After a year of “grand holiday,” the “Miss Saigon” curtain has come down on Aicelle Santos.
On Instagram, the Filipina actress-singer bid farewell her character Gigi Van Tranh as the musical’s global tour concluded. “Miss Saigon’s” last show was held Sunday in Cologne, Germany.
“And just like that we are down to our last day in Miss Saigon! What?! Thanks for an awesome year Gigi!” she wrote. “I believe I am braver because of you! You allowed me to dance crazy like no one’s watching and be as creative and entertaining as I can (at least to myself), 8 shows a week!”
Aicelle said that her “Miss Saigon” stint gave her peace and learning solitude. It also allowed her have a “grand holiday to places I never knew I’d see in this lifetime.”
“ I made new friends and discovered diverse cultures. You are worth every note sung, every tear shed and body pains endured,” said she, who bagged the role of Gigi in March 2018.
Prior to her, Rachelle Ann Go played the same role in the London West End revival of the musical, while Isay Alvarez held the role in the original West End Production.
A message from the official “Miss Saigon” Instagram account read: “…Since July 2017 we’ve visited 14 cities and wish to thank all of YOU who have joined us on our journey.”
In past Instagram posts, Aicelle said she feels “humbled and blessed” to be part of the show’s UK tour.
“‘Whatever He wills, I will follow,’” she said. “This has been my guiding mantra through the highs and lows of life. And with this new direction I’m taking, I couldn’t thank you enough, Lord.”
Other Filipino artists in “Miss Saigon” UK were Red Concepcion and Gerald Santos, who were earlier cast as The Engineer and Thuy, respectively, with Joreen Bautista, who alternates as Kim.
“Our Filipino flag stands tall and proud. Honored to represent!” the 34-year-old “Pinoy Pop Superstar” runner-up added.
Aicelle is also known for her roles as Aileen in “Rak Of Aegis,” and as Perla in “Maynila Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag,” for which she won Best Actress at the 30th Aliw Awards in 2017.
She got engaged to boyfriend GMA reporter Mark Zambrano days after she bagged the “Miss Saigon” role.
