Alcasid (with Velasquez, left). Shares his time and music with people who are dear to him.
As with many performers, the Christmas season is hectic for Ogie Alcasid—but, the seasoned singer, actor and TV host makes sure he gets to spend the holidays with friends and family, both here and abroad—everything else takes a back seat!
To demonstrate, Ogie was about to leave for Australia last Saturday with his wife, Regine Velasquez, and son Nate when we got in touch with him.
The singer-songwriter explained, “We usually spend Christmas with our loved ones in Australia, because it allows us to spend a quiet time with the family, away from show biz—and this year is no different.
“But, we’ll be back on the 29th, because Regine and I are among the principal sponsors at Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera’s wedding on the 30th. The following day, TV5 (for which he hosts ‘Let’s Ask Pilipinas’) will have a year-end countdown at Quezon Memorial Circle.”
Ogie loves sharing his time and music with people who are special to him: This year, he has a very personal (and personalized) gift for friends and coworkers. He disclosed, “I prepared a compilation of Christian music for them. Every Christmas season, it also brings me joy to spend a day with children with cancer.”
Lea Salonga Brilliant casting idea.
‘Chicago’
We saw the stage musical, “Chicago,” when we took classes at The Actors Center in London about a decade ago. Back then, we just finished codirecting New Voice’s star-studded staging of Sam Mendes’ “Cabaret” reboot—and it was such a thrill to see its splashy dance numbers and spectacular staging.
We wanted to stage it but thought it was too soon to bring it to the Philippine stage, because it was too similar to “Cabaret’s” dark tone, themes and quirky, dark humor.
But, we couldn’t help but get excited about a spectacular casting idea if and when a local version of “Chicago” would be staged in the
Monique Wilson
Manila.
Last week, we were thrilled when our dear friend, Kaye Villagomez-Losorata of Smart, invited us to the touring production of “Chicago” at Solaire, starring Bianca Marroquin and Terra C. MacLeod (as Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, respectively), whose singing and terpsichorean skills were as impeccable as their comic timing.
All throughout the show, we couldn’t stop thinking of the stage actresses who would be perfect for “Chicago’s” lead roles: Lea Salonga and Monique Wilson, Philippine English theater’s biggest female stars, bar none, in a casting coup like no other! —How about it, producers?