Despite illness, Lea Salonga a 'resounding success' in Bangkok

Illness did not stop world-renowned Filipino singer Lea Salonga from being a "resounding success" in her return performance in Bangkok, Thailand, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday. Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok, the DFA said Salonga took center stage at the concert “The Magic of Disney and Broadway musicals" on September 12. "Although she was confined in the hospital the night before due to respiratory illness, the 38-year-old Filipina superstar still captivated her audience with her voice and stage presence," the DFA said. It said the much-applauded concert was also a tribute to the big number of Filipinos who came over to support her. Those who attended included members of the diplomatic corps and the Thai Cabinet, musical artists, film stars, and other host government officials, the DFA added. Held at the Queen Sirikit Convention in Bangkok, the concert was a joint effort of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, B. Grimm and Co., Credit Suisse and the Philippine Embassy. Salonga’s repertoire ranged from songs of famous Disney movies to hits from Broadway musicals, including Miss Saigon. The concert was an impressive follow-up of her performance last year in the Bangkok leg of the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella event, which included a swing of Asian cities. Janette Rodriguez presented a bouquet of flowers to the Broadway star, who was hailed by Ambassador Antonio Rodriguez as “the Philippines’ greatest contribution in the field of musical theater." - GMANews.TV