Thursday, April 09, 2009

So last Sunday, I celebrated my 32nd birthday one week earlier by having yet another jam party in Manila.  I'll post pictures when I get them, till then, something to read...

By Lea Salonga
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:12:00 04/08/2009


ONE OF my dear friends, Hong Kong Disneyland musical director Rony Fortich, recently celebrated his birthday in his homeland with a party I could only describe as wonderful.

Rony was once a flannel-shirted, bespectacled Accounting major at De La Salle University. However, one fine day, much to our good fortune, musical theater found him. It’s kept a firm grip on him ever since, thank goodness.

The first (and, so far, only) time we’ve worked together was in the 2004 musical “Baby.” But before that, he had already worked on other musicals for several theater companies, as either musical director or rehearsal pianist— his piano-playing chops always in use.

Fast forward to 2005. Mickey Mouse’s Magic Kingdom in Hong Kong beckoned and that’s where he still lives and works today.

Nearest and dearest

So how exactly did he celebrate his birthday? By inviting some of his nearest and dearest friends and family, and accompanying them on the piano as they sang songs from musical theater staples and cabaret favorites.

This was actually the third time his birthday would be celebrated this way. However, this was my first time to attend.

The celebration was titled “No Disclaimers,” meaning those who got up to the microphone to sing couldn’t give any excuses should their performance be less than spectacular (For example, “I have a sore throat,” or “I haven’t warmed up yet.” Apparently last year’s party was full of those).

The venue was a function room in a Makati apartment building, where a couple of Rony’s friends reside. Behind the upright piano was a photo tarp of a piano keyboard, and the words “Mamma Mia here we go again!” There was a sound board, microphones and full-on lighting. My gosh, this night was going to be serious!

After a sumptuous dinner buffet, it was time to start the music. Rony himself provided the opening number that he wrote, “accompanied” by Carla Guevara-Laforteza (a “Miss Saigon” veteran, and one of the stars of Atlantis Productions’ “Avenue Q” and “Spelling Bee”).

College friends

Next up were his friends from college who prepared something special and beautifully sung. Later, Rony’s niece Chloe performed a sweet rendition of Abba’s “Thank You for the Music.” Throughout the night, one by one, Rony’s friends from Manila’s musical theater scene got up to sing.

Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo got up to interpret “Meadowlark” from “The Baker’s Wife.” Carla Laforteza and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez did “For Good” from “Wicked.” Franco Laurel gave an emotional rendition of “Kaya Ko” from “Rama at Sita.” Bito Escalante performed a soulful “Come to Your Senses” from “Tic Tic Boom.” Cathy Azanza-Dy and Noel Rayos reprised their “Urinetown” team-up in “Follow Your Heart.” Mayen Bustamante-Cadd brought the house down with “Alto’s Lament.”

Oh yeah, I did get up to sing “Taylor the Latte Boy,” one of my favorite songs, ever.

At the end of the party, Rony announced that there would be one song left—“Seasons of Love” from “Rent.” A few former “Rent” (Manila) cast members went up the mics for this finale: Bituin Escalante, Svetlana Jalosjos and Joel Trinidad. Everybody clapped their hands to the rhythm, gamely (and loudly) singing along, celebrating a dear friend.

With much love and respect, happy birthday, Rony!

I reckon it’s time to start preparing for Birthday Jam 2010.

Anyone who knows me knows that being behind a piano accompanying a singer is my cloud 9. And seeing I accompanied over 30 songs last Sunday, I was only ready to start coming down to earth on last night. But with this article, it looks like I'm gonna stay afloat a bit longer. As a fan, I am honored. As a friend, I am deeply touched.

Thank you Lea... For this incredibly sweet and beautiful gesture. Even Chloe is thrilled.

Next year it is!

rhapsody [ 6:10 PM ] | 0 comments