Prized singer-actress Lea Salonga considers Richard Poon, Nikki Gil and Charice Pempengco as among the best new Filipino singers around.

“I noticed Richard when I guested in ‘ASAP 09.’ He was one of the Sessionistas in the show and he impressed me with how he sang harmony for those who did solo. I think he is a team player and I want to work with someone like that,” said Lea during the press conference for her concert on Dec. 11 and 12, 2009 dubbed “Lea Salonga…Your Songs” which Richard will perform in among other guests.

Lea added, albeit tongue-in-cheek, that she finds Richard “cute—which is enough to get him in [the show]!”

Nikki, on the other hand, gets Lea’s vote of confidence for her “clean voice” and singing style.

Lea met Nikki at the ceremonial awarding of a Christian organization early this year. After being introduced to one another, a star-struck Nikki said, “Muntik ako atakihin sa puso [sa saya]!”

As for Charice, Lea is all praises for what the 17-year-old has achieved at her age. The actress thinks Charice still has a long way to go.

During the press conference, Lea explained how the concept behind “Your Song” came to be.

“My friends and fans always tell me after every show I do, ‘Why didn’t you sing this song?’ or ‘You know, it would have been better if you sang…’

“So, we are doing it democratically this time. People get to pick the songs and I will sing it for them.”

A virtual tour of the website www.LEAyoursongs.com was previewed to the press. Visitors can upload videos of themselves requesting for a song or they can simply type in titles through the site. 

As of Aug. 23, the total number of songs Lea received was at least 1,300, with “Bayan Ko” (which she sang at President Cory Aquino’s Funeral Mass) sitting atop the running tally. Lea’s website will receive requests up to Sept. 30.

“Your Song” will likely have an all-new repertoire because Lea is intent on experimenting—“challenging myself” as she puts it--with what she can do, vocally.

“But, of course, I still know what my limitations are. And I will also sing key songs that people really expect me to perform in every concert,” said she.

“Lea Salonga…Your Songs” is produced by AmbientMedia and will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall. The concert will be directed by Bobby Garcia with musical direction by Gerard Salonga together with the 47-piece FILharmoniKA Orchestra.

Joining Lea in the concert are Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai de las Alas, Richard Poon and the award-winning dance group Philippine All Stars.