Lea Salonga explains absence at SEA Games opening

Award-winning Broadway star Lea Salona on Tuesday said she turned down the offer to perform at the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games opening ceremonies due to her prior commitment for the musical "Sweeney Todd."

RELATED: Lea Salonga no longer performing at SEA Games opening, cites schedule conflict

"Truth of the matter is this: I was asked to participate in the SEA Games opening ceremonies since I was already recording the theme song and filming its music video," she wrote in a Facebook post.

"However, I had to respectfully decline as I already had Sweeney Todd on my calendar. It was on my schedule for many months, if not a year," she added.

Salonga was introduced in September as the voice behind the SEA Games' official theme song titled "We Win As One," which was composed by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.

In her statement Tuesday, Salonga clarified she did not announce that she will be performing at the biennial meet's opening ceremonies.

"Also, it was not ever announced that I would be participating in the opening; but many folks ASSUMED I would be part of it, never mind that I never put anything out," she said.

"To all the artists participating in the opening, HAVE THE BEST TIME! To the athletes, may the odds be ever in your favor. You have already done your countries proud," Salonga added.

The renowned Filipina singer on Monday said she will not perform at the multi-sporting event's opening ceremonies on November 30 due to conflicts in her schedule.

Salonga will be starring in the "Sweeney Todd" alongside Jett Pangan.

The musical will run from November 28 to December 8 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/LA, GMA News

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online