Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon to star in Franz Xaver Kroetz's 'Request sa Radyo'

 

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

June 25, 2024 | 10:03am

MANILA, Philippines — Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon will star in the stage play "Request sa Radyo" by Franz Xaver Kroetz. 

The strictly limited engagement with 20 performances will begin on October 10 until October 20 in Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Lea and Dolly will perform the solo piece in scheduled alternating performances.

“Request sa Radyo” (Wunschkonzert / Request Program) is Franz's landmark theatrical piece that captures the poignant solitude of a woman through her meticulous evening routine. As she navigates her quiet, solitary life, her actions and her favorite radio program reveal the profound loneliness and yearning for connection that lie beneath. 

“I’m so looking forward to coming back to my first love, the theater after five long years and I am equally excited that it is in 'Request Sa Radyo' – a play that is relevant and timely,” Dolly said. 

“When I was asked by Clint and Bobby if I was interested at all in this project, an experience that told a probable and possible story that absolutely applies to our people, I said sure, even before knowing the details. It will be a challenge though, but hopefully will lend a figurative voice to those who are suffering,” Lea said.

This masterpiece of modern theater promises to transform the mundane into a powerful exploration of isolation and the human condition through silence, and leaves you contemplating the depths of solitude long after the curtain falls.

“Request Sa Radyo” is produced by Clint Ramos, Bobby Garcia, and Christopher Mohnani for Ayala Land and GMG Productions.

"We are thrilled to bring this groundbreaking piece of art to life in Manila. Blurring the line between theater and performance art, Franz Xaver Kroetz’s wordless play speaks to the silent struggles of isolation and the deep human need for connection. Through its minimalist approach and profound storytelling, grounded in a specific Filipino lived experience, this production invites audiences to find extraordinary meaning in the everyday. Featuring Tony and Olivier winner, Lea Salonga and Golden Globe and BAFTA Nominee, Dolly De Leon, two of the most internationally celebrated actors of their generation, 'Request Sa Radyo' is the can’t-miss event in international theatre in 2024,” the producers said in a joint statement. 

The play is the coming together of some of the country’s (and world’s) bests. All multi-awarded and all considered sources of Philippine pride, this project delves on their vision and dedication in bringing the powerful and compelling narrative to the Philippine audience. 

A visionary designer and advocate of diversity and representation in theatre and film, Ramos is a six-time Tony Award nominee and the recipient of a Tony Award for his designs for "Eclipsed" - making him the first designer of color to win in this category. 

In this special project, Ramos, the Creative Director and Producer expressed, “I have always been so moved by this play as a piece of modern theater. Its intimate package belies the vastness of exploration of the human condition. When we got the blessing to bring it to Manila at the Samsung Theatre and have it speak to a specific Filipino condition, we could only think of two of the Philippines’ premier actors, Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon, to star in it. Together with director and pal, Bobby Garcia, I cannot think of a better piece for all of us to collaborate on and be of artistic service to the motherland and our people.”

A respected figure in the world of theatre, Garcia’s career is marked by numerous acclaimed productions, both in the Philippines and internationally. In his homecoming project, “Request sa Radyo’s” Director and Producer shared, “The last show I worked on in Manila was 'The Band’s Visit,' which sadly never got to open because of the pandemic. It was a poignant musical about loneliness, isolation and the need for human connection. It feels almost like fate that I now return to Manila after 4 years to direct 'Request Sa Radyo,' a chilling and haunting piece of theatre about those very same issues, but completely different in approach, form and style. I am thrilled to be working with two of the country’s finest performers, Lea Salonga and Dolly De Leon, who will alternate in performing this unique theatrical experience about our universal need for human contact and the global crisis that is loneliness. I am also thrilled to reconnect with Manila audiences after some time away and re-engage with them through the art of storytelling."

Lea Salonga, Tabernacle Choir expected to repeat viral performance at choir’s 1st Philippine concert

Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com

February 27, 2024 | 10:22am

MANILA, Philippines — Following a successful and viral performance with The Tabernacle Choir in December 2022, acclaimed Filipina Broadway singer and actress Lea Salonga reunites with the internationally-renowned choir for its first ever concert in the country, the second stop for the group’s “Hope” world tour.

“Lea Salonga is a friend that we value very much,” choir president Michael Leavitt said in a press conference in Conrad Hotel Manila yesterday. 

“We performed together at Christmastime of 2022. I think that performance was well-received in the Philippines, so we’re very excited repeating the experience,” Leavitt said of the choir’s performance videos with Salonga that reaped millions of views on YouTube.

“When the choir presented their invitation to perform with them in their concert in the Philippines as part of their world tour, it’s an invitation we said yes to pretty immediately after the experience working with Mack (the choir’s music director Mack Wilberg) and everyone two Christmases ago,” Lea said at the presser.

“It was memorable not only from personal standpoint. I remember feeling, this is something I really, really can’t forget. And I don’t know if there are many artists to have performed one time with the choir. So this is a big bonus to be able to do it again, and to be able to do it in our country, is also special… I’m very excited to be doing this again.”

Apart from heavy Manila traffic, Lea hopes the choir would be able to adjust to Philippine weather.

“I hope the choir would adjust to the humidity very quickly, and the heat. But I think definitely, the warmth (of the Filipino) people would be felt by everyone (in the choir),” she assured. 

Besides Lea, Filipina YouTube sensation Ysabelle Cuevas will also join the choir as guest artist in two performances in Mall of Asia Arena on February 27 and 28, which are in total expected to draw around 18,000 spectators. 

Although the choir’s first ever live shows in the country are exclusively by-invitation only, the performances would be streamed on YouTube and other platforms days after the concerts.

“Being here with the Tabernacle Choir, having listened to them my entire life is incredibly scary to me but I just know that this is going to change my life,” said Cuevas. “The thing I did to kind of overcome that fear is to take myself out of the equation and let the spirit, let the moment take its course and be as purposeful and present as I can be, and yes, just enjoy the moment…”

Wilberg said the local concert would present “something for everyone.”

“There would some classical music, there would be some folk music, and of course, hymns are a big part of what we do…”

According to him, even the songs that Lea would be singing are what they call as both “sacred and secular” as there would be a certain level of spirituality that can be felt from her performance. 

“She’s not singing to your brain. She’s singing to your soul. And every generation would feel that,” Leavitt said of Lea as a performer.

“It’s a great honor for us to be in the Philippines for the first time. And I had to say, the hospitality and warmth of everyone we’ve been in contact with, whether it’s the hotel, those who are involved, the audiences. I think it’s unparalleled in our many world travels… I hope that we somewhat could share all the beauty and warmth that we got from all of you. Thank you very much!” — Photo, videos by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

 

On setting boundaries

Why it’s important to know one’s limits when interacting with others

BY POCH EULALIA

Jul 20, 2023 10:58 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ‘Once you see the boundaries of your environment, they are no longer the boundaries of your environment.’ — Marshall McLuhan

**Illustration by OTEPH ANTIPOLO**

While it can come across as harsh for others, denying them of what might sometimes seem like such a simple request, there are times a simple no becomes crucial for your well-being.

Setting boundaries has become a hot topic as of late after a viral video of singer Lea Salonga asking fans to leave after they attempted to take pictures with her in her dressing room backstage drew mixed reactions online. Some felt she owed the fans an apology and that she should’ve entertained them since without them, she would be a nobody. Others stood by the theater star, saying the fans were disrespectful of her privacy and that she was simply following safety protocols. Salonga later made her thoughts clear through a tweet, “I have boundaries. Do not cross them.”
But what exactly does having boundaries mean? 

Setting boundaries entails defining and establishing limits for yourself in various aspects of life. These often encompass relationships, personal space, time, emotions, and values. For instance, in a relationship, there are some traits that most of us might find to be crucial traits to have that others could be indifferent about. Think of things such as not wanting to date smokers because you dislike smoking. Here are a few things to take note of when it comes to setting boundaries.

Be self-aware.

Understand what makes you uncomfortable and try to figure out behaviors, traits, and situations that you would find acceptable or unacceptable. As you lay these out, list them all down and think about why exactly you feel a certain way about these things. This should help in determining what your limits are and might even help you learn more about yourself along the way.

LIST IT DOWN To understand one's boundaries entails having to reflect on why certain things make you uncomfortable

Communication is vital!

To set boundaries means making such personal limits known to others and asserting them at all times. After all, how else would others know about your limitations if you haven’t disclosed such to them? With partners, be open about whatever issues you might have about your relationship moving forward and work toward a compromise. In a workplace scenario, learn to say no. Be clear to your employer about your limits to avoid being overworked.

Consistency is key.

Remember that boundaries are something you must stand by once you’ve established them. Don’t allow peer pressure or intimidation tactics to let you cave in. You’ve set these limitations for your well-being, ignoring them to give way to other’s requests will be detrimental in the long run. Being consistent also reinforces the importance of your boundaries. Others will see that these are non-negotiables and learn to respect them.

Respect goes both ways.

While you have your own personal limits, so will others. It’s important to always respect the boundaries set by others. It creates a mutual understanding and fosters healthier and more respectful

Lea Salonga sings Jose Mari Chan classic with Pentatonix's new Christmas album

By Aric John Sy Cua, Manila Times

Filipino singer Lea Salonga confirmed that she is featured in the latest Christmas album of Pentatonix.

Salonga and Pentatonix will sing Jose Mari Chan's Christmas classic, Christmas in our Hearts, as part of the acapella group's new Christmas album, Holidays around the World.

"Yes, folks! This is happening! Had the most wonderful time recording this classic Filipino Christmas song with Pentatonix," Salonga wrote on her Instagram on Thursday. "And yes, fellow Pinoys, this is the Christmas In Our Hearts you think it is!"

The new albums consists of 12 Christmas tracks, including two original songs by the band.

Other singers in the album include Meghan Trainor, Magatte Sow, Grace Lokwa and Hiba Tawaji.

Lea Salonga among 'TIME100 Impact' awardees

Lea Salonga PHOTO FROM LEASALONGA.COM/RAYMUND ISAAC

By Iza Iglesias, Manila Times

(UPDATED) THE Philippines' very own Broadway superstar Lea Salonga was one of Time magazine's TIME100 Impact Awardees for 2022.

The award recognizes "global leaders who have gone above and beyond to move their industries — and the world —forward."

In a feature written by Sanya Mansoor, Salonga was described as the "Voice of Disney Princesses" and "A life-long role model for kids of color."

"In her four-decade award-winning career as an actress and singer, Salonga has emerged as not only a Disney and Broadway icon but a role model for children of color. Salonga prides herself on promoting representation in Hollywood and on Broadway, and showing underrepresented groups that their stories matter," the article read.

Time also recognized some of her notable roles on stage and on screen such as Tuptim in "The King and I," Kim in "Miss Saigon," Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd," Elodie in the HBO MAX series "Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin," Gail in "Yellow Rose," and as the voice of Disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan.

"Her Filipino heritage made playing Mulan especially meaningful. She brings honor to herself and to her family...and she does it with grace. What's more, she's one of the only princesses that doesn't end the movie with a grand wedding," Time mentioned.

"It's not easy breaking down racial barriers in historically white spaces and roles, and Salonga says she relies on her sense of humor, which she describes as sometimes inappropriate and sometimes irreverent to stay sane," it added.

Apart from Salonga, also included in the 2022 TIME100 Impact Awards are fellow musicians Ellie Goulding, Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am, actor and producer Alia Bhatt, former James Webb Space Telescope Program director Gregory L. Robinson, and computational geneticist Dr. Pardis Sabeti. Time will host Salonga and the other award winners at the National Gallery Singapore following the inaugural Time 100 Leadership Forum on October 2.