By Carissa Alcantara
Published Aug 26, 2025 12:01 pm
The singer relived 40 years of her singing career via a memorable concert at The Theater at Solaire, recently.
Asia's Nightingale, Lani Misalucha, celebrated her 40th year in the music scene with an unforgettable concert held at The Theater at Solaire last Aug. 21.
Lani entered the stage in a dazzling golden outfit, singing "As If We Never Said Goodbye” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Sunset Boulevard."
She told the crowd, ''Maraming salamat po for being here. And before I continue, I just want to greet all of us happy 40th anniversary. Imagine that? 40 years -- 4 decades -- marami na po tayong napagdaanan through ups and downs, kaya let's try na balikan yun through my songs," Lani said.
(Thank you for being here. Before I go any further, I want to greet all of us a happy 40th anniversary. Imagine that? Forty years—four decades—we’ve been through so many ups and downs together. So now, let’s take a moment to look back on that journey through my songs.)
Lani went on to perform songs she did back when she was just establishing her career, starting with "Feeling Good", followed by Chaka Khan’s "Through the Fire," Diane Reeves’ "Better Days," Basia’s "Promises," Anita Baker’s "Caught Up in the Rapture," Natalie Cole’s "Miss You Like Crazy" and Karyn White’s "Super Woman."
The crowd sang along with Lani, seemingly only too eager to relive the good old days with her.
At one point, Lani recalled a story when the late Bodjie Dasig, husband of Odette Quesada, convinced her to record an album.
"Actually, tatlong beses ako kinulit ni Bodjie to make an album, but I guess third time's a charm. We recorded my debut album, 'More than I Should', in 1997," Lani shared.
(Actually, Bodjie asked me three times to make an album, but I guess the third time's a charm. We recorded my debut album, 'More than I Should', in 1997)
She then performed the song "Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko" alongside theater actor Paeng Sudayan.
She followed it up with "Sa Sakayan ng Jeep" with Leanne and Naara, and "Isang Ulit Man La ng" with Shaira Opsimar.
Also present during the concert are National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, and songwriters Vehnee Saturno, Jungee Marcelo, Trina Belamide, and Jimmy Antiporda.
Also seen there were Nonoy Zuñiga, Dulce, Bianca Lapus, Tim Pavino, Pepe Herrera, designer Renee Salud, Ida Henares, and Julius and Tintin Babao.
The night continued with Lani showing off her singing prowess taking on covers.
She started with Celine Dion’s "It’s All Coming Back To Me Now" followed by Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Run To You" and Mariah Carey’s "Forever."
As if to make clear she's not all about simply mining the past, Lani segued to Lady Gaga's ''Abracadabra."
"It still feels great trying out something new," Lani remarked.
Then Ben&Ben took the stage and performed the song "Vincent" with Lani.
The band then performed “Courage,” followed by their hit “Leaves”—both of which they dedicated to her.
After performing her new song, "Aking tatanggapin," Lani ended the concert with an orchestral version of "Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin" featuring the Ateneo Chamber Singers.
“Still, Lani” will be staged in different venues across the archipelago later this year.
It will also be staged abroad.
