Lea Salonga clarifies declining SEA Games opening offer due to prior sched

Ryan Cayabyab (left) and Lea Salonga. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Singer-actress Lea Salonga clarified Tuesday she turned down the offer to perform at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games since her “Sweeney Todd” shows had long been scheduled.

“Truth of the matter is this: I was asked to participate in the SEA Games opening ceremonies since I was already recording the theme song and filming its music video,” Salonga wrote in a Facebook post.

https://www.facebook.com/745255481/posts/10157516044515482/?_rdc=2&_rdr

“However, I had to respectfully decline as I already had Sweeney Todd on my calendar. It was on my schedule for many months, if not a year,” she added.

Salonga sang the SEA Games’ official theme song titled “We Win As One” which was composed by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.

The Broadway icon stressed she did not announce performing at SEA Games opening ceremony.

“Also, it was not ever announced that I would be participating in the opening; but many folks ASSUMED I would be part of it, never mind that I never put anything out,” Salonga said.

“To all the artists participating in the opening, HAVE THE BEST TIME! To the athletes, may the odds be ever in your favor. You have already done your countries proud,” she added.

Salonga earlier said she would not be performing at the event’s opening ceremony happening on November 30 because of her shows in Singapore for musical “Sweeney Todd.”

“Sweeney Todd,” which also stars Jett Pangan, will run from November 28 to December 8 at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

The musical was earlier staged in Manila from October 11 to October 27 at The Theatre at Solaire.

Edited by JPV