Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 
MANILA, Philippines — Singer-actress Shiela Valderrama Martinez devoted the entire September for the 9 Works Theatrical musical, “Once On This Island.” This month, she will do a tour for “Rama Hari” before her “Triple Threats” concert.
“We closed ‘Once On This Island’ last Sept. 29 at the RCBC Theater and I just have to say that I was thrilled to do this production because the character of Erzulie, whom I played, has always been on my bucket list of roles,” said she.
“Then we leave for the Visayan tour of ‘Rama Hari’ on Oct. 2 for about two weeks. Performances will be in Dumaguete at Silliman University and Bacolod at St. Lasalle University,” added she.
“I’m excited because in this run, I’ll be doing dual roles. I’ll be playing Sita and Kaikeyi. It’s my first time to visit Dumaguete and I’ve always wanted to perform at Silliman University, so I’m looking forward to that. Plus, I’m visiting Bacolod again, my hometown.”
The last quarter of the year is never less busy for Shiela before she ends 2024.
“I start shooting the Netflix series ‘Buy Bust’ by director Erik Matti,” she offered.
“After my concert, then the other series, ‘Bag Man’ that we just wrapped up filming, will be aired this year, as well. It’s also ‘Ber’ months, so I’m gearing up for the busy event season.”
Shiela was surprised and excited after she was offered to perform for the Cultural Center of the Philippines “Triple Threats” series.
“It’s an honor to be invited and be given this grant by the CCP,” Shiela said. “This was something I hoped someday would do and it happened. Amazing. I’m so grateful to Sir Dennis Marasigan, Sir Ariel Yonzon (of the CCP) and the entire CCP artistic team and board for choosing me and for this wonderful opportunity.”
“Part of My World,” the title of Shiela’s concert, the second in the CCP’s “Triple Threats” series, holds a lot of meaning for her. It was the song she rendered in her very first professional audition. Shiela will go solo in the “Triple Threats” series on Oct. 17.
“My concert will be a journey of my career, so I’m inviting my audience to see and be a part of my world,” Shiela said. “I’m a Disney girl through and through. I’ve done a number of Disney Princess roles in the past.”
“I was among the pioneer vocalists of Hong Kong Disney shows, and the past two years, I’ve performed at the Disney Orchestra Concerts abroad.”
The last time Shiela did a solo musical concert was at The Ruins in Bacolod, produced by Stages, her talent management outfit. She also did “That Fair Lady” for ONS (One Night Stand), the first show held in their El Pueblo branch.
Shiela’s concert director, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, was her personal choice. “She’s the First Lady of Philippine Theater and one of the first ones to do the CCP ‘Triple Threat’ concert series. In Menchu’s words, she has seen me grow up in the business and witnessed my career,” she shared.
“She’s a role model for us, following in the Leading Lady footsteps, so who better to direct it, right? Not to mention she’s a brilliant director. Very hands on and meticulous. She also gathered a fabulous team to work with us on this concert. So, I know I’m in good hands.”
Menchu and Shiela have done quite a few shows together. All the way from “Secret Garden” in 2001, to “Carrie,” “Godspell” and several events and concerts.
“Menchu has vision that I trust, but she’s very collaborative, which is great,” Shiela said. “I have a ‘yes’ girl mentality when working. I try before I say I can’t do it. Mench constantly reminds me to say what I want or say if I’m not comfortable.”
Working as musical director for “Part of My World” is Rony Fortich, who brainstormed with Shiela to finalize her set list for the concert. Luna Inocian, on the other hand, is the show writer.
Shiela’s set list for her “Triple Threats” concert will be a surprise. She will be performing with an 11-piece orchestra. “Orchestral arrangements will be done by JC Celeste,” offered Shiela. “I will be singing with guests who are my best friends in the industry. My incredible leading men — Arman Ferrer, Floyd Tena and David Ezra — my fellow Leading Ladies Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Yanah Laurel.”
A choir led by Shiela’s good friend John Mojica, her husband Lorenz Martinez and daughter Simone Martinez, will also be part of the show.
Shiela announced she will reprise her role as Fosca in Stephen Sondheim’s “Passion,” with its affecting themes of love, betrayal, manipulation and obsession, in September 2025.
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