International theater actress and concert artist Lea Salonga acknowledged the compliment Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls showered on her during the latter’s visit in Manila.

“It was so sweet of her to do that,” Lea told the Manila Bulletin Online in an exclusive interview. “I know she said before that I am one of her idols. Hearing her say it again just warms my heart.”

Nicole said that she grew up listening to Lea Salonga songs. One of her favorite is Lea’s version of The Boyfriends’ original, “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal.”

Lea said that she has not met nor gotten in touch with Nicole. She admitted that she listens to Pussycat Dolls music because it’s “fun.”

“It’s good pop music. And when you see them perform onstage, you know that they are enjoying. It’s nice to know that a Filipina sings lead for one of the most popular groups in the world,” she said.

Given the chance, would Lea want to become a Pussycat Doll?

“Hell, no!” she exclaimed. “That’s not me, not my niche. Maybe on a drunken night at karaoke, I’ll probably put on one of their songs. The Pussycat Dolls are fun and they are good at what they do.”

Karaoke night has to wait. Nowadays, Lea is busy touring her “The Inspired Concert,” an offshoot of her most recent album. She will bring the tour to the US, Singapore, Bangkok, and other cities.

“Although people in Manila hardly see me nowadays, I have been busy elsewhere,” she said.

Lea added: “And it’s difficult because I need to be a mom and a wife at the same time. I had just put my daughter [Nicole Beverly] in pre-school so I don’t bring her abroad. Besides, I don’t think it’s fair for her to not have a steady, structured life because of my work.”

The actress’ husband, Rob Chien, takes care of Nicole when she’s away. The “lola” [Ligaya Salonga] is only too happy to pitch in raising her granddaughter, Lea said.

Lea will hold a concert in Manila this coming December. She also plans to put out an album in 2010 and star in a movie with Aga Muhlach “though nothing is final yet.”

Asked if she’s still interested to sing at one of Manny Pacquiao’s matches, Lea affirmed.

“I’m open to it,” she said. “I would be incredibly nervous, knowing how many millions of people are watching at home worldwide, and then the tens of thousands of people in the arena, but it will be a big honor,” she said.

If the plan materializes, Lea will sing the Philippine National Anthem in a capella, with changes in the key and time signature.

“I’d sing it in a capella because it’s pure and people will get to focus on the lyrics of the anthem. I don’t think I can do it fast - as in the prescribed march time signature - because doing so would be too quick for a vocal. In an arena like that with the echo going crazy…I’d rather sing it in which the lyrics clearly land on people’s ears.”

The Manila Bulletin Online interviewed Lea during the 20th anniversary, by-invitation-only-concert of the ABS-CBN Foundation. Lea sang “Magsimula Ka” at the concert which highlighted the projects of the foundation such as E-Media, Bantay Bata, Bayan Microfinance, Bantay Kalikasan, Sagip Kapamilya, Bayannijuan, and Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig. 

“The last time I sang for Bantay Bata was in the US last Christmas. It’s fantastic to be a part of any ABS-CBN Foundation event because their programs that benefit the environment, children’s education, among others, are worthwhile. I’m happy to lend my voice to such a cause – and have fun while at it!” she said.

ABS-CBN Foundation thanks the following for their support for the anniversary concert: Meralco Theater, Tamayo’s Catering, Crystal Clear, King Me Asia Corp., Rustan’s Essences, Sophie Martin, I-Personalize, and Belo Essentials.