Lea Salonga 'Backstory' 10/14/2009
Mich
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20091014-230077/Ondoy-victims-in-our-minds
BACK STORY
Backstory : ‘Ondoy’ victims in our minds
By Lea Salonga
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted date: October 14, 2009
NEW YORK CITY—It all started with a phone conversation with one of my
best friends, Victor Lirio, head of the Diverse City Theater Company
here in NY.
When Tropical Storm “Ondoy” hit the Philippines, I told my
representatives that I wanted and needed to do something, but at the
time we couldn’t really figure out what and how.
One fine afternoon, Victor was having a meeting with my attorney on a
separate matter, when he was told of my desire to help the flood
victims in some way. Victor left a voicemail message for me (I was on
a plane heading to Los Angeles from a tour stop and couldn’t answer
the phone). I called him back and we threw a few ideas together, all
resulting in a benefit performance here, which took place only a few
hours ago (it’s now early Tuesday morning here; the show was held
Monday night).
I was, in truth, not even supposed to be in NY today. But to make time
for this performance for a cause, I changed my travel plans. It all
worked out beautifully.
Once Victor and I had agreed on the performance date, he went to work.
He spoke with representatives of the Ayala Foundation USA, who would
coordinate where the proceeds will go. The Consulate General of the
Philippines generously allowed the use of the Kalayaan Hall of the
Philippine Center as our performance venue (thank you, Consul General
Cecile Rebong and your staff for your hospitality and kindness).
Victor also called a sound designer friend (because of the intimate
setting, we opted for a piano and voice performance). And finally, he
also called a lot of friends to help usher the guests into the hall
and man the reception table.
Columbus Day
On the day of the benefit, I headed to the Philippine Center early in
the afternoon. It was Columbus Day, and 5th Avenue was closed because
of the annual Columbus Day Parade. The cab driver dropped me off a few
blocks away from the venue; I walked the rest of the way.
At the Philippine Center, I was able to hang out and relax for a bit.
Once my musical director, Larry Yurman, arrived, we did a short sound
check at around 4:30 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m. we did our photo line for the VIPs at the event. I saw
some wonderful friends there: my attorney Robert Perlstein and his
wife Marianita Garucho-Perlstein; and Dr. Thelma Reyes who took such
great care of Nicole while we lived in NY. I also met Ambassador and
Ms Hilario Davide; former Ambassador and Ms Romeo Arguelles; and many
other distinguished guests. Then I headed back to my dressing area to
prepare for the show.
At 7:30 p.m., when all the guests had been seated, Victor stood on
stage to speak, followed by Ronna Sieh (an Ayala Foundation volunteer)
and Con-Gen Rebong. Victor then returned to bring me up to stage.
P1 million raised
My set lasted about an hour, and contained songs that I just enjoy
singing, much of which were culled from my current tour set. The
audience was really wonderful, too — many friends, a few total
strangers, all coming together for a good cause. Together, from this
one performance alone, we raised about P1 million. It was
unbelievable, and I felt very proud.
Many more benefits have been and are being organized to help victims
of the recent calamities. Please keep answering the call to help our
countrymen.
To paraphrase John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for
you; ask what you can do for your country.” These words are no more
appropriate and timely than they are right now.
For more information on the Ayala Foundation USA, visit http://af-usa.org.
You may also make a donation through its website.
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