Gratitude

And just like that, the concert is done. Months of preparation resulting in two incredible nights onstage at the PICC Plenary Hall to celebrate four decades of getting up on a stage to play dress-up and sing.

Despite the time we all took to make sure the concert would go as well as it could, there were butterflies in our bellies, sweaty palms and quickened heartbeats. Because the shows sold out so early, the pressure was on us to give as best a show as possible. I think we did all right, if the videos posted online are any indication.

Because there has been so much coverage, allow me please to use this space to express my gratitude to all the forces behind the scenes that made my 40th anniversary concert possible.

To my dearest Bobby Garcia, with whom I have been regularly collaborating on either plays, musicals or concerts for what seems like forever, thank you for your strength, kindness and humor. Your leadership style is gentle yet firm, and all eyes and ears are trained in your direction with every word you say.

We get so much done in so little time. I thank you for continuing to push me further beyond whatever limits I set for myself, in effect setting the bar even higher.

To my “gay of honor” Victor Lirio, who wrote such a beautiful script that tied the whole show together, I couldn’t think of anyone better-suited for this task.

Our friendship spans over 20 years, and because you’re one of the folks who knows me better than I know myself, it was fitting that you wrote such beautiful words, infusing the concert with poetry and love.

To my brother Gerard, of whom I will always be in awe, you were there for all of my conscious life. You were there when the music began, when the breaks came in, when my travels commenced.

You and I have been there for one another throughout our lives, both as musicians and as family. To watch your ascent as a conductor and music director makes me beam with pride. And, as always, if anyone dares to pick a fight with you, they have me and mom to deal with.

To Simon Bowman, my very first romantic leading man, I am filled with such gratitude that you were my first. Beyond your talent, you are the perfect gentleman, taking that very young girl into your arms with such care and kindness. That you went above and beyond the call of duty says much about your character.

To Mark Bautista and Esang De Torres, to share the stage and make music with you is a privilege and a pleasure, as you are two of our most talented performers. That you are both still so young only means there is so much more room to grow. The prospect of this is very exciting, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store!

To Nicole, my little one, I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of your work in this show. I saw every day how hard you worked to perfect your performance, and how many times you’d ask to practice the song with me. You were fantastic!

To Rajo Laurel, you were there at the very beginning, which made you the perfect person to clothe me for the show. Thank you for always making me look my best. An additional thank you to Mia Florencio of Golcondia Diamonds for the baubles I got to wear!

To Juan Sarte III and Kusie Ho, I have only the greatest admiration for you both. You bring such humor and light to the workplace, which leaves me in stitches long after my makeup and hair are done.

To the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, all our guest musicians and backup singers, thank you. What beautiful music you all make!

To our arrangers and orchestrators (aside from Gerard, there’s Ria Osorio, Lawrence Yurman, Saunder Choi, Derrick Atangan, JC Magsalin, Jed Balsamo, JD Villanueva and Marvin Querido), you guys are freaks! Thank you for your incredible contributions to our show!

To our production team (Cecile Martinez, GA Fallarme, Maro Garcia, Butch Cruz, Rards Corpus of Soundcheck, Ed Murillo and Glendfford Malimban), that whole machine couldn’t have run without you!

To Raymund Isaac and Joel Garcia, our official photographers, you both personify what we love to say with regard to talent and tools: “It’s the archer, not the arrow.”

To the PICC for hosting us once again, your space brings us so much good fortune. Thank you for having us, and we hope to return!

To my mother and the producer of LS40, Ligaya Salonga, I don’t have the words that could sufficiently express my debt of gratitude for your dedication and love for Gerard and me.

You are the engine that made this concert, and many others before it, possible. What you have been able to do in the last 40 years is a testament to your belief in Gerard’s and my talents, as well as our potential, perseverance in getting things done, and an unwavering faith that we would reach far and high with diligence and persistence.

And finally, to the fans who said “yes” for the last 40 years, and who continue to say “yes.” It is thanks to you and because of you that I get to still get up every day and do what I love to do. From the bottom of my family’s heart, thank you very much.

Until the next one! But for now, I need some sleep.