Thursday, March 22, 2007

Does anyone's opinion matter?

Opinions... critiques... reviews... they can be funny (not funny ha ha) things. As a performer, I can't help but wonder what another person's opinion of my performance is. To a certain point, it does matter. After all, I'm a performer, whose job is to entertain. So yeah, I wanna know.

I lurk on many message boards where I read reviews and critiques... some of myself, some of other performers. Many of what I've read can only be described as below the belt, cruel, harsh, humiliating, degrading, rude, insensitive... and that is alongside the sublime, encouraging, wonderful, sweet, ego-boosting ones.

When I do read a negative review on me, part of me wants to take the person who wrote it by the throat and bash his or her head against the wall until his or her skull started to crack, while reciting in an intense and audible whisper, "I'd love to see you try singing while wearing a corset that's squeezing you to within an inch of your miserable little life," while another part of me says, "you sad, sad, shadow of a human being, you must really have a lot of time on your hands to come up with creative ways to say 'YOU SUCK'."

I have to remember that opinions are all subjective, and aren't a benchmark if something's good or bad. What's garbage to one person is glory to another, and no other person can convince him or her otherwise. Everyone's entitled to their own opinions.

At the end of the day, all I can hope for is that I stay on pitch, serve the show and make the audience (or most of them) happy. If the crowd that gathers at the Broadhurst's Stage Door after every show is any indication, then I'm doing my job right. I can then go home feeling happy and fulfilled, with my mind at work, thinking of how to top each passing performance.

64 comments:

Jay Ignacio said...

Hi, Lea. Just chanced by your blog.

Music is something deeply personal to so many people, and they can get very passionate about what they like or don't like about it. In that sense, their opinions matter and sometimes we could learn a thing or two from them.

But there will always be hecklers and know-it-alls who try to make their lives meaningful in harmful ways; by always having to have a say, or by just plain and simple pretending. They're the ones who know nothing and have no talent, and their criticisms are not meant to be constructive.

Their opinions do not matter.

Pero ang sarap pa rin basagin ng mga ulo nila.

betsy . said...

HI Manang! Based on what I saw on the video clips, I have to say, you're doing great. You're voice is for lack of better word "perfect" and you were able to make us feel what Fantine was going through.

When I saw the clips of you singing I dreamed a dream and come to me, its as if someone was squeezing my heart. I felt the pain, hurt and longing from the lines of the songs, all of that by just watching the short clips. I'm sure the experience would be different if I were to watch it live. I'm sure I'll cry buckets of tears

Again you're great and You're making us proud to be Pinoy again and again. Take care always :)

Jeff Hawkins said...

I've taken something you once said to heart (paraphrasing)

"Don't believe anyone's opinion, good or bad, that you don't already trust"

Of course we focus on the negative, as performers we're looking for validation, and it's easy to question that.

I honestly don't understand the backlash against the performers in this production.

raul montesa said...

manang,
sampalin mo lang ng olivier, tony and drama desk circles awards mo!!! yun lang yon!!!

sees pop said...

Well, my friend, let me tell you this: You are doing a wonderful job, and I have never seen anyone perform with so much passion. I saw your broadway clips. You make me and others as well very proud. Continue what you are doing....and if I come close to someone who criticizes you, I will gladly do the head bashing for you and Jaime can give them a taekwondo flying kick in the _b_tt . By the way, Inge got me a ticket...YIPEEEEEE!!!! I am watching on April 26.....can't wait to see you soon...:-) :-) :-)

JANE AREJOLA said...

my dear lea, hayaan mo na lang yung mga taong yon...kung sino man sila!
just watching the short clips from broadway.com, all i can say is that... wow! i am very proud of you. di lang ako marami pang iba... galing galing mo talaga!!!just continue to be inspired by your family, friends, relatives and fans. God Bless you always!!!

Phillip Sayo said...

hi lea you got nothing to prove to them anymore ... your indeed blessed and did your part i swear to everyone that your the most talented person i ever watched and heard ... waaa thanks for continue singing for us thanks :)

Jed Madela said...

i just can so relate!!!

Regina Garcia said...

I saw you on 'The View' today :)

Jed Madela said...

I can just so relate! oh well, as what they always say... we can't please everyone. but funny coz if they don't like you or your performance, why do they even bother checking out your sites and even spend time writing???!!! Duh?? Oh well, what a bunch of losers!!! You're the best, big sis! I'm sure i'll still get "tunganga" when I get to sing with you again! Hahaha!

Jo ♫ said...

In short, stop visiting message boards/blogs!! Hahaha.

Seriously though, your performance as Fantine sent chills running up and down my spine - especially during Come To Me. I can actually see the children, you know. Hahaha. Video clips of your performance around cyberland pale in comparison to seeing you live. Anyone who gave you (and the rest of the cast) negative reviews clearly has no taste nor heart.

Ames Away said...

Hi Lea!
Your performance was the best of the cast! (and I'm not saying this out of biasness).
Just ask the lady who was sitting next to me--she was crying herself a river during your scenes.
You still looked great even with the short hair wig, and heavy make up!
It looked like you had a lot of fun playing one of the revolutionary boys. How do you keep your balance on the barriacade?

Mimele Hacienda De Luha said...

I hope what I want to say won't mean any less if I say that I was biased before even walking through the doors of the theatre. When it was over, I was even more biased. As for the people expressing their negative opinions, I'd like to know what they are basing their thoughts on. I'm always such a dork at the stage door because I have a million things I'd like to say and then I realize I'm standing next to Lea Salonga. You're so humble, but I still can't get the words out oy! There were so many great performers on stage the night I watched. Lea Mis is one of my favorites and it's always great to see the differences especially in favorite characters. You're performance was perfection as always and it proved again that you are truly the best! We took pictures under every Lea Mis poster we saw in NYC and I was sure when it said "She's Back!" it was talking about you ;o)

There is one more very important thing I wanted to tell you that I couldn't get out of my mouth at the stage door. I hope it's okay to write it here. I wanted to thank you again for being the reason I've come to know some of the most wonderful and sweetest friends I've ever known. It's been an amazing fun and crazy experience mixed with tears since first listening to Mulan 7 years ago and can't wait for more!! Enjoy everything and remember how happy you're making so many!!

♪eMìL bìgornìa ♫ said...

i dont care what they say... ikaw pa rin ang the best for me lea!!! watching excerpts of you performing through broadway.com already makes me cry... what more if i am in broadway?!?! haaay... how i really wish i could see you do fantine... wag ka magpadala sa kanila idol... just sing 'nothing' if you hear (or read) their opinions... ;P labsyu

arkitekfhc . said...

Does an opinion of an artist's performance matter? It's a personal choice for the artist and it may be the only measuring tool an artist may have from both sides of opposing views. The only problem with that is whether an artiste can take the bad as well as the good. A performance is a personal thing. I don't think anyone who is subjected to harsh criticism can accept it without deep emotions.

But on the other hand, a negative review can be viewed as a positive thing for the artiste because it can be used as a correction and an enhancement tool for the craft. In essence, an artiste needs an unbiased opinion, critique or review on his and her performance in order to hone their skills. The question is, how unbias is that opinion?

Based on the reviews I've read from unprofessional critics, it's 99.9% rave reviews. Some of the negative reviews seem to be coming from unemployed actors who refuse to accept that you're more talented than them or from traditionalists that can't accept the fact that people of color can do these types of roles. Others may just need therapy because they're just angry or just needs attention.

You're doing an awesome job...you're humble, you're grounded, you have grown to your craft, you have matured in your acting skills, and your vocals are perfection.

Chino Hernandez said...

Hello Ms. Lea,

I know, those people on the boards are really cruel. Sometimes when I post something I get bashed too. Even for the smallest details.

Ms. Lea, I know what you feel, it's the "Saw" illusions within us! I get to fantasize about that most of the time especially those customers I serve that flaunt their bitchy attitudes and degrades me.

Don't listen to them. You are Lea Salonga, you do your job well, and you inspire a lot of people. We, the people who love you and adore you will always be here.

As I have said, you're amazing as Fantine! You actually deserve another Tony for this, and I am not exaggerating, you do. Enjoy the moment, don't let other people ruin it. Just laugh.

I will pray for you and for your family.

GOD BLESS!

chinggay villacrucis-atillo said...

hi lea! the end always justifies the means!!!! don't ever, ever, ever, ever let those negative remarks weigh you down. those people are scumbags whose main goal in life is to put people down & make them feel bad. if you let them affect you, then you just made them succeed in their miserable attempt to demean people. so cheer up!!!!! you don't have to prove anything to them, you've already done that & achieved the highest awards & accolades, which some people can only dream of. i saw you on THE VIEW this morning!!! hey, if Rosie knows your name, you've made it, my dear!!!! the hell with those losers!!!! so get out there & sing!!!!! the higher you soar, the more annoyed they get. so fly high sister!!! you are one amazing lady!

XXXX YYYY said...

Some people just don't know the real meaning of a GREAT PERFORMANCE ;)

XXXX YYYY said...

ISA LANG MASASABI KO! WELL TO BE HONEST WITH U, INGGIT LANG SILA DI BA! A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE LIKE THAT, NAIINGIT KAPAG MERONG MAS HIGIT AT MAS SIKAT RIGHT? BUT HAYAAN MO SILA BAKA MAGKAWRINKLES KA LANG NYAN. MASISIRA LANG ANG BEAUTY MO.

Jun Anteola said...

yeah. i once stumbled upon a message board on Les Miz, and fans were excited about you doing Fantine, when out of nowhere somebody had the gall to cut the fun and say, "...she's not the best". it wasn't even called for. i mean for what other reason than to try to pull you down? and why? and who?
and if you aren't the best, why do i bear the teasing about me listening to Inspired morning to night? and spending my limited internet time looking for buzz and videos on Les Miz and you?
well, actually, i've managed to make them converts too. :-)

sarah mamaril said...

if you're successful, other people will always find a way to bring you down either emotionally or psychologically (pati ata physically...hehe)...i guess that's how life really is...you can't please everybody...like my dad always tells me, don't mind what other people are saying about you as long as you know that you're happy and contented with what you're doing then they're the ones on the losing end...cuz they'll just forever act insecure and bitter towards people above them that they just end up being sucked up on this big black hole reserved for losers ("loser" seems to be a very negative word but i honestly can't think of a better way to describe these kind of people)...

nway, you're still the best!

Linnor Rapes said...

Whatever negative things others say don't really count. You've done a lot (more than any critic) to make our nation proud. Kudos to you!

Linnor
http://linnor.marikit.net/

Michael and Julie :) said...

After what you've attained, Lea, I don't think any negative feedback from other people should matter. It's seriously something to laugh about. Unless of course they can sing or perform better than you (corset or no corset), which I think is very unlikely...

Chinky Fuentes said...

Hi, Lea! I never, never imagined someone would say (or write) that you are not doing great as a performer. I mean, where does he or she come from? What would be her basis for writing such, I am confident to say, lies? How could anyone think you are below the highest performance level? My goodness, even those who are not fans of yours can't say a bad thing about your performance.

But you know, and we all know, what you are capable of.. When something is right, EVEN THE MAJORITY HAS NO POWER. And your performance is ALWAYS perfect.

Continue to do what you are doing. Inggit lang sila dahil wala silang Tony, Drama Desk and Olivier.

Gina MS said...

Oh noooo, let's not invite the trolls here! We've had enough of a particularly nasty one at the other site. And I remember how you always took his comments in stride....always rising above every biting comment. Those nasty SOBs can wallow in their bitterness and jealousy, and keep writing negative reviews as much as they want, but do remember that there are so much more people who look up to you and are proud of you, for everything that you do as a performer. Keep up the good work, Lea!

"Sticks and stones may break your bones, but their words will never hurt you!" - just remember that!

Chinky Fuentes said...

Everytime I tell someone I am a Lea Salonga fan, NOBODY says I have bad taste. They ALWAYS say in bisaya "Wala gi-alang-alang", meaning I did not settle for someone mediocre, or even a little bit lower than the highest.

And I told every kind of people that I am a Lea Salonga fan - rich, poor, students, professionals, old young, even kids (especially kids!), politicians, my husband's friends (all of them, their wives too, and children), people from my church, from every religion, foreigners, those who are married to foreigners, music lovers/performers, those who can live without music, etc... They always say they can't blame me why I am a fan.

Kyla Rivera said...

personally, as a performer, i believe you know in your gut when you performed well or not. it IS crazy though, how i look for validation, and the slightest bad remark will have me doubting myself even a little. and the reality of it is no matter what, there is at least one person having something to say about one's performance in a show.

"...I can then go home feeling happy and fulfilled, with my mind at work, thinking of how to top each passing performance." -- a very healthy attitude, something i learned from chari. :) she'd always say to focus on the work, and that i can always do better than the last.

we believe in you! you have paved the way for every aspiring filipino thespian. :) and though i only watched you in baby the musical and the araneta concert back in the day, i've never actually seen or heard a bad performance. break a leg for shows to come! :)

Franco L. said...

Well Lea you make us proud and no matter what these so called "critiques" are saying we all know that everytime you go out there on stage, you give it your best and that's what makes you an excellent performer! I don't understand why some people like to write negative things about other people or on the performance of a person. If they have nothing good to say or write then don't say or write it at all. Sige lang ng sige, hala bira sa pag-arte at pag-awit mo. You are there because you deserve to be there! Kudos to you Lea! :-)

jon joven said...

Cruel business we are in and I guess "artists" who never stop learning and growing will always be affected with what others will say. We say "oh yeah its ok, I'm not affected....etc" at the end of the day you will still hear its echo. Haaaayyy Lea, what I always do is listen to the people who loves me the most, their words are the one that matters-----THE MOST. You have nothing more to prove to anybody, just be the one, just be "you!!" a World Class Performer! HELLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!!!

purpletoes CG said...

What is that saying, "you can't please everybody"...at the end of the day if you're happy with your performance, that's all that matters. Good luck and keep dodging those A-holes.

Michelle S said...

Ate Lea, just be assured that your name will always be synonymous with greatness throughout the World! You are highly sought-after perpetually! Belittling remarks from those pathetic scumbags are to be ignored because they just don't have any merits whatsoever. Hubby & I can't wait to watch your performance on May 16th! Yippeee!!!

Janice Greenberg said...

Lea,
You know Trevor, Claude-Michel, Alain, and Cameron think you are perfect for Fantine. That's why they asked you to join the cast. From the Broadway.com video your voice is exquisite and I've read that you have a different take on Fantine -- which I think is great. You've said how much you are enjoying doing the show. Dont let negativity by a few people ruin it for you. I know from experience what it's like to be criticized while you are doing something you love.
Janice

Alexander Cohen said...

You might try thinking about the job of the reviewer. He or she has a professional responsibility to judge the performance honestly--and at least a reviewer for a publication must keep the interest of the reader. If I as a reviewer say, "This performance was bad," end of review, I haven't done my job, any more than you'd have done yours if you were to come out on stage and sing "I Dreamed a Dream" in the style of a first warm-up exercise. I have to say how bad it was, and in what respect, and I have to do it creatively--otherwise no one will read the review, nor learn anything about whether to spend their time and money watching the show. And the same applies if the performance was good, as yours always are: If I say, Lea's great, great, great--Joe Jones, who doesn't know me from Adam, has no idea whether that's worth anything; this is why I have to say, Lea does X, Y and Z very well, and I have to be creative in saying it.

I recognize that people can be hurt by bad reviews--people who have done their best, even, if their best did not prove good enough. But a reviewer who never gave negative reviews would merely create review inflation--his reviews would be worth nothing. Consider: If I said, Lea, you're the best there is, and then I said the same to every other actor on Broadway, my saying you're the best there is would be meaningless. And it would be just as meaningless if I said it in print--and be a breach of professional ethics too, since it is manifestly not true that everyone is the best there is. You are; as a logical consequence, the rest are not.

As for having the time to think of new ways to say a performance was bad--that's their job. They have the time to think of new ways to say performances are good and bad the same way you have the time to sing. And if it were necessary to be as good a singer as you are in order to review you properly, no one would qualify; indeed, if it were necessary to be good enough to sing on Broadway, few people who are qualified would want to spend their time reviewing other people instead of performing themselves.

For that matter, we could run the argument in reverse and ask whether you're qualified to critique reviewers--can you write a negative review? Obviously, you can write--and rather well--but could you express a negative judgment of a performance in a way that would be informative, keep the reader's interest, and be a statement you are willing to stand behind in public--including when you have to talk to the people in the show? It's a task that challenges one's judgment of the art, one's writing ability, and one's character, all at once.

All that being said, any reviewer who pans YOU needs his ears examined. Preferably with a sharp object. ;)

ARC

Jenn Agustin said...

that's just one person's opinion, we all love you. :)

Jade Angeles-Padero said...

Opinions may help us do better, depending on how we take them. But in your case, there's nothing more to improve on. I watched you perform last Tues, March 20, and your performance was such an impact! (as always)

Anyway, thank you for signing my CD's and having our picture taken =)

CJ Jimenez said...

I haven't seen any of those negatives comments. I'm surprised there's any. All I read on the net is how good you are and after seeing you in the role, you are the best Fantine ever!!! A lot of Broadway actors adore you and see you as their idol. Sutton Foster is one and she's also a Tony Award winner and is often a nominee for her new roles. You're one of Broadway's treasures, not to mention, have they seen the increase of ticket sales for the show? It's so hard to get good tickets now.

XXXX YYYY said...

I think the bottomline of all these opinions is that it gives us time to examine ourselves. It shows us the things we have to still improve on, and the things that we are already doing right. The best judge of course in this situation is still ourself. Filipino pride!

Gerry Nepomuceno said...

Hi Lea, I saw your matinee performance March 10th and I was very pleased that you came out to greet your fans at the stage door after the show. Some of the principals did not even bother. At any rate, I thought your performance was stellar and pitch-perfect as always. However, my only criticism is that you still look way too young -especially with the punk rock 'do after Fantine sold her hair. You definitely can still play the ingenue. Well, I suppose your agelessness would serve you well in the Cinderella tour. Can't wait to see you in that as well. God bless!

Anne Shirley said...

Hi Lea, I discovered your site only a few weeks ago. Thanks for sharing this with us. Your post reminded me of one of my conversations with a friend/classmate from Georgia (Eastern Europe, she's not American ha, ha). She's a poet and in her opinion there's no good or bad poetry, rather, something is a poem or it isn't. Anyway, being a writer myself we talked about critics of every kind (especially those who rely so much on theory, not on practice). So we concluded that those who CANNOT do what someone else is doing become just that... critics.

More power to you! As I am now based in Europe I regret not having had the chance to watch you perform while I was in the Philippines. Maybe someday.

Take care... you have such a lovely family...

Aleli Geraldino said...

i had the chance to watch your dinner concert last february, it was really great. you are a great performer not only because you have a great voice but it's how you carry the show and your humor :)

My pictures of you were so blurry coz i stayed on the bleachers (the cheapest ticket i can get hehe) but next time i'll save so i can be near the stage hehehe

Hope to see you next valentines again. in waterfront again :)

Ria Avelino said...

So much people believe in you. So many of them have been touched by your performance. Such a minute review that does not know how to appreciate should only be thrown to our recycle bin. Heads up Ms.Lea you are the best at what you do and the entire country is proud of you.

Noel Li said...

Lea,

You're my musical hero. I really hope to be able to see you in Les Mis this summer.

I myself am a musician too, and I understand how it feels to hear/read negative comments about my passion for music. Others don't know how much pressure it is to always strive for perfection each and every performance. It's hard work! Others don't understand how much background work and preparation goes into each performance.

I think it's amazing how performers like you can sing so well live, yet be wearing corsets and/or uncomfortable costumes. Blows my mind away!

- Noel

Luzel * said...

Hi Lea,

I'm a HUGE fan ever since. Glad that you're back in NY :) It's been a while since we saw you at Carnegie Hall. So we could hardly wait to see you in Les Miz this past Saturday. Your performance was outstanding!!! I don't know what the other critics had to say but they must have had a bad day or something. Oh well, c'est la vie.

No doubt there will always be hoards that will wait for you outside Broadhurst after each show. We did :) Big thanks for the autograph and the photo op!! You must have been tired but it was sweet of you to take the time.

Cheers!

Pink Pumpkin said...

This reminds me of the time when you were on Philippine Idol as a guest judge. After the performance night, I saw this ABC forum on the net and they've been saying nasty things about you... I felt as if my blood ran through my head! I mean if they can't say anything good they better shut the f*** up diba??

Oh well.. Jed Madela is right... you can't please everybody... but i wish they'd just shut up... they can never do what you do or what you've done, for heaven's sake!! And I would also agree on Miss Steffi, I'd gladly do the head-bashing thing.. Jaime can kick them... and maybe Sofia could drown them to death! haha!

Anyways... you're extraordinary Miss Lea... Über wonderful!!!
God bless!!

Jason . said...

Lea, I'm a believer that you can't please everbody. There's always that 1 or 2 or more that will really find the worse things in a performer. Your best gauge - the followers waiting for you outside the stage door....you must have done something right for them to wait for you outside the stage door. You rock!!!!

arkitekfhc . said...

There are also those people that thrive in putting down people or productions. It's like power to them. Key is self-check, humility, and continued recognition and gratitude of supporters and fans. You can only do so much to please so many.

Rico del Rosario said...

Dear Lea,

My two cents'... I encourage you writing about it--in your blog or anywhere for that matter so long as you write at and about it. Writing sorta helps metabolize how you feel and keeps you real. What you're doing is healthy. Sure, it's one or two person's bad reviews compared to a whole slew of people saying you were great, but comments can and sometimes do hurt. They do affect you, and it's healthy to be honest with that.

The best part of all of this is, and I truly admire you for it, is that you get up there and you do your job with all your heart in spite of these reviews. Sometimes anger can be metabolized as energy, and we can even use this energy creatively to service our art.

PS I've been meaning to send you a fan's postcard through the < c/o Don Spradlin > address, though I don't know if that will still reach you.

Lloyd de Leon said...

Don't get affected, Lea. You're already there at sa taas ng standards mo, you'd know if you did good or just so-so in a performance regardless of what others had said. Just do your thing. I personally believe you'll get an award this year. Sino pupusta?

timmy uke said...

When it comes to a person's art, no one is a critic to yourself except you... for it IS you. The rest for better or worse are all leaves blowing by. Some linger in admiration, some scorn. What you create is expression of yourself and if it makes you happy you've done your job. After all, when you are alone you must love yourself. The rest, for better or worse, are just icing on the cake.

Ed Cordero said...

Napiyok ka na ba?

Or na sin tonado?

It's ok with me if I hear it from you. I think it would add a peculiar dimension if your voice breaks a little bit in "I Dreamed a Dream". That way, that's Fantine I hear, not Lea.

A lot of us may fail to catch La Aunor's magic. If Nora's in character, you either hate or love her. It's not the acting, you see in her your own reflection.

XXXX YYYY said...

Though opinions are subjective, know that your fans' opinion of you is based on fact - that you are ubertalented and are a kind person.

Yannah & Ethan Redondo said...

As part of her personal policy, famous author Amy Tan doesn't read the write-ups of her critics. Maybe you should do the same so you will not become self-conscious and risk the quality of your performance in the process.

Kristine Lauro said...

all i can say is ms lea na kahit may ayaw sayo na tao, isipin mo na lng po na marami kang fans, kasama na ako dun! lols..wala tayong magagawa sa mga taong ganun

Jasper Po said...

Hi Lea,

Is there a critic/msg board/group whose comments/thoughts you check out because they usually give (sensible even to the artist) constructive criticism? Would like to know who you respect a lot. While there will always be people who aim to just blow an artist/work to bits just for the heck of it, and even more people who try to shoot the artist/work down only because they want to rid the industry of who/what they deem to be "competition", there will always be a corner who will give the artist a good kind of a shaking--one that aims to expand the viewpoint the artist may have. Right? Not thinking along lines of mentors/coaches; more of journalists (ala PCIJ or really objective people who try to bring the most truth out, bring a fresh perspective, and who try to further the status quo) /people not related to the artist/work in any way.

P.S. Your Marie Claire Philippine cover/issue is out na! Great article. Loved your interview.

Jasper

John August Pamintuan said...

hi lea, i watched you on april 18 and i thought it would be difficult for you to fit into an already drawn image of fantine. when you went out on stage, all the more i was apprehensive because you were not too tall, kind of young and innocent. but when you started singing i dreamed a dream, it was your presence, talent and x-factor that took over, owning the part and making it your own.

at that point i forgot about the les miserables i watched in manila about 16 years ago, and the one in west end in 2000. what mattered was the moment, with fantine telling her sad story to the people, with you moving the audience to tears, including myself.

i do not want to write too much praise, but i only watched the show because of you, and it was well worth it. there were of course some funny items, where images of annie went through my head after fantine sold her hair.

you are doing a really great job and you should be happy when you go home at night, because our kababayans wait for you outside the theater. there could be no more heartwarming moment than that. just forgive your enemies, nothing will annoy them as much. (oscar wilde)

Vince Vicentuan said...

An opinion is an opinion unless you take it as a fact. Who hasn't been panned, onstage or offstage? That's what makes success even sweeter.

That's also what had made your Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, etc. the sweetest because during that time, your kababayans here did not have so much belief in your talents. And boy, did you bash them back to their senses!

I've been with people whose fiery words can just burn down someone else's day and yet, when you take a look at them, they are the ones who have yet to experience encouragement or affirmation. Bashing someone is their own way of taking all their bitterness out at the world - a catharsis; but what can be so bad is they vent it at people who have nothing to do with the bitterness they suffer. And choose people well they do! Would it make a difference if I bashed the kanto boy in the neighborhood? Why, I would rather bash Lea Salonga! Sikat siya e! Gives me a sense of pride no matter how fake that pride is.

As for the legit critics, I suppose this may help:

"If you (the critics) have to fight a crowd of boys (one is Lea, hope this doesn't offend you hehehe), it's best to go for the biggest one (of course, Lea, who else?). That way you won't have to fight them all. The others will see that you mean business and you will win their respect." -
-- Suzanne Vega

It was also Suzanne who once said (if I may paraphrase her, can't exactly recall) that a praise can only be sweet if done sparingly.

Your Les Miz rehearsal video shows a tiger of a Fantine. Now, take that as a compliment. Please?

Vince Vicentuan said...

Bingo!

Mike Tab said...

Actually I don't read / believe any critics' reviews. To see is to believe. We are always proud of you and 100% of the time like the result of your effort. I will only start to read CRITICS's review and will start to matter if they can beat this "Lea Salonga received the Laurence Olivier Award for her portrayal of Kim in the London production of Miss Saigon, and has received the 1991 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, as well as the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards for her performance of Kim on Broadway. She has recently performed for President and Mrs. Bush at the Victory Awards at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C. and for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, at the Royal Variety Performance in London, as well as appearing on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

This year Lea recorded the role of Tuptim for the soon-to-be-released Rodgers and Hammerstein recording of The King and I, also starring Julie Andrews, Ben Kingsley and Peabo Bryson. Lea also recorded the singing voice of Jasmine for the upcoming Disney film, Aladdin. She recently performed at the Pacific Rim Forum in San Diego, The Songwriter's Hall of Fame Awards in New York, the Opening Ceremonies of the 30th Chess Olympiad in Manila, the Exposition '92 in Seville, Spain, and at the Hollywood Bowl during its Summer Festival 92 concert series, along with Peabo Bryson and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by John Mauceri. Lea is presently at work on her Atlantic Records debut album. "

Mike Tab said...

So in short -- if these critics cannot beat that -- for me they are considered DNE or DNM
"Does not exist" or "Does not matter" -- I have a feeling these negative critics can't even carry a tune or may not even know how to act. I am sure that these negative critics maybe old, ugly and stinky -- that's why they are negative -- just living proportionately to their appearances. LOL. Just ignore them your highness Lea.

Rudy Rivera said...

Hi Ms. Lea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually your critic are really SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The whole World knows Ms.Lea Salonga- has a World Class Talent....
You are the finest artist in Asia and truly Philippine treasure!!! Keep it up!!!

Click here and comment... What u like... said...

I'm listening to "Songs from home"...

Every song Lea Salonga taps into comes to life... It's miraculous!

The rendition of every song is to be envied by any Filipino musician. Just WOW!

Click here and comment... What u like... said...

I'm listening to "Songs from home"... It's miraculous that every song Lea taps comes to life ! Omg... I wish I could embrace her voice. I wanna reach...and float with them.

Darci Faye said...

Lea, no, I don't think opinions matter. They are just that, opinions. I just saw you on Tuesday July 17 and I was lucky enough to sit front row. You blew me away, you were AMAZING! I like never cry and I was tearing up watching you sing I Dreamed a Dream and Come to Me. You just put soo much emotion in the songs, they are tear jerkers. I honestly can't imagine anyone NOT thinking you are super talented. They have to be pretty deaf!

I know I'm not on Broadway, or anywhere near as talented as you are, but I still have people trying to bring me down. I've heard so many people telling me that I'll never make it on Broadway, but I just don't let it get to me because it's my passion and always will be. I can see where you're coming from about wanting to read reviews, but I think it's important to ignore the bad and learn from the good. That's what I do right now, but when I'm on Broadway, it might be different.

I think it's just important to not let people get you down. One thing I've learned, and I'm sure you did too, everywhere you go there are going to be people trying to bring you down because they are jealous, low self-esteem, ect. Just don't listen to those people. You are amazingly talented and you are doing what you love. As hard as you'll try, you'll never be able to please everyone. But you have a lot of supporters here, just rememeber that. ;)

~Darci

diane frances said...

don't mind them!..for me you're great!