The moment she sang her first song, we were at her mercy. Lea Salonga wowed Bacolod City with her voice and her charm. The University of St. La Salle Coliseum was jam packed, all 7,000 or so seats. She is truly world class. Totally amazing. Totally awesome.

Lea’s Concert in Bacolod City was supposed to be held last January 12. However, since she had laryngitis and was advised to take a rest, it was moved to January 26. But with the performance she just had, who would have thought that only two weeks ago she wasn’t even allowed to talk by her doctor? Everytime she sings, she gets into character that you just don’t hear the song but you feel it. Oh, and the way she handles the crowd is just amazing. If only I can have half of her wits! Everytime she says something witty or funny, the crowd returned with cheers and applause.

Her repertoire included I Dreamed A Dream, I Don’t Know How To Love Him, Taylor the Latte Boy, On My Own, Love Look Away, I’d Give My Life For You, Two Words, Promise Me, Anak, Hahanapin Ko, Tomorrow, Journey, Reflection, A Whole New World (duet with Jed Madela), Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (first encore), Balut Penoy (second encore), and of course Ilonggo folk song Ahay Kalisud which really pleased the crowd. Her diction is so perfect that you wouldn’t know she’s not a Hiligaynon speaker. For those who still don’t know it yet, Lea Salonga’s mom Ligaya, hails from Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. Jed Madela also did a very good performance. I’ve seen him perform live with his band in Iloilo before but the songs he sang during Lea’s concert really showed his vocal prowess. Gerard Salonga was conducting but as much as he did a great job, the night belonged to his sister.

I’m full of superlatives tonight. I don’t know if it’s caffeine or Lea Salonga but I’m on high. Well, it’s not everyday that you get to see her perform live. I used to be a fan but now I’m a fanatic. To watch her on Broadway would be reason enough for me to migrate to the States.