Body Talk with Lea Salonga
Body Talk with Lea Salonga
Having started at a very young age in theater, it’s fitting for Lea Salonga to pay tribute to where she came from in a concert titled Songs From The Stage set for Feb. 17 and 18 at the PICC Plenary Hall.
Lea was about nine years old when she wowed audiences with her delightful performance as the orphan in Annie, topping that barely a decade later with a grandslam portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon.
“This is the first exclusively musical theater concert we’ve done since 2001, which is quite a long time — 15 years!” said Lea of her concert staged four days before her 46th birthday (Feb. 22). “So many new shows have been produced since then and this will definitely be a great opportunity to pay those new musicals a visit. At the same time, we’ll do older shows that we’ve not really visited yet.”
Music by Sondheim, Lloyd-Webber, Miranda, Bareilles and King, including songs that the public never thought were in musicals will highlight the concert. “The jukebox medley is one I think we’ll all enjoy,” added Lea. “I’m just excited to be sharing a lot of musical theater with the audience. It’s not always thought of as a hip art form, until a show called Hamilton. This unique art form is a great entry into learning one’s history and culture, and to be a practitioner of it, in whatever way, is always enjoyable and exciting!”
Directed by Bobby Garcia with Gerard Salonga as musical director, Songs From
The Stage features the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. The show is in partnership with Bounty Fresh, Facial Care, Insular Life, Asiaworld Advertising, Ayala Malls, Chooks-to-Go, Mango Tree, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Life & Stills and B&D Rental and Party Needs. ( For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999.)
How do you keep up with your busy schedule (does anybody arrange your calendar of activities or do you do it yourself)?
“I have an assistant that makes sure all activities and commitments are in my calendar (I can be forgetful), and my mother has a master calendar, too. However, stuff that has to do with my daughter’s school or our home is taken care of by both Rob and me.” How much time do you devote to your family and how do you spend it?
“As much as I can, given my busy schedule. I try to stay at home when I am able. As I get older, I’m less inclined to going out late at night. That is most definitely for younger constitutions. I’d rather be home with a good book or a crochet project, listening to music, or playing video games. I’m still up late, just not out late.”
Your daughter Nicole is growing up fast. Is she inclined towards the performing arts? “She does love to sing. She loves musical theater (she’s currently obsessed with Phantom of the Opera and its sequel Love Never Dies) which means it’s fun to watch shows with her. Perhaps early indoctrination was helpful!” Do you encourage her and train her?
“Not sure yet if that’s what she wants to do. I’m not actively training her. Right now, I want her to try different things and see what really captures her passion.” Are you raising Nicole the same way you were raised by your Mom Ligaya?
“Nope! Nicole is a different kid from when I was her age, so how my mom raised me will be different from how I’m raising Nic. She’s far more mature than I was at her age.”
Who is the disciplinarian between you and Rob? “Rob, for sure!”
What kind of diet do you follow and what’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner, any snacks between meals?
“I tend to stick to high protein. Eggs in the morning with a breakfast meat like uncured bacon or sausage. For lunch and dinner, that’s when we eat meats and vegetables. Fish and chicken are included in the meats department. We also love our rice and pasta.”
How much water do you take per day and what vitamins (or medications) do you take?
“I try to take six to eight glasses of water a day (more if I’m not feeling well). I take a pre-workout supplement before heading to the gym. That’s about it.” How much sleep do you get per night, how many pillows do you sleep with?
“I get a full night seven to eight hours. I sleep with a pillow or two under my head and one to hug.”
Last thing that you do before you go you to sleep and the first thing that you do as soon as you wake up?
“It depends. If I’m working, then the last thing (besides saying good night to my husband and daughter) I do is study music. First thing I do, once I’m up, is having something to eat.”
How often do you consult your doctor, dentist and dermatologist?
“Dentist, once or twice a year; doctor, as needed; dermatologist, whenever I’m free.” With your tight sked, do you have time to work out or unwind?
“Thankfully, yes. I go to the gym two to three times a week. As for unwinding, as long as I’m home, that’s enough for me.” Favorite city or hideaway? “New York! Does that count as a hideaway?” What is your all-time favorite song and why?
“I don’t have one. I guess whatever I happen to be working on becomes my favorite.” You are a post-Valentine baby. How do you and Rob spend Valentine’s? “We’ll probably have dinner, or opt to stay in. Because I’ll be busy prepping for my concert, I really don’t know what we’ll end up doing.” What are your projects lined up this year?
“Besides the Australia concerts and the concert in Manila, plus The Voice Teens which starts airing this summer, that’s about it!” (E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo. com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/ funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)
With her tight sked, does she have time to unwind? ‘Thankfully, yes. I go to the gym two to three times a week. As for unwinding, as long as I’m home, that’s enough for me.’