anniversary concert at the PICC on May 23 and 24?
Aga Muhlach, that’s who.
"Akala ko nagbibiro lang si Lea and her husband, Rob (Chien),
when they proposed that I do a special appearance in her concert. So, sabi ko,
okay," Aga narrated.
Aga was with Charlene and their twins, Atasha and Andres,
when they bumped into the Chiens, who were also in French Corner, a plush
restaurant in Ayala Alabang. After the usual pleasantries, they asked each other
what they were busy with and that’s when the Chiens told Aga about the concert.
Aga and Lea have been friends since they worked together in "Bakit
Labis Kitang Mahal" and "Sana Maulit Muli." They were still single when they did
the two movies.
"Truth to tell, it’s a major compliment na naisip ni
Lea – at ni Rob din – to ask me to appear in her concert. It’s not
every actor who gets this rare chance. Imagine, guest ka ng international
singer sa kanyang concert?" Aga said.
Can he sing?
"Oo, ha. But not the type ang boses ko na pang
malakihang concert.
Kasi, I sing on stage for the Filipino community abroad,"
he said.
On Thursday, May 15, Aga will rehearse with Gerard Salonga,
the younger brother of Lea who will act as musical director for the concert.
Freddie Santos, the director, will also be present.
Does he know that no less than FILharmoniKa will accompany
him and Lea?
"Yes, I know," he answered. "Kailangan lakasan ko ang
aking loob."
***
When Lea was asked if she was willing to do a movie again,
her answer was, "Why not? But only with Aga."
She might also even guest in Aga’s sitcom, "That’s My Doc,"
which now has an earlier timeslot so it can be watched by kids for whom Aga has
a fondness. Lea, too,
Like Aga, Lea considers being a parent her greatest
accomplishment, more than all the honors she has gained for herself as a
performer. For Nicole, she will do anything, give up anything – if need be.
The girl was at the presscon, and when Lea gave in to the
request of the press to render a song, she watched her mom and listened
intently. Rob was carrying her in his arms.
Would she allow Nicole to follow in her footsteps?
"It all depends on her," Lea replied.
Lea admits that her career has given her good opportunities
which she never thought would come her way. So, indeed, if Nicole is gifted with
talent like hers, why would she stop her from becoming another Lea Salonga?
***
Eugene Domingo and her talent manager, Ricky Gallardo, signed
up for a one-picture contract with GMA Films. And this is for the movie, "I.T.A.L.Y.
(I Truly, Always Love You)," which also stars Jolina Magdangal, Rhian Ramos,
Mark Herras and Rufa Mae Quinto.
"I.T.A.L.Y." is directed by Mark Reyes and will be shown next
month.
Eugene is in the cast of the soon-to-be released Wenn Deramas
movie, "Ikaw Pa Rin, Bongga Ka Boy," co-starring her with Ai Ai de las Alas.
"Hindi ko na mabilang how many movies I’ve done with
Ai Ai. Lalo na with Direk Wenn. Everytime may pelikula siya,
he makes sure I’m in it," Eugene related.
She will reprise her role as Ai Ai’s best friend in the
sequel of "Tanging Ina." It was while doing the first "Tanging Ina" that her
closeness with Direk Wenn started.
"Lucky charm daw ako ni Direk," said Eugene. "Kung
lucky charm nya ako, ako naman I consider myself lucky because I was
able to charm him.
"Joke lang," she added with a wink.
