Jet lag is real

Lea Salonga —SOLAIRE RESORT NORTH

MANILA — By the time you read this article, I’ll be back in New York trying to get over this blasted thing called jet lag. That bothersome yet familiar sensation of not quite knowing where you are, of what time zone you’re in, of if you’re even alive.

Depending on which direction I’m traveling, as well as what time I land in a certain place, a full recovery could take all of three days to over a week. Landing in daylight makes things so much easier.

For this particular trip though, I had not even 24 hours to be in fighting singing shape, as I was enlisted to be part of the opening of the spanking brand-new Solaire Resort North.

Located in Quezon City, this resort boasts of wonderful restaurants, shops and a fabulous hotel. During my stay, I didn’t explore the property much, opting instead to remain in my room trying to get some much-needed sleep. The blackout curtains were incredibly helpful in keeping out the bright Manila sunshine that could derail my jet lag recovery’s progress.

All that said, my energy was due to the excitement of getting to reunite with friends for a fun bit of work!

My participation in the opening would encompass two days of performances in the Grand Ballroom, with two different orchestras (the AMP, led by Mel Villena, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Louie Ocampo) and two different programs.

Vocal beasts

Day one included vocal beasts Martin Nievera (who’s also Solaire Resort North’s ambassador), Bituin Escalante, Lara Maigue, Arman Ferrer and Jed Madela, National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Power Duo (whose athletic moves moved my heart into my throat), hip-hop dancers Legit Status, Buganda, and magicians Anna de Guzman and Yu Hojin.

For day two, Martin, Hojin, Mr. C and myself remained, with the addition of the Ateneo Chamber Singers (led by musical director Jonathan Velasco), PowerDance (with soloist Para Isidro), musician Tokio Myers, violinist-aerialist Mirabelle, beatboxer DJ Neil, hip-hop sensation Jabbawockeez, and Japanese dance group Avantgardey.

Many of the visiting artists have appeared in “America’s Got Talent,” “Britain’s Got Talent” and “Pilipinas Got Talent.” (My apologies if I left anyone out!)

Rehearsals are always so enjoyable, as this is the one time everyone can get together for a bit of hugs and catching up alongside getting work done. It had been so long since I got to work with Martin, Bito, Arman, Jed, RCS and ACS, and this would be my first time with Lara, although we knew each other socially.

Relaxed repartee

I had lent a little bit of video to Mr. C’s recent “Gen C” concert, so in a way we still got to collaborate, if only via the virtual space. There was a lot of good-humored ribbing and relaxed repartee.

As for everyone else, I found myself a great seat to watch them work, and for so many times that afternoon and evening, my jaw hit the floor from awe and wonder.

On the day I arrived, after a few hours of rest at home, I headed to Rajo Laurel’s Poblacion shop to fit a gold suit I had asked him to create just for the opening. Because he had designed the uniforms for the staff at Solaire North, he knew what color to use, as well as what to avoid. To paraphrase his words, he said I would be like the sun that walked through the rain.

The audiences in the Grand Ballroom on both the Saturday and Sunday shows were incredibly generous and lovely, and it was such a pleasure to sing for everyone, jet lag be damned.

To everyone at Solaire Resort North, to everyone involved at every stage of the opening ceremonies at the various venues within the property, and to the entire staff and crew that will be carrying out the day-to-day activities for the many guests who will walk through the resort’s doors, you have my most heartfelt congratulations, and many good wishes for your success. Thank you so much for having me!

Now it’s time to prepare for the jet lag heading back to New York. Wish me luck that it doesn’t take too long.