that I’m already comfortable with. There are certain risks that I’d like take when I perform live. But when I do a film, I’d like to stay with a team na nakasanayan ko na,” she said.

The Tony Award-winner also noted that she and Muhlach have a certain chemistry, which makes their working environment light.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lea Salonga was once rejected for 'My Fair Lady'

MANILA -- Tony Award winner Lea Salonga was once rejected for the role of Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" just because she was Asian.

On ANC's "Storyline," Salonga recalled receiving a phone call from her agent offering her a role after her award-winning stint with "Miss Saigon."

But minutes later, her agent called back. "They're not gonna see you because you are Asian," Salonga mimicked the words of her agent.

"What's that got to do with anything?" she then asked in disbelief.

According to Salonga, the role of Eliza Doolittle is traditionally played by a Caucasian actress. She eventually got to play the role popularized by Audrey Hepburn in the movie version in Manila with Repertory Philippines.

But instead of dwelling on the rejection, Salonga wanted to prove that race has nothing to do with talent.

Long after that phone call from her agent, Salonga was invited by producer Cameron Mackintosh to play the role of Eponine in "Les Misérables."

Salonga, who won the Tony for best actress in "Miss Saigon," explained that she wanted to use that opportunity to prove that traditionally Caucasian roles can also be played by Asians.

"I wanted to prove we can extend the suspension of disbelief that this little Asian actor can play this traditionally Caucasian role and you would believe everything that's happening on stage," Salonga said.

The actress said she wanted to play Eponine even more than Kim in "Miss Saigon" because it wasn't just about the role itself.

"I was driven to make that work and I worked really hard on that role, harder than I ever did in Kim. Because this wasn't about money, this wasn't about commercial success. For me, I wanted to prove that it can be done," speaking about her fight against discrimination.

Salonga became the first-ever Asian to play the role of Eponine in the hit musical.

After a performance, Salonga recalled how Mackintosh approached her and said: "You do not look Asian when I see you up there."

"That was what I needed to hear," said Salonga, who again broke racial barriers when she played Fantine in the same musical.

"The Voice of the Philippines" judge also shared that she intends to keep singing as long as fans would still listen to her.

"I am going to continue to do this as if there is anything else for me. And truthfully, I don't think there is nothing else out there for me. I feel like I am custom-built to spec to do what I do," Salonga admitted.

"As long as there are people who enjoy what I do then I will be around to do it," she added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mitoy on 'Voice PH' win: Masaya at pinagpala ako

MANILA – Veteran band vocalist Mitoy Yonting is still reeling from his victory Sunday night after he was named the first-ever winner of “The Voice of the Philippines.”

In an interview with ABS-CBN News immediately after the show, Yonting said he feels blessed that a lot of people voted for him.

“Masayang masaya po ako. Pinagpala ako ngayong araw na ito. Maraming salamat sa Diyos at sa mga gumastos ng load nila,” he said.

Yonting said he is clueless as to how he got a massive support but added that he would like to believe that those who voted for him really believed in his talent.

“Siguro 'yung mga nakakapanood ng gigs ko, baka doon ko nahuli ang loob nila. Siguro 'yun ang nagtulak sa kanila para suportahan ako,” he said unsurely.

Asked what he is planning to do with the P2-million cash prize, Yonting said in jest: “Pag-iisipan muna. Itatago ko muna, siguro after 40 years saka ko gagalawin. Magkano ang interes no’n?”

Speaking on a serious note, the 42-year-old member of Team Lea said he would definitely think about how to spend the money considering what he went through to clinch the victory.

“Pag-iisipan ko muna, mahirap 'yung bigla kasi malaking pera. Kung alam niyo lang ang hriap niyan, talagang mahirap kaya sisiguraduhin ko na maayos ang paggagamitan ko,” he said.

Aside from Yonting, his coach, Tony winner Lea Salonga, was equally elated that her bet won.

“It’s been interesting. It’s been amazing. It’s been wonderful. It’s been a learning experience for me because this is the first time I’ve coached like this. I’m hoping that he actually got something from it,” she said.

According to Salonga, she and Yonting did not expect the victory and that they were already content with the top 2 spot.

“For me kasi, we were also talking about it na okay na, we are in the top 2, we are fine. Whatever is God’s will, that’s what will happen. The kaba was gone because at that point, it was beyond us,” she said.

“I think it’s God’s will that we got the second spot to sing which made me happy that he got to sing last. He picked a song that he knew, he’s comfortable with, that he didn’t have to learn,” she added.

Saying Yonting is deserving of the win, Salonga is hoping the world will get to know his talent and good heart.

As the first-ever winner of “The Voice of the Philippines,” Yonting won a P2 million, a new car, an Asian tour package for two and a four-year recording contract with MCA Universal.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lea sings with Patti Austin on 'Voice PH'

MANILA – In a rare moment, “The Voice of the Philippines” coach Lea Salonga performed with Grammy-winning jazz artist Patti Austin on the TV talent contest’s live show on Sunday at Resorts World Manila.

Salonga came onstage first with Austin’s hit “If I Believe” backed up by the “Voice” contestants before introducing the visiting international star, who joined her onstage amid shrieks from the surprised audience. They then sang a duet on Austin’s song “In My Life.”

Austin is in the country for a series of concerts. She and jazz artist George Benson had a concert last week. – “The Voice of the Philippines,” September 8, 2013

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lea weighs in on Ricky Lo interview with Hathaway

MANILA, Philippines – Tony Award winner Lea Salonga weighed in on the much talked about interview of entertainment editor Ricky Lo with “Les Miserables” actress Anne Hathaway.

While saying she cannot speak for Hathaway, Salonga explained that based on her own experience during press junkets, she has been trained “to expect all kinds of questions, ranging from broadsheet to tabloid, so I try to keep my answers creative.”

“You get a lot of the same questions, and by the end of the day, the brain is so… for lack of a better word, ‘bangag,’” she told journalist Alexy Vergara which was published in his personal blog, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.

In Lo’s interview with Hathaway, the entertainment columnist asked the actress about her weight loss for the movie: "You lost 25 pounds for Fantine. How did you do it, and how did you gain it back?"

At first laughing, Hathaway said, "I'd rather not talk about the weight loss, please."

Lo also asked her, "For somebody who is perceived to live a life of luxury and privilege, how are you able to identify with Fantine? Have you ever experience to be hungry, be poor... just like the character?"

To which Hathaway answered, "That's a very personal question."

As an actress, Salonga said her job is “to remain professional and pleasant, as I need that reporter to write about and talk about my show, or TV stint, or movie, or whatever.”

“Everyone sees things from his or her own unique perspective. But I can think of a bazillion ways to answer the question, ‘How did you lose 25 pounds in 5 weeks,’ if only for the benefit of entertaining myself,” Salonga added.

In Lo’s interview, Hathaway was all praises for Salonga, who played Fantine on Broadway, saying she adores the Filipina singer and she hopes to meet her one day.

Later in the interview, Lo asked Hathaway again on what she would want to tell Salonga. Hathaway pleasantly declined: "We've already talked about Lea."

This led some netizens to view that interview as "awkward" and "painful to watch."

But Salonga noted that interviews are also about how questions are asked.

Citing The Filipino Channel’s resident film critic Manny the Movie Guy’s interview with Hathaway, Salonga said his delivery “totally relaxed and lightened the atmosphere.”

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Lea Salonga, Blake tour Ayala Malls for Christmas

MANILA, Philippines -- Lea Salonga and classical vocal quartet Blake are ushering in the holiday season with an "early Christmas gift" for patrons of the chain of shopping malls of Ayala Land Inc.


The Tony award-winning Filipino performer, along with Kapamilya singer Nikki Gil, are currently headlining "Kindred Voices," a series of shows held across Ayala Malls' shopping centers to welcome the Christmas season.

The female vocalists are joined by the British singing group Blake, and Maestro Gerard Salonga with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

"It's a wonderful, wonderful concert. Ito ang aming handog sa mga sumusuporta ng Ayala Malls, at sana nagugustuhan ng audience," Salonga, 41, told ABS-CBN News shortly after the Thursday performance at Glorietta 2 in Makati City.

"The audiences were so nice, so receptive and very open. Maraming salamat sa pagpapanood ng show at suporta, at sana manood pa kayo," she added.

Earlier performances of "Kindred Voices" headlined by Gil were held earlier this week at Ayala Center Cebu and Market! Market! mall in Taguig City.

Following Salonga and Blake's Friday concert, "Kindred Voices" will next tour New Glorietta, Makati (Dec. 7, with Gil), Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City (Dec. 8, with Salonga), and TriNoma, Quezon City (Dec. 9, with Salonga).

The concert tour is part of Ayala Malls' "Wrapped In Love," a series of programs organized by chain of shopping malls to welcome the holiday season. It will benefit a number of charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Ayala Foundation, Hero Foundation, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and Children's Hour.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

'Miss Saigon' returns to PH for auditions

MANILA, Philippines – The hit musical “Miss Saigon,” which launched the international career of Filipino actress Lea Salonga, is gearing up for a revival in London’s West End.


And just like in 1988, when producer Cameron Mackintosh and the songwriting team of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, “discovered” Salonga in Manila, the production team is again flying to the Philippine capital to hold auditions for the lead role of Kim, the 17-year-old Vietnamese bar girl, as well as ensemble cast members.

According to the website Broadway World, the auditions will be held at the Philippine Opera Company’s headquarters Opera Haus in Makati on November 19-22.

A Facebook page has been set up to provide more details on the Manila auditions.


“‘Miss Saigon’s’ executive producer, director, choreographer, and musical director will be flying in from London to hold auditions for the restaging of the hit musical, which paved the way for Filipino talents such as Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson, and Isay Alvarez, among others to shine on the world stage,” Dong Alegre, the representative of Mackintosh in the Philippines, told Broadway World.

“Miss Saigon,” based on Giacomo Puccini’s popular opera “Madame Butterfly,” had its world premiere at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane London on September 20, 1989 with Salonga and 13 other Filipinos, including Monique Wilson, Isay Alvarez, Robert Sena, Pinky Amador, Michael Williams and Junix Inocian.

The musical about a Vietnamese prostitute who falls in love with an American solider during the fall of Saigon ran for over 4,000 in London before closing in 1999.

It opened on Broadway in 1991, also with Salonga, who won a Tony Awards for her performance. It closed in New York in 2001.

According to the “Miss Saigon” official website, the musical has been performed in 25 countries and 246 cities and has been translated into 12 different languages

‘It begins again’

In her Facebook page, Salonga couldn’t help but notice the timing of the upcoming Manila auditions.

“And so it begins again... It was in November 1988 that I auditioned for ‘Miss Saigon.’ Whose life is going to change this November 2012?” she said in a post on Facebook on Saturday.

“Who would be your bets for the West End revival of ‘Miss Saigon’? Auditions are in November,” she said in another post.

Among those mentioned by Salonga’s Facebook friends are “American Idol” Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez; Repertory Philippines’ actress Cara Barredo, who currently appears in Rep’s “The Wizard of Oz” as Dorothy; and Manila-born Singaporean Julia Abueva, who starred in a Singaporean production of “Spring Awakening” early this year.

According to Broadway World, audition requirements will be announced soon.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Anne parries issue about being 'dissed' by Lea

MANILA, Philippines – Self-confessed "non-singer” Anne Curtis appealed to the public to just leave Tony Award winning singer Lea Salonga be for allegedly “dissing” the former's singing prowess.

"Out of respect kay Ate Lea, tigilan na natin 'to. Marami kasing nagagalit sa kanya sa Internet. I believe she was misunderstood," Curtis was quoted as saying in an abs-cbnNEWS.com report posted on Feb. 17.

A few days ago, a TV network reported on its news website that Salonga made a cutting remark about Curtis and non-singers who make a career out of singing.

In the Feb. 12 report of Interaksyon.com, Salonga was prompted to respond to questions about "out-of-tune" singers and then about Curtis. Salonga then bluntly expressed her dislike over bad singers who thrive in the business, apparently in the context of being an artist protective of her craft. She cited as example those performers who put in time and effort to develop their vocal prowess. The report then took the remark to mean that the Broadway singer had put down Curtis’ efforts as a singer.

The website has since admitted that it had taken Salonga’s quotes out of context and publicly apologized to both personalities involved by releasing the full transcript of the interview for the public's scrutiny.

“I don’t think that anything should be said about that because Ate Lea already said her piece so I think it should stop there,” Curtis underscored in a Push.com interview posted on Feb. 18.

Salonga, through her official Twitter account (@MsLeaSalonga), clarified what she truly meant with her words.

On Feb. 12, Salonga wrote in her account that she has “strong opinions about off-key singers” but since “Anne herself doesn't identify as a singer,” Salonga says she “respects” her and that she actually “can’t be angry” with Curtis.

“So before anyone decides to launch an attack because of what I said, which I stand by, find out exactly what I said in full, and in context. There are people calling themselves singers without the talent to justify it, taking away business from those that rightly deserve it.

"That is what burns me, and is insulting to all singer-craftsmen, gifted artists that work so hard and need to be heard and patronized,” Salonga’s tweet read.

All issues aside, Curtis, who just turned 27 on Feb. 17, announced via the abs-cbnNEWS.com report that she will be staging her “AnneBisyosa: No Other Concert” in Cebu this April.

source: mb.com.ph

Lea Salonga - One Of The Judges in the Miss Universe 2011 Pageant

Filipino singer/actress and Broadway Star Lea Salonga will be one of the judges in the Miss Universe 2011 pageant to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12.

The announcement was made Wedndeday by the Miss Universe Organization President Paula M. Shugart and NBC Universal Head Donald J. Trump.

Lea Salonga is the 5th Filipino to become a judge in the 60-year history of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant.

PEP: Lea Salonga does not mind being compared to Charice Pempengco

"Momentous occasion" ang description ni John "Sweet" Lapus sa pagkakasalang ng world-class artist na si Lea Salonga sa kanyang "Don't Lie To Me" segment sa Showbiz Central last Sunday, July 4. Sa bihirang pagkakataon nga ay napapayag si Lea na maupo sa lie-detector test at tanungin ng mga kontrobersiyal na isyu.

Dagdag pa ni Sweet, na halatang masayang-masaya noong hapong yun, magandang advance birthday gift para sa kanya ang pagge-guest na yun ng international singer. Sa Miyerkules, July 9, ang birthday ni Sweet.

REFLECTION. Ang unang tanong ni Sweet kay Lea ay may kaugnayan sa tagumpay na tinatamasa ngayon ni Charice Pempengco sa international music scene. Tipong "reflection" daw ng naging tagumpay ni Lea ang nangyayari ngayon sa career ni Charice. Okey lang ba kay Lea na ikinukumpara si Charice sa kanya?

"Yes" ang sagot ni Lea at sumang-ayon naman sa kanya ang lie-detector machine at sinabing "Truth" ang kanyang kasagutan.

Sweet asked Lea kung nagkaroon na ba sila ng chance na mag-meet ni Charice?

"Yes, we've worked a couple of times. Oo, magaling na magaling talaga siya," sagot naman ng Tony-winning actress-singer.

Naaalala ba ni Lea ang sarili niya kay Charice ngayon?

"Yes, when I was a little girl," sagot niya. "It happened to her at around the same age na nangyari sa akin yung Miss Saigon. I was 18 and now she's 18, and she's exploding all over the world which is fantastic for her. I kind of see myself a little bit, pero siyempre, sa ibang larangan naman ng showbiz. Now, hers is really with music, me naman is on music/theater."

Ayon kay Sweet, nananawagan ang mga fans na sana ay magkaroon sila ng concert ni Charice sa Pilipinas.

"That would be awesome," sabi ni Lea. "Hindi nga lang ako marunong magbirit. Pero sige, pipilitin ko ang sarili ko."

A WHOLE NEW WORLD. Alam naman ng marami na isa si Lea sa original members ng That's Entertainment, kung saan kabilang siya sa Thursday group. Noong mga panahong yun ay usung-uso ang mga loveteams. Totoo ba na during those times, naging sila ng ngayon ay Mayor na ng Quezon City na si Herbert Bautista?

"No" ang sagot ni Lea at "Truth" na naman ang naging resulta.

Ayon kay Lea, magka-loveteam lang daw talaga sila ni Mayor Bistek nung mga panahong yun, pero inamin niyang nanligaw ito sa kanya. "But I'm not interested at that time with anybody," dagdag niya.

Hindi kaya natakot noon si Herbert sa mommy ni Lea na si Mrs. Ligaya Salonga?

Umiling ng ilang beses si Lea sabay sabing, "Walang takot yun sa nanay ko. What I'm saying is, he was never intimidated with my mom or anything like that. But it just never happened."

Nagkikita pa ba sila ni Mayor Herbert?

"Nagte-text minsan. Noong nanalo siyang mayor ng Quezon City, tinext ko. Nag-congratulate ako," sagot ni Lea.

I REMEMBER THE BOY. Na-link din si Lea noon sa matinee idol na si Aga Muhlach, na nakasama niya sa dalawang pelikula—Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992) at Sana Maulit Muli (1995). Naging mag-on ba sila ni Aga noon?

"No" ulit ang sagot ni Lea, pero this time ay "Lie" ang lumabas na resulta. Dahil dito ay walang nagawa si Sweet kundi sayawin ang kanyang "buwis-buhay dance."

Hirit ni John, umapela raw si Lea dahil lie ang naging result.
"Malay ko ba!" ang nangingiti namang sagot ni Lea.

Kung si Herbert ay inamin niyang nanligaw sa kanya, si Aga ba ay nanligaw rin?

"Hindi rin," tanggi ni Lea. "I think we worked really well as actors. At that time kasi, when we were doing Sana Maulit Muli, he was nursing a broken heart from one girl. And then, he was with another girl again at that time when we got together again in Manila."

Flashback naman ni Sweet, parang naaalala raw niya na manliligaw na sana si Aga kay Lea, pero nakilala ng aktor ang dating Miss Universe na si Dayanara Torres.

"Malay ko ba! Wala akong alam sa private life niya. Hindi ko siya tinatanong," reaksiyon ni Lea.

What about a movie with Aga Muhlach again?

"I would love one," sambit ni Lea.

Sabi naman ni Sweet, wala raw masamang anggulo si Aga, lahat ay guwapo.

"Walang anggulong masama," pagsang-ayon naman ni Lea. "At habang tumatanda, gumuguwapo."

Follow-up pa ni Sweet kay Lea, crush nga ba niya ang lead singer ng The Dawn na si Jet Pangan noong araw?

"Jet Pangan? Oh yes, absolutely!" pag-amin naman ni Lea.

Hirit naman ni Sweet kay Lea, parang crush na rin daw pala siya ni Lea bilang sinasabing kamukha niya si Jet. Pero hindi pumayag si Lea at sinabi nitong "hindi rin" nang natatawa.

On July 24 ay magsisimula na sa Cultural Center of the Philippines ang pagtatanghal dito sa Pilipinas na sikat at award-winning musical na Cats, kung saan gumaganap si Lea bilang Grizabella. Si Lea lamang ang Filipino sa cast. - Rose Garcia, PEP

Source : gmanews.tv