Although international theater actress and singer Lea Salonga’s forthcoming concert “Lea Salonga…Your Songs” is her only one in Manila in 2009, she intends to make it worth the wait by ensuring it will be the ultimate crowd pleaser.

Calling “Your Songs” the concert for the fans and by her fans, concert producer AmbientMedia and Lea are currently conducting an online poll via www.LEAyoursongs.com through which people could request for songs they want to hear from the superstar.

“We will choose songs that I don’t usually sing in my concerts or those that are already on DVD or CD. If I have to learn an all-new repertoire, I’ll do that just so my fans are happy,” she said.

Not one to hold a generic type of concert, Lea always comes up with an interesting concept for every show she does. Some of the themes she has used in the past are Broadway, OPM and standards.

“Your Songs,” however, has got to be her most anticipated concert ever because she has had fans waiting for it longer than usual. Since start of the year, Lea has been busy holding shows abroad in such countries as the US, Singapore, Bangkok and Canada.

Some of her fans even thought Lea might have already forgotten about them – until their idol proved that she was merely saving the best for last. Beyond singing the songs that they have always wanted  to hear from her, a lucky fan of Lea who had sent in a video request that makes the repertoire will get the chance to join Lea onstage at the concert.

“We’ve had the most eclectic requests – from Lady GaGa’s ‘Poker Face’ to Michael Jackson songs. Some of the songs sent in have me thinking that my fans are geniuses in that they make me go, ‘Wow! Why didn’t I think of that before?’” said Lea.

As expected, the www.LEAyoursongs.com website has been clogged with traffic since it was opened. Within the first week alone, at least 1,300 requests have been made with “Bayan Ko,” which Lea sang during President Cory’s Funeral Mass, topping the list.

“But that can still change. Anything can happen. Let’s just say I won’t be surprised even if I myself get surprised with the final set list,” said Lea. According to the singer, going through the songs requested of her through the website gives her fresh insight on how her fans’ musical taste has grown – or remained the same. “We still get requests for songs such as ‘On My Own’ from ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Last Night Of The World’ from ‘Miss Saigon.’ Some things never change,” she said.

“Lea Salonga… Your Songs” will be held at the PICC Plenary Hall on Dec. 11 and 12. Produced by AmbientMedia, a media and entertainment company whose aim is to bring the talents of both artists and entrepreneurs together in memorable shows, “Lea Salonga… Your Songs” will have crooner Richard Poon, the award-winning dance group Philippine All Stars and Concert Comedy Queen Ai Ai de las Alas as special guests.

“Lea Salonga… Your Songs” will be under the musical direction of Gerard Salonga together with the 47-piece orchestra FILharmoniKA.

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‘Art 2 Art’ wins CMMA for Best Educational Radio Program

Congratulations are in order for the team behind “Art 2 Art,” hosted by prima ballerina Lisa Macuja and aired over dzRH every Sunday 3:30 to 4 p.m.

It was recently recognized by the 2009 Catholic Mass Media Award (CMMA) as Best Educational Program in the Radio Category during rites held at the San Carlos Seminary Auditorium in Guadalupe, Makati City. The episode that earned “Art 2 Art” a trophy in that category was one honoring National Artist Arturo Luz, where art critic and author Cid Reyes discussed Luz’s artistic style, his evolution into a multi-media artist covering painting, sculpture and design, as well as his continuing contributions to the development of art in the country. “This recognition inspires us all the more to continue with our advocacy to raise art awareness through our program. As our motto underscores, what we bring to our listeners nationwide is ‘Usapang sining at kultura para sa lahat,’” enthuses Macuja.

“Art 2 Art,” which is produced by the Manila Broadcasting Company, has become a Sunday afternoon habit for art and culture enthusiasts all over the country. Using an “info-tainment” format, it showcases Macuja interviewing personalities from various disciplines in the arts – music, theater, dance, literature, visual arts, film, music and allied fields such as design, culinary arts and fashion.

One of the radio program’s unique features is a monthly tribute to one of the country’s National Artists in an attempt to bring closer to the people the stellar examples of individuals who have attained the country’s highest honors in the arts, but most of whom came from humble beginnings. Among the National Artists who have personally sat down for interviews with Macuja are Virgilio Almario, Bienvenido Lumbera, Napoleon Abueva, Eddie Romero and Salvador Bernal. “Our guests talk about the struggles and challenges they have faced, and also the passion that has seen them through the difficulties and made them persist and thrive in the arts,” Macuja stresses. “We hope that listeners are able to learn lessons and gain inspiration from the stories shared by the many artists who have been with us on ‘Art 2 Art.’”

Last year, the show also won a CMMA Special Citation in the Best Educational Program on Radio category.