Plus for Lea, Minus for Toyota

Only Lea Salonga could have done it. I mean, clog the traffic so horribly in streets leading to the USLS Coliseum with the kind of audience that she drew to Saturday's concert for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga. Of course we have had similar full-house attendance in the place, but this time, we had a truly motley, but fully appreciative crowd there. Some were young and some were middle-edged or old, some were healthy, some were ailing. Others, well, most came from urban areas, but many also traveled to Bacolod from outer towns and barangays.

* * *

All because they did not want to miss the moment of actually seeing in person and listening to the girl who not only found a place in the international world of music, but also proved that Filipino talent could not only equal, but, in fact top those from other countries, and grab the awards from them, besides. They all came to hear and applauded her, both for her performance here, and for past accomplishments that had made them proud.

* * *

And she did not fail them. Perhaps, all their lives they will remember the extraordinarily clear and perfect voice, the outstanding stage presence, the admirable poise and command she displayed. They will also remember sentimentally her attempts to identify with them, mentioning ever so often her links to Bacolod, to the province, and especially to Pulupandan, hometown of her mother, the former Ligaya Imutan, and her relatives who had trooped to the concert, all beaming with pride.

* * *

They also had reason to be proud of her brother Gerard, who conducted the orchestra. Although it was strange seeing a conductor clad in what looked like a black T-shirt, one could understand why, since both Lea and her co-performer, the also talented Jed Madela, were seen mopping their brows and faces several time, even taking sips of water during their performance. Lea also pleased her audience by singing a segment of the famous Visayan classic “Ahay Kalisud” but, although she admirably had the perfect accent and pronunciation, the song did not quite have the poignancy given it by the divas of long ago. No matter, she made up by treating all to her famous pieces especially those in the Broadway shows that made her. And she further endeared herself to her audience by yielding to their cries for “More! More!” and coming back to belt out two more songs. Anyway, STAR readers will soon be reading more raves from our columnists who were there, so I will leave space for them all in the pages of the DAILY STAR.

* * *

Newsbreakers yesterday were the victory of Barack Obama (as expected) in South Carolina , making the palpitations of Hillary supporters sound louder. I saw the grinning Obama on TV, and a trying-hard Hillary congratulating him and thanking those who voted for her anyway. Now it's on to the heart-stopping Tuesday, and if you are also for Mrs. Bill, do pray. The other big news, also not unexpected, was the passing away at last of former Indonesian strongman Muhammad Suharto. I remember Suharto as a very genial host during the APEC meeting in his country which I had covered and first experienced how military men in those places regard the media. I also recall meeting his daughter Siti Hariyanti at a function room where a signing took place and my! she really moved like the emperor's daughter.

* * *

What's the matter with Toyota ? A few weeks ago I received a letter, first through fax and later by e-mail, from a certain Daniel M. Isla, First Vice President, Marketing Division, inviting me to a “Thanksgiving Party” and the launching of their new car today January 28 at 6 p.m. at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila . The letter said a certain Ms. Ana Agregado would get in touch with me for further details and I should not hesitate to call her for further details. I faxed the information they asked for, and when I did not hear from anybody up to late last week, I called the suggested number. The one who answered, a certain Ralph Garcia, assured me he would relay my inquiry to Ms. Agregado. Then it was silence after that.

* * *

I was flattered to be invited, thinking it might have been because I am already on my fourth, or maybe fifth Toyota vehicle now. But the behavior of their people has so turned me off that this will surely be the LAST Toyota for me, and possibly for every member of my family, if I can help it.*

back to top