Lea Salonga and Raymond Lauchengco on their New Year’s Eve concert, their passions and what matters most
Probably the hottest ticket for New Year’s Eve that people are talking about is the “Symphony of the Stars” gala of multi-awarded Broadway luminary Lea Salonga and OPM icon Raymond Lauchengco at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort Entertainment City.
The two actually go a long way back, having performed as children in Repertory Philippines’ The King and I in 1978 and The Sound of Music in 1980. Together with musical director Gerard Salonga conducting the Filharmonika Orchestra, it promises to be an elegant, unforgettable evening of world-class performances of beloved theatre pieces, classics, and heartfelt melodies to ring in 2026.
The Philippine STAR recently caught up with the two stars to talk about their upcoming concert, their passions, and their hopes for the New Year.
PHILIPPINE STAR: What can the audience expect in your New Year’s Eve concert?
LEA SALONGA: Nothing else but good spirits and positive vibes to usher in a brand new year. It’s always such a fun time doing a show on New Year’s Eve, as everyone is so ready to turn over a new leaf and get things going afresh.
RAYMOND LAUCHENGCO: It’ll be the very first collaboration between Lea—an international star, a Disney princess, and a national treasure—and myself, a certified original Bagets! So expect the unexpected.
How will it be different from the past concerts you have done?
LEA: Hmmm… there usually isn’t a theme attached. We just pick the most fun material from our respective repertoires and go from there.
RAYMOND: The mere fact that Lea will be there will make all the difference. Filharmonika as well—a 24-piece orchestra conducted by Maestro Gerard Salonga, no less. It’s a dream come true for me to share the stage with Lea again after a very long time.
Have you ever performed together?
LEA: Oh, my God, yes! We entered the world of musical theater at the same time in Repertory Philippines’ The King and I. Safe to say we go way, way, way back. We also got to play siblings in The Sound of Music and have crossed paths many times since.
RAYMOND: We have, in musicals, but never as solo singers. This is the first time, and I am over the moon with excitement!
What is the last thing you do before you step out on stage?
LEA: Say a small prayer and grab a sip of water.
RAYMOND: I remind myself that it isn’t about me; it’s about the people for whom I sing. I ask God to do the show with me because the purpose of music and performing is to refresh the human spirit and put a smile on His face.
What makes your working relationship with Gerard Salonga special?
LEA: Our shorthand. Because we grew up together, we do away with the niceties and get right down to the work. Sometimes we don’t even have to verbalize anything and still know what’s going on. It’s kind of nice that we don’t have to be super polite with one another because we’re brother and sister.
RAYMOND: I’ve worked with Gerard a couple of times for corporate events I directed and he conducted. This is the first time I’m working with him as a singer, which is why I’m so excited. Imagine that. I get to work with not one but two internationally renowned artists.
How do you think the Filipino audience has evolved through your years of performing for them?
LEA: I’d like to think that exposure to different performers and performances from around the world, made accessible through all forms of media (digital media included), has created a savvier audience—not to mention the increasing interest in musical theater and concerts.
RAYMOND: Filipino audiences are the best—always the warmest and most appreciative. Maybe their expectations are higher now because there is so much talent these days. Exposed talent, that is, because of the internet, etc. The bar has also been raised for Filipino audiences in terms of production value. They are more conscious now of things like good sound and lighting, design, etc. They look at the whole package now, aside from the artist.
How have Filipino shows evolved?
LEA: The tech. Oh, the tech. Projections, better sound systems—the tools that performers, creatives, and production teams have at their fingertips. What was impossible at the start of our careers is taken for granted today. It’s really amazing.
RAYMOND: Production value is much higher now. The quality, too.
What were the highlights of your past year?
LEA: For me, getting to perform on Broadway in Old Friends with Bernadette Peters, and doing Into the Woods here in Manila with Nic. And my concert tour in North America. Work has kept me very busy, for which I’m so grateful.
RAYMOND: Biggest highlights were my new single My Favorite Story, written by Odette Quesada; the publication and launch of my first book, Dance with the Wind; and, of course, my last concert, “Everybody Loves Raymond,” at the Theatre at Solaire last Nov. 28.
What would you rather forget?
LEA: Honestly? There’s nothing on that list.
RAYMOND: I’ve forgotten already. (Laughs)
What do you look forward to in 2026?
LEA: Besides more work? Hmmm… I’d like to be able to travel more for pleasure. I’m also gunning to finally see BTS live in concert!
RAYMOND: More concerts and tours abroad.
What songs/composers are you obsessing over right now?
LEA: None at the moment… I’ve just been picking smooth jazz playlists and lots of ’80s music. And of course BTS, whether as a group or selected solo outings.
RAYMOND: I listen to a lot of songs depending on my mood, switching from pop to classical or inspirational. I also like standards.
Who are your biggest inspirations in the theater and performing arts world and beyond?
LEA: Honestly, my son. Just seeing him navigate the world with integrity and courage is beyond inspiring. There are performers and public figures I admire for various reasons, but it’s Nic who inspires me.
Can you tell us about the important people who have made an impact in your life?
LEA: The biggest impact probably came from the team that headed to Manila to cast Miss Saigon, namely Cameron Mackintosh, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Nicholas Hytner. Then, of course, my initial trainers and mentors, Zenaida Amador and Baby Barredo; my London singing teacher, Mary Hammond; my mom; Gerard; Nic; and every director, choreographer, and performer I’ve gotten to work with. Everyone leaves a mark.
RAYMOND: The amazing part about turning 60 is that I’ve come to realize that the most extraordinary thing about my life has been the people that God has placed in it — my family, my friends, and every single person I’ve connected with through music. They have become a huge part of my story and my journey.
What is something you know you do differently than most people?
LEA: Oh gosh, no idea. Maybe the sound I make when I sing?
RAYMOND: I have a master’s degree in worrying. And that makes me quite the competent director, hahaha. I have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C for almost everything. But little by little, I’m trying to change that (the worrying part), especially because I’m back to full-time performing and not directing anymore. Singing is way less stressful.
What are you secretly good at?
LEA: Not secretly, but I do make good sourdough and chocolate chip walnut cookies.
RAYMOND: I’m a pretty good cook.
Have you ever done something competitively other than singing?
LEA: Does high school debate team and grade school extemporaneous speaking count?
RAYMOND: Yes. Professional photography, visual art — I made sculpture, functional art. I also directed for 20 years.
What’s your most unhealthy habit?
LEA: My weird sleep schedule.
RAYMOND: I like eating bad things. (Laughs) I just stop myself.
How do you unlock your creativity?
LEA: There’s no unlock code; it just never turns off.
RAYMOND: I don’t do anything special that I’m aware of. I just show up and do what needs to be done in the best way that I can.
What do you do for fun when you’re not performing?
LEA: I love video games and tend to go without sleep just to finish an epic game. I’ve just completed Ghost of Yotei. It’s excellent.
RAYMOND: Family time is fun time for me. So anything that involves them is special to me, especially traveling together.
What is the most challenging thing you have faced?
LEA: Trying to control my face from giving away my emotions, especially in situations where I need to be extra polite and diplomatic. This might be one of the toughest things I have to do.
RAYMOND: The pandemic was pretty challenging. I had no real work for more than two years. The silver lining was that I got to make art with my hands and mounted several online exhibits. I made close to 150 pieces of art. It also gave me the time to write and photograph my book Dance with the Wind.
What’s the nicest compliment you ever received and from whom?
LEA: “You’re a musician.” That’s truly the best thing I’ve ever been told. I can’t remember who said that to me, unfortunately.
RAYMOND: That my songs have become a part of the soundtrack of people’s lives.
Can you tell us a moment when a person’s kindness made a difference in your life?
LEA: Most recently, it was when Nic and I were heading to London with our cat, Stella. We arrived at outgoing cargo at JFK Airport later than we thought, and I was going crazy with how to get Stella on board our outbound flight. The lady at the counter helped us race through the paperwork, and we were able to get it all done. New Yorkers are not always nice, but they are kind. There’s a big difference.
RAYMOND: Kindness always makes a difference. Sometimes what other people do for me brings tears to my eyes because it really moves me. It’s difficult to just pick one moment because there have been countless moments. Although, in general, perhaps I can say that the fact that people still want to listen to me after over 40 years is, in itself, a kindness and a privilege I can never get over.
What is it that you would still like to do?
LEA: Win a Tony for producing a show.
RAYMOND: At 60, I can’t say I’ve seen all my dreams come true, but I can say that I’ve seen the bigger ones happen. I am and always will be a singer, but I’ve also been an actor, a photographer, a teacher, director, visual artist, author, husband and father. All my creative restlessness has been satisfied, and all I want to do is continue doing all these things and try to get a little better at doing them each day.
If you could swap places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
LEA: Absolutely no one. I’m an actor; I get to do that already for a living.
RAYMOND: This may sound like a cliché, but I’m pretty happy being me, so no swapping necessary. But since you asked, maybe I’d like to be Gary V for a day just to know what it feels like to be able to dance the way he does.
If there’s anything you would do differently in your life, what would it be?
LEA: Nothing. Truly, nothing.
RAYMOND: Maybe I’d tell my younger self to relax a bit more and not take things too seriously.
Where would you live if you had no ties to any specific place?
LEA: Anywhere that was quiet and peaceful.
RAYMOND: Somewhere cooler and quieter. Somewhere tucked away in nature. Maybe in a little town or forest up in the mountains.
If you could hold on to memories from your life forever, which would they be?
LEA: Oh, having Nic as a baby. He was such a good baby. Yelled bloody murder because he was so loud, but so sweet.
Do you have any regrets?
LEA: None.
RAYMOND: Of course. But nothing worth losing sleep over because all my mistakes made me who I am today. So I choose to be grateful for everything—good and bad—because that’s what makes up a life.
What’s next for you?
LEA: Concerts in Asia. That’s in my immediate future.
RAYMOND: Valentine’s and book signings and, hopefully, tours. Lots and lots of tours.
