Lea Salonga’s “The Journey So Far” by Edwin Macaraeg (J!-ENT Interviews & Articles)

One of the greatest stars in Broadway music gives an enchanting performance in the Central Valley of California.  Lea Salonga is known around the world for her roles in musicals, “Miss Saigon” and “Flower Drum Song” while others remember her as the voice of Disney’s Princess Jasmine and Mulan.  A megastar in the Philippines, Lea Salonga is also a pop music star whose popularity arose through hits such as “Nan Dito Ako” (I am here) and “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal” (Why I love you so much).  Hundreds of fans were treated by her presence through an intimate concert in the Tachi Palace at Lemoore, California.

Exhibiting her signature Broadway style through songs such as “I’d Give My Life For You” from Miss Saigon, she begins her concert with stories of the start of her extraordinary career.  Members of the audience were seduced by the indescribable feeling of listening to her live singing voice.

In between songs, she would engage with the audience by having conversations about herself as a singer, her musical roles in acting, as well as her life as being a Filipina.  With Lemoore being home to many Filipino families within the valley, Lea joyfully expressed her love for her home country, as she would speak Tagalog directly to the audience.  She sang a wonderful rendition of “Hahanapin Ko” (I Look), a famous Filipino song by popular music composer Jose Mari Chan.  This intimate setting of the concert allowed the crowd to feel comfortable as they would laugh and enjoy an extravagant night of entertainment with one of the brightest starts of the Philippines.

With her dazzling voice and angelic stage presence, Lea Salonga provides the audience with a wide array of melodies.  Aside from the musical numbers, she covered many of her favorite songs, including “Blackbird” by the Beatles and Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”.  Members of the audience stood up in glee as they began to sing their favorite melodies with Lea Salonga.  She also sang a few of her impressive new songs, which were only available on her album “The Journey So Far”.

A night with Lea Salonga would not be complete without her singing her most beloved Disney theme songs.  She captivated the audience with her performance of “Reflection” from Disney’s Mulan.  Lea Salonga would eventually sing “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin.  Much to surprise, she did not expect to sing the song alone.  She asked a member of the audience to come on stage and sing the part of Aladdin with her.  It was an amazing experience to see a local sing on stage with such an acclaimed performer.

The concert concluded with Lea Salonga performing one of her most popular songs, “The Journey”.  Members of the audience were able to purchase memorabilia at the lobby while Lea Salonga signed posters and CD’s.   Fans from around the valley left the vicinity singing aloud to some of the world’s most memorable melodies sang by one of the brightest stars in music.

 

SUGIZO to tour with JUNO REACTOR

SUGIZO and JUNO REACTOR will be performing nationwide this month and there are planned autograph signings and fan meetings in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.  J!-ENT article coverage on SUGIZO and JUNO REACTOR’s performance coming soon!

Download the article