‘The Engineer’ sings all-Broadway hits

To say that Leo Valdez is a world-class talent is an understatement. The Engineer from “Miss Saigon” has garnered recognition from practically all the live entertainment award-giving bodies, including the annual Tinig Awards and the first Asian Song Festival where he represented the country.

But over and beyond the accolades, he is one other great thing—a true friend through thick and thin. Leo has always been like a “guardian angel” to me. But that doesn’t make him any less naughty and wacky. He is so down-to-earth that I sometimes forget how famous he is.

Leo performs at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila on September 27 at 8 p.m. for “Broadway Showstoppers” (Call 811-9999). Joining him are international theater actresses Joanna Ampil and Ima Castro, with The Opera Belles and Primo.

Leo’s signature song, “Magsimula Ka,” opened doors for him. Not only has he lived up to that song but he has exceeded the goals he set. That great “Simula” doesn’t seem to have a “Wakas” because Leo just keeps outdoing himself in every performance. The Engineer’s charisma and artistry were built to last. Bravo, Leo!

How do you prepare for a show?

I keep myself fit and healthy by my running regimen and very strict diet. Before the actual show, I gargle warm water with rock salt, vocalize and do very little talking. Most importantly, my mind is all focused on the show.

Any embarrassing moment on stage?

Years back, I was doing a one-hour solo and in a song and dance number, my white satin pants ripped on the inside of my left thigh. As the show went on, the tear got bigger and bigger even as I still had five songs to go. I went downstage to lessen the “view.”

How did you discover that you could sing?

As a kid—at home, in church and in school. I was getting awards at home and even as an American Field Service scholar in the United States. It was singing that derailed me from finishing my course in Architecture and I thought the chance was there to give it a go. I never looked back, although on hindsight, it would have been really good if I have gotten my degree.

What makes “Broadway Showstoppers” different from all the shows you’ve done?

We are singing the most beautiful songs from some of the best-loved musicals of all time, among them, “Miss Saigon,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Misérables,” “West Side Story,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Mamma Mia” and “Dreamgirls.” It’s an all Broadway lineup as compared to my other shows that has a wonderful mix of pop, ballads, Tagalog favorites and Broadway hits.

What’s the difference between performing for a foreign and a Pinoy audience?

Thankfully I have been blessed with extremely responsive audiences everywhere. On the other hand, Pinoys are naturally musical, and amazing singing voices are a dime a dozen here. So to stand out and make a mark, you really have to be that good to get the warmest reception or a standing ovation.

What song best describes your state of mind now?

“Everything is Beautiful.” “Everything is beautiful in its own way…” It’s an old song but that’s my state of mind all the time. Even when it’s not, I affirm it to be as “when you believe it, you achieve it.”

What’s something that people don’t know about Leo Valdez?

That I am an extremely optimistic person, seeing only the good in everything and that I cry buckets when I am alone praying to my God and always thanking my Divine Creator.

How has your role as The Engineer changed your perspective in life?

The Engineer is the ultimate Machiavellian character. It’s “the-end-justifies-the-means” type. Playing the character for years, I realized there will always be “Engineers” in this world. He is a survivor. I am a survivor myself although I have learned that one doesn’t have to “engineer” to get what one wants to achieve in life.

For Joseph

Kapamilya, Kapuso and Kapatid stars unite in a fundraising show for Joseph Bitangcol, who is still recuperating from a vehicular accident. “For The Love of Joseph” will be held Sept. 15, 10 p.m. at Zirkoh Morato, with JC de Vera, Tuesday Vargas, Edgar Allan Guzman, Marco Alcaraz, Daiana Menezes, Joross Gamboa, Melissa Ricks, Jason Abalos, Luis Alandy, among others. Tickets are available at the gate. Call 0908-8861287.

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