Backstory From my weird, wonderful world By Lea Salonga Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 19:28:00 07/02/2008
MANILA, Philippines—First of all, I’d like to thank the Inquirer, profusely, for this kind invitation for me to write a weekly column. I must say, this made me turn giddy and very excited (not to mention flattered), but also a bit bewildered. I do write as a hobby, maintaining both an online blog and an offline journal, though these are intended only as a means to express my thoughts at the end of the day and share them with my fans and friends.
Interesting. I guess there are good things that can come out of a blog.
Deadlines
I made a mini-announcement to a few close friends earlier and, after a string of congratulatory texts, I received this one: “Now you’re writing with deadlines.” Needless to say, that stressed me out a bit.
How do I find inspiration every week? Where shall I find things worthy enough to be written about? Should I just pray and hope for the best? This is going to be a challenge, definitely. It makes my current occupation seem like a walk in the park.
For my blog, I find inspiration in many places. My pregnancy was a big source for many months. I chronicled most of that period, from the time we took our first few ultrasound pictures till the day I gave birth. Last night, I read those entries again from start to finish… it was nice to relive the memories. I remember texting my friends while I was in active labor, much to their collective disbelief.
In the blogosphere, finding something to write about is never difficult for me. I’ve written about my nervousness, singing in unfamiliar vocal territory… a good belly laugh from a show I had just seen… driving from New York to Washington DC on a Sunday afternoon with only a latte and the radio for company… waiting hours for my flight to take off… music that blows me away…
Every week?
However, this is for the Entertainment section of this newspaper. Will I find suitable subjects … every week?
This can’t be a celebrity column; Dolly Anne Carvajal already has a good one, and I have no wish to invade her territory. I'm not out to write theater reviews; Gibbs Cadiz is far more eloquent (I’m a subscriber of his blog and a fan of his writing). I’m not a great interviewer; Bayani San Diego is, though, as I’ve had the pleasure of quite a few conversations and interviews with him.
Maybe I’ll write about artists I admire and adore, and turn this into a fan column? Nah, I’ll just reserve that for when I see them in person … not! I'm actually very shy, and it takes a good chunk of courage to approach someone whose work I really like. I do get intimidated when someone like Dolphy walks into the room.
Literary device
So, why “Backstory”?
To quote Wikipedia: “In narratology, a back story (also backstory or back-story) is the history behind the situation extant at the start of the main story. This literary device is often employed to lend the main story depth. A back story may include the history of characters, objects, countries, or other elements of the main story.
Back stories are usually revealed, sketchily or in full, chronologically or otherwise, as the main narrative unfolds. However, a story creator may also create portions of a back story or even an entire back story that is solely for his or her own use in writing the main story and is never revealed in the main story. In role-playing games, a character’s back story is usually called his or her background.”
Quite honestly, I just kind of like the term. Kidding!
As an actor, I’ve had to create a few background histories, underlying stories that aren’t always seen on stage, but are running in my mind. Truth to tell, there are some efforts of mine that were more lengthily thought-out than others.
The thoughts can range from multiple expletives (that end up exploding out of my mouth on occasion— I’ve received a few stage manager’s notes about curbing my inner sailor’s mouth) to invented pictures, specifically created memories, or a part of my life that resonates with what my character is going through.
Easier to remember
That’s the best kind of back story: a memory, concrete and tangible, easy to draw upon for emotional content. I actually find it difficult to invent… it’s much easier to remember.
What does that have to do with this column?
Well, rather than show biz talk and all that, I thought to write about what an audience doesn’t see. But no, I will not write about tawdry gossip or backstage catfights. There are things that need not see the light of day.
I will write about my feet feeling like they’re about to fall off, standing in high heels after a two-and-a-half-hour concert… balancing mic transmitters on the back of my head… wearing nipple “stickies” to maintain some semblance of modesty while scantily clad in front of a leading man… backstage backgammon games that feel like life-and-death matches (so much so that they take precedence over the actual performance)… my pants not being set for a quick change… figuring out how a particular actor kisses (it does matter!)… staving off homesickness when far, far away, working.
My rock stars
I will write about my weird, wonderful, interesting, fantastic job… from my point of view and that of others that share this profession… the people I call “rock stars.”
I’m hoping that I can actually come up with enough interesting material to keep you coming back for more. A total of 30 years in this business should provide me with some great stories to tell, and my ongoing journey should also make for something fun to share. Now that my schedule has become more regular, it’ll be easier for me to sit at the keyboard and type away. Who knows what next week will bring!
Please bombard this corner with suggestions. I would really appreciate that. And thank you very much in advance!
For now, allow me to say: Hello, I’m Lea Salonga, and this is Backstory.
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