Is there anything that Lea Salonga cannot achieve?
Never heard! After bagging the Tony and the Laurence Olivier, among other awards, Lea now has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She’s the first Filipina to land a spot in that famous site.
Amid the political chaos, Lea gives us reason to keep Pinoy pride alive. But even without all the accolades, Lea has always been a winner just by being herself.
How sweet of her to send me Michael Jackson-related
videos since she knows that I’m an MJ diehard. When I posted about “crushes,” she sent me the link to a song about having a crush and messaged me, “Crushes rock. Here’s to yours and mine.”
It’s amazing how a big star like her makes time for the little things. Our beloved “Annie” and “Miss Saigon” is world-class yet so down-to-earth. She does not let the trappings of success turn into a trap. Bravo, Lea!
After the Hollywood recognition, the National Artist award beckons.
Here’s my chat with Lea:
What was your exact reaction when you found out that you will have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
“Okay, so I was fighting jet lag as I had just arrived in Manila. I woke up at around 5:46 a.m. Went straight to Instagram where I saw there were posts saying that I was getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to which I thought, nah that can’t be true. Then I went to check my messages, and my manager Josh Pultz sent a text that read, ‘Call me before you check any social media, e-mail or text.’ Whoops, a little late for that, my friend!
“Since I got actual confirmation from my rep, I knew that it was real, that I had been nominated, and that it would actually happen! This was so crazy!!!”
Among all the stars on the Walk of Fame, who are your Top Three faves and why?
“Out of all the stars on the Walk of Fame, I think I’m going to pick people I actually know and have worked with: Julie Andrews (because I’ve been listening to her voice since I was a small child, and her grace, charm and enormous talent are things to always aspire to), Ming-na Wen (the speaking voice of Mulan, who is kind and funny and tons of fun) and George Takei (my friend and colleague from ‘Allegiance,’ whose shoulders I and many other Asian actors and performers stand upon, because he was representing us by being smart and handsome… his activism and advocacy is also beyond admirable).”
What love and career advice did you give your trans son, Nic?
“Oh boy… at the end of the day, I can only tell my son to choose kind people. He’s actually really good at spotting foul intentions (I think he got that from my mother). As for career advice, I don’t know that I have any, except to make sure he’s represented by someone kind, smart and good, and to really hone his skills. Ayoko ng walang alam, ayoko ng tanga.”
What’s your advice to moms who are having a tough time accepting their trans sons or trans daughters?
“Remember that all our children are gifts from God, and God makes no mistakes. Do not shoehorn your children into what YOU want, thinking it’s sinful or a violation of God’s Divine Law. I love my son exactly for who he is, period, full stop, that’s it. No conditions. We are supposed to love our children unconditionally. Be prepared for them to leave you and go ‘no contact’ if you are unable to do this most basic of things: to love.”
How will you make it easier for Nic to step out of your shadow?
“Well, I’d much rather he create his own path that’s different from mine.”
The Philippine adaptation of ‘Bad Genius’ by Studio Viva premieres July 17 on Viva One and it stars Atasha Muhlach, Jairus Aquino, Hyacinth Callado and Gab Lagman. It’s directed by Derick Cabrido (center).
Good at being bad
What would school life be without shenanigans? The stuff that stands out in our memory when we look back during alumni homecoming.
Such is the theme of the Thai global blockbuster, “Bad Genius.” It’s about a straight-A student who takes a crooked path by devising a cheating money-making scheme.
Its Philippine adaptation by Studio Viva premieres July 17 on Viva One. The show is top-billed by Atasha Muhlach, Jairus Aquino, Hyacinth Callado and Gab Lagman. At the helm of the riveting series is Derick Cabrido. The characters they portray are good at being bad. Call them the IT, este CHEAT Girls/Boys.
Here are quotes from Atasha, Jairus, Hyacinth, Gab and Derick:
Atasha: “It was not our mindset to beat the other remakes of ‘BG.’ We just embraced the Filipino culture of family and friendship and incorporated it into the story.”
Jairus: “I would rather be a genius than rich and attractive. Because when you are super intelligent, that’s plus pogi points and you would be smart enough to find ways to get rich.”
Gab: “We stayed true to the core of the Thai movie but not to the point of being a copycat. The backstory of each character gave our version a Pinoy flavor.”
Hyacinth: “Since Thai and Pinoy cultures are different, the viewers from both countries have their own sensibilities.”
Derick: “We made sure not to send a wrong signal that we’re encouraging cheating. We highlighted the moral lesson.”
Atasha: “My dad and I had sort of a workshop. He guided me, but he let me attack the role in my own way.”
Gab: “We all stepped out of our comfort zone. I welcome the change from doing rom-coms to this edgy series.”
Derick: “‘Bad Genius’ became a hit because it’s not just pop culture, it also tackles social commentaries.”
Noel’s bar tour series
Noel Cabangon and I fondly call each other “Friendship.” He always says in jest that I’m the one who taught him how to drink. Our wine sessions are fun to the max.
Come live it up and go bottoms up with Noel on his “Stopover” Bar Tour Series with TNC Project at Supersam BGC on July 11; Lando’s, July 15; 70’s Bistro, July 16; Turning Tides, July 19; My Brother’s Mustache, July 23; and 12 Monkeys, Aug 6. His cool music pairs well with any kind of wine. Stop, drink and listen.
