Lea Salonga

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11 Mar 2024

Lea Salonga turns 40 in a big, surprising way
By SHIRLEY MATIAS-PIZARRO
February 26, 2011, 12:48pm
MANILA, Philippines — Lea Salonga’s husband Robert Chien surprised his wife on Feb. 21 with a 40th birthday bash.
Rob felt this milestone in Lea’s life needed to be celebrated in an extraordinary manner because his wife’s “life is just about to begin,” so to speak.
The plan was simple: Lea was to have a pre-birthday dinner with brother Gerard and wife DJ Salonga on Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Continental Restaurant of Palms Country Club in Alabang. Gerard previously told Lea that he couldn’t be present on his sister’s birthday (Feb. 22) so he asked her to meet up for dinner the night before. When she comes, everyone can have dinner and then proceed to a short and simple program they have prepared for her.
All of Lea’s friends were sent regular emails advising them, including us, to come not later than 7:30 p.m., the estimated time of Lea’s arrival.
In cahoots with Rob, aside from Lea’s family (Mommy Ligaya, brother Gerard and his wife DJ) was hatchet woman Liza Camus, project director in most of Lea’s concerts and theater outings.
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Posted 13 years ago

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Source: mb.com.ph

“Singing a tune on Love, Lea… the show ran for 2 years. I was approaching puberty, so it was time to call it a day.” -Lea Salonga
Posted 13 years ago

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Source: fuckyeahleasalonga
LeaSalonga.com Blog #5: You Don’t Have Any Business Having Sex, Part 1
Written by Lea Salonga
Thursday, 24 February 2011 21:50
Original post from: leasalonga.com
——————————————————————————————————
I did promise a “You Don’t Have Any Business Having Sex…” blog, didn’t I?
Truth is, there is a serious reason behind the humorous premise. Right now, here in the Philippines, there is a battle being waged in the House of Representatives as well as in barangays and many other communities. I’m talking about the Reproductive Health Bill.
Yes, I am all for a measure guaranteeing reproductive health services for many of our country’s people, especially expectant mothers that need emergency obstetric care in case of a miscarriage or pre-term labor. There have been enough maternal deaths in the country that an RH measure is imperative.
However, many sectors seem to zero in on the more controversial aspect of the bill: CONTRACEPTION. Now under normal circumstances, this word is usually one shared between the following: an OB-GYN and her female patient, and between a man and woman within the confines of a relationship. Now though, there has just been passed in the barangay of Ayala Alabang an ordinance “providing for the safety and protection of the unborn child…” The title seems benign enough, as who in their right mind would ever endanger the life of the unborn who cannot represent themselves?…
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Posted 13 years ago

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Source: leasalonga.com

Lea Salonga live at Pechanga Resort & Casino
Friday, March 4, 2011 - 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Pechanga Resort & Casino Showroom, Temecula CA
Posted 13 years ago

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Source: ht.ly
How Lea made David cry
By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark
February 25, 2011 12:00 AM
The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - David Pomeranz is not ashamed to admit he cried the first time he heard Lea Salonga sing. It didn’t happen on the concert stage, but in a most unlikely place: An airplane.
The American singer-composer was looking for a singer he could tap for the album he was producing for the musicalThe Little Tramp.
“In came Lea. And I sat there on my seat and started to cry. I don’t know why. And it doesn’t matter,” he recalls.
Right then and there, David fell for Lea’s rendition of a song from Miss Saigon, hook, line and sinker.
And now that they’re performing together for the first time at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts Manila on Tuesday, March 29, 8 p.m., David knows this concert will differ from others he has done.
“We’ll put together things that move us personally and hopefully we will communicate that to the audience. It will be an emotional evening, with Lea and me singing duets ,” he promises.
“It will be shared show, with equitable division of labor,” adds Lea.
The composer of Born for You also wants to learn more about Lea by “getting to know her musically in a deeper way.”
Even before she met him, Lea knew that David’s music sent people swooning and lovers dreaming.
“I grew up listening to his songs, King and Queen of Hearts and Got to Believe in Magic,” she relates.
They would meet years later – in 1993, when David asked Lea to record two songs for the soundtrack of Little Tramp, the musical on the life of Charlie Chaplin.
David’s music would play a big role in her shows now and then.
“One of the most-requested songs in my concert last year was the music fromLittle Tramp,” she reveals. “It was played with the whole orchestra. David’s music is appreciated even if you don’t see the movie (for which it was made).”
Music is not the only thing that binds Lea and David.
David shares Lea’s passion for making the world a better place to live in. Lea the United Nations goodwill ambassador is in Tarlac with her mom and some friends today to help in the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s campaign to fight hunger.
The minute he learned about it, David can’t help but share his own advocacies.
“I also got involved in the hunger issue,” he says. “You see hybrid cars and green businesses because enough people spoke up long enough and it had an impact on business. It’s the same thing with hunger. We have enough food but its’ not getting to the people. If people understand and cry out about it, politicians and businessmen will do something.”
The joy of easing other people’s burdens also draws David closer to the Philippines, where he’s been “countless times, at least once a year.”
Filipinos, he observes are very close to one another, especially to their families. David can relate to this since he’s been raised in a closely-knit family himself.
“In America, there’s a tendency for family, friends to splinter off and go away and send postcards once in a while,” he observes.
David was happy to find out this doesn’t apply in the Philippines.
“Here, there’s more of a sense of community togetherness. I feel most comfortable in that environment. And that’s why I enjoy being here so much.”
To show that he’s not just paying lip service to the country and its people, David says he can sing Pasko Na, Sinta Ko. He may know only very few Tagalog words, but he appreciates music like any dyed-in-the-wool artist. And like most Filipinos are.
“We have a mutual love for the same kind of music,” David points out.
Posted 13 years ago

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Source: philstar.com
“Freedom is the ability to express oneself unencumbered and unhindered without any fear of reprisal, while keeping in mind the responsibility to try and use that ability to choose to do good. It isn’t just about doing something ’because you can’.”
-Lea Salonga (via Spot.ph | What does freedom mean to you?)
Posted 13 years ago

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Source: spot.ph

Lea Salonga as Kim in Miss Saigon
Reblogged 13 years ago from badskin

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Backstory: Life begins at 40
By Lea Salonga
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:19:00 02/23/2011
I WRITE this on the eve of my 40th birthday.
It’s exciting to think about taking another step towards maturity, but it also means one more step away from youth.
Sow biz is an industry seemingly made for young people. It’s populated by teenagers and twentysomethings filled with promise as well as fulfilled potential, jockeying for the public’s notice.
I was one of them once, dressed in bright, colorful clothing and cloaked in myriad insecurities, wondering if what I had to offer was good enough for the throngs of fans that would troop to the TV studios week after week.
Hello mother role
Turning the corner to another age group (I will no longer be checking that “age 30-39” box when filling out forms) means that there will be more young ones calling me “Tita.” Should I veto that right now unless you’re at least 20 years younger than me? Heaven forbid anyone not related by blood should start calling me “Mommy.” I shudder at the thought.
That said, it means bidding farewell to the ingenue, and a warm hello to the mother role. That doesn’t seem so terrible.
I’ve been watching a TV show called “Pretty Little Liars” (my niece Shay Mitchell is one of the leads), and it’s interesting how the actors now playing parents—Holly Marie Combs, Chad Lowe, and Nia Peeples among others—were young upstarts themselves.
So on the eve of my 40th birthday, I look forward to life—to singing and performing some more (oh, I plan to sing until I’m dead), to seeing more of the world, and enjoying everything that life has to offer.
I also want to keep learning. I’d love to make a move closer to getting my college degree. Maybe relearn how to ride a bike while I’m at it.
In the meantime, I’m going to spend my last hours of 39 sitting, ruminating on the blessing that is my life: great husband, wonderful daughter, fabulous mother, awesome brother … and a valuable clutch of friends. I have the greatest job in the world and the most fantastic fans. And I’ve got my health. Right now, I’m the luckiest woman alive.
Happy birthday to me!
***
Facebook has enabled me to get in touch with friends that I hadn’t seen since grade school. People I’ve lost touch with were suddenly found. I was able to catch up with many of them.
Twitter is a different animal. On one level, it’s a succinct means of communication: concert info, the release of a new single or movie, or (as in the case of recent goings-on in Egypt) getting breaking news out to the world.
On another, there is a dark side, and many of us have borne witness to it over the last few weeks. It has been used by certain members of the press as a means to share less than complimentary thoughts about a particular artist; by fans of one artist as a way to attack another artist and/or his/her fans; or for one celeb to pick a fight with another celeb. It seems that Twitter has, for some people, become an avenue for acting rudely.
It’s okay to criticize. However, anything below the belt should remain hidden. That does no service for the intended recipient or for whoever else might be reading it.
All in all though, Twitter is a wonderful tool. But, like all tools, it’s best when it’s used for the forces of good. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for me to tweet.
Posted 13 years ago

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A better quality photo of Lea’s 40th Birthday cake!
Posted 13 years ago

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Source: fuckyeahleasalonga

Posted 13 years ago

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Source: fuckyeahleasalonga
Happy 40th Birthday, Lea Salonga! (2/22/11)
themusicaltheaterkids:

Being musical theater kids, I’m sure you all know who this woman is. Just in case, we’ll give you a brief rundown of her accomplishments: Lea Salonga is popularly known for her portrayal of “Kim” in the musical Miss Saigon, for which she earned the Oliver, Tony, Outer Critics and TheaterWorld awards. Lea Salonga was the first Asian to play the roles of Eponine, and later, Fantine, in Les Miserables. Salonga was also the singing voice for princesses Fa Mulan (Mulan) and Jasmine (Aladdin).
Lea Salonga was born in the Phillipines, so it’s only fair to honor her true birthday, which is occurring right now! Happy Birthday, Lea!

Reblogged 13 years ago from themusicaltheaterkids-deactivat

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Lea’s 40th Birthday Cake! (via BroadwayWorld)
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Source: fuckyeahleasalonga

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, MS. LEA SALONGA!
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Tomorrow is Lea Salonga’s 40th Birthday! To everyone who has a twitter account, please add the #HappyBdayLea hashtag to your tweets and birthday greetings. We’d love to read all your messages, & it would be awesome if we get it to trend, too! Please reblog & spread the word! Thanks guys!
Posted 13 years ago

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Source: fuckyeahleasalonga
BroadwayWorld: SPOTLIGHT ON LEA SALONGA & LES MIZ on Blu-ray & DVD
Sunday, February 20, 2011; By Pat Cerasaro
Excerpt:

Today, we are taking a look at LES MISERABLES: 25th ANNIVERSARY LIVE AT THE O2, now available on DVD/Blu-ray, and talking to one of the stars of the spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime concert event - the worldwide singing sensation who has made a name for herself as one of the foremost musical theatre actresses of the late-twentieth and early-twenty-first century: the incomparable and inimitable Lea Salonga! Following a recap and review of the disc, in this exclusive and revealing discussion Salonga and I detail what has made LES MIZ the international phenomenon it has become and how she has grown as both an actress and an individual in the ten years since she first essayed the role of Eponine on the 10th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT CD/DVD - not that we should ever compare the two - as well as what the powerful and prescient message of the show means for us now in 2011. Lea, LES MIZ and much, much more awaits in this deluxe SPOTLIGHT!
In celebration of this landmark theatrical home entertainment event, Lea Salonga was generous enough to reminisce about the score, playing Eponine then and Fantine now and what message the show carries for us in these turbulent financial times. Portions of our conversation follow here.
PC: What does it feel like to know how many hundreds of millions of people have seen the original 10th Anniversary concert?
LS: Insane. Insane.
PC: Tell me about the 10th Anniversary versus the 25th Anniversary.
LS: They were very different. It felt very different to do the 10th versus the 25th. The 10th was a more traditional concert - you know, sit on the stage, go to the mic, come and sit back down - so, I was basically sitting there from the beginning of the show, having to wait maybe forty-five minutes before I got to go up to sing.
PC: How is the 25th different?
LS: In the new version, it’s much more staged compared to the 10th. There are actual entrances and exits and more of a set that was a built. It’s like a rock concert! (Laughs.)
PC: With a real live rock star in the cast - Nick Jonas!
LS: Because it was at the 02 arena, I really felt like a rock star up there. Being next to Nick helped, too! (Laughs.)
PC: What does the story of LES MISERABLES - Jean Valjean stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family - say to us in the difficult economic climate we live in now where the rich are just getting richer and the poor getting poorer? What do you think is the real message of the show and why? Doesn’t it seem that the message of any human kindness trumping all monetary value is even more important now than it was even in Victor Hugo’s time?
LS: Life isn’t just black and white. Sure, it’s against the law to steal anything - but given the time period and the reason for the theft, you can sympathize with Valjean and want him to never, ever get caught. Everything he does in his life is always for the greater good. Putting it in today’s economic climate, we surely don’t want to encourage people to steal a loaf of anything, but there are those that are blessed with the means to change other people’s lives. For this reason, I’m thrilled that LES MIZ has returned to the US, if to inspire those that watch the show to spread goodness and kindness around.
PC: How did you find playing the show now to be different than when you essayed the role in the 10th Anniversary Concert? What events in your life changed how you approach it?
LS: It’s a bit different: less about unrequited love and more about the one that got away. I’m much older now, so I let more life experience inform how I render the song.
PC: What is your single favorite moment or line or exchange in LES MISERABLES - as an actress and as a fan? Did you have a moment that resonated with you more now in performing at the O2 concert than it did in the past?
LS: Just seeing Fantine on all fours in the gutter after being humiliated by a member of the bourgeoisie, about to be hauled off to jail, and seeing how compassionate Valjean is to her plight… that just tears me apart. It was never easy to play night after night, I was always destroyed by it.
PC: Do you feel the O2 concert DVD/Blu-ray is the best representation of the show for those unfamiliar with it? Are you happy with your performance in it (you should be - it’s utter perfection in every way!)?
LS: It’s a very different representation of the show, and so it shouldn’t be compared to any other previous recording. It’s a different group of actors bringing their own unique qualities to these beloved characters. That said, Blu-ray is just way too cool. I’m pretty happy with my performance, although I probably would’ve wanted another go at it.
PC: I loved the concert so much and I’m so glad the whole world can see it now! Do you have any concerts coming up where we can hear you do “On My Own” live and in person?
LS: The concerts list should be on my website, and I’m going on my first UNFAO mission on Friday, Feb. 25. I’m very excited!