‘Love Wins’ celebrates Joanna Ampil’s dreams, achievements as an artist

Joanna Ampil

Twenty-five years sounds like an awfully long time. But it feels like only yesterday when I started,” said singer-actress Joanna Ampil, who’s set to celebrate her 25th year in the biz via her coming Valentine’s show, “Love Wins.”

“I remember it vividly. And I take pride in this, naturally,” added Joanna, who—in her illustrious career—has been part of such musicals as “Miss Saigon,” “West Side Story,” “Les Miserables,” “Rent” and “Cats.” Most recently, she played Candida in the film “Ang Larawan,” which won for her the best actress trophy at last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

“It has been an amazing journey, and I realize that not everybody gets this lucky,” she said. “And this is why I can never take any of it for granted.”

“Love Wins,” which is touted as a celebration of Joanna’s “dreams and achievements as an artist,” will be held on Feb. 14 at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Taguig City (call 891-9999).

The Inquirer’s e-mail interview follows:

Who are you working with and what kind of repertoire have you prepared? We have Joaquin Valdes, who’s from theater; Mark Bautista, who’s a friend; and Arman Ferrer, whom I have yet to meet.

Our repertoire will be composed of songs from the shows I’ve done. Some people have not heard nor seen me in the musicals I’ve done abroad. So, it’d be a good idea to include them. We have quite a few OPM songs, too—some of my favorites.

And yes, we’re doing a couple of numbers from “Ang Larawan.”

What for you is the greatest love song ever written? Is there a song or artist who never fails to put you in a romantic mood? There are millions of love songs out there. But a couple of years ago, I did the show “The Bridges of Madison County,” and there’s this song called “Always Better.”

It sums up what love is for me—no judgment, no conditions.

What are some of the career triumphs you hold dearest? As of late, it would have to be winning the MMFF best actress award for “Ang Larawan.”

How does it feel to still be excelling in your chosen profession, after all these years? It takes passion and love for your craft. There should be a constant need to evolve, improve and learn all the time. And you have to make sure your reputation doesn’t get tainted.

The show is also said to be “a celebration of dreams.” What are the things you still wish to achieve? I want to help others who want to be in this profession achieve their dreams. I want to pass on the knowledge I have. That’s the gift that we impart. Whatever we have learned, we share.