MANILA, Philippines—I was to depart for the United States last Sunday to begin rehearsals for a concert. But because of some financial knots, and following the advice of both my manager and attorney, I’ve decided to stay put.
So, how was I going to spend the long weekend, away from the bright lights of Vegas? I was going to relaaaaaaaax!
Saturday saw the early birthday celebration of one of my closest girlfriends. Her actual birthday wasn’t till yesterday, but because of my original schedule, the dinner planner thought to hold it on Saturday so I could be there.
On Sunday, I woke up with a stiff neck. My husband and I headed to our favorite spa for foot reflexology and full body massages in the afternoon; in the evening, we brought Nicole to watch “Up,” Disney-Pixar’s latest offering.
I found myself in tears over the old man’s loneliness and his devotion to his beloved; the young boy’s yearning for his father’s love; and the adventure of a lifetime. I also loved that one of the lead characters is an Asian-American (the little boy Russell). And the production designer (Ricky Nierva) and story supervisor (Ronnie del Carmen) are Filipinos!
On Monday, my husband and I had a date day—we worked out, bought wheatgrass (my “I-will-never-eat-a-vegetable-even-if-my-life-depended-on-it” brother swears by its benefits, so I thought to give it a go), and had dinner at our neighborhood Korean place.
It’s Tuesday morning as I write and it’s final: I’m not going to Vegas. However, all the other performances on my schedule remain as they are, starting with Sept. 12 in Bangkok at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre, with the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gerard Salonga.
Bring on the men!
The “Your Songs” website has received close to 2,000 requests since its launch. Thank you all so much for turning in your wish lists! Also, thanks to the lovely young ladies who sent in their video requests and audition videos.
Our webmasters have noticed that not a lot of guys have put themselves on video to audition. Come on, men! Don’t any one of you want to sing with me? I promise to take very good care of you on stage. I may even hold your hand.
Spring Awakening
What a great time for theater this last quarter of the year will be.
First up, the Tony Award-winning “Spring Awakening,” with music by Duncan Sheik, and book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Based on an 1891 masterpiece by Frank Wedekind, “Spring Awakening” is about uncontrolled emotions and undeniable passions in a world where the adults hold the cards. Due to the mature themes and some nudity, this musical is for adults only. It opens at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Building, Makati, and runs September 25-October 18. Visit http://www.atlantisproductions.com.
‘Sweeney Todd’
“Sweeney Todd” is one of Stephen Sondheim’s masterpieces, and I’m so excited because I’ve never seen this on stage. It stars Audie Gemora as Sweeney Todd and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Mrs. Lovett. Venue is Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Makati, November 14-December 13.
