WITH the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) opening ceremony set to happen at the Philippine Arena on Nov. 30, many wonder why Lea Salonga, singer of the official theme song, “We Win As One,” will not be present at the highly anticipated event.
Lea revealed she has to beg off because of a previous theater commitment abroad.
“I can’t because Sweeney Todd and all of its murderous mayhem has already contracted me to be in Singapore…I’m going to probably be catching up with it later in the evening after I get home from work,” she said.
When the theme song was originally launched, the singer said she is proud to be able to represent the country through the song.
“I guess representing my country, whether or not I even think about it, I just kind of do especially when I perform outside of the Philippines na parang nasa balikat ko pa rin yung bayan ko,” Lea said.
“The Philippines is going to be hosting
the games, that’s when I really have to be mindful of the representation na every note I sing dapat walang mali, dapat hindi pumapalya, dapat
hindi sintunado. Everything has to be in its place because I know that
there is a greater impression to be made. And it’s not just Lea Salonga but Lea
Salonga from the Philippines singing it,” she explained.
Lea also stated that she has nothing but respect and pride for all the Pinoy
athletes competing this year.
“I just have to say that athletes have
some of the most difficult jobs just because of how hard their bodies are just
pushed and a lot of it is at will and going to the limits of your physical
endurance and strength and flexibility, talagang bilib ako sa lahat ng mga
athletes so I’m hoping that everyone from this country supports all of them in
all of the sports, even in sports na hindi natin masyado kilala,” she
said.
The international performer shared her wish for our country’s representatives
at the SEA Games this year.
“I’m hoping we have a pretty respectable medal haul, but even if we don’t, let’s host everyone with hospitality and big smiles on our faces and let’s make sure that everybody gets to go home satisfied that the games went well,” she added. (Push)
