Another musical event to look forward to.
By Elizabeth Lolarga,VERA Files
It may come as a surprise to some that seasoned pianist Cecile Licad, ballerina Lisa Macuja and singer Lea Salonga, who continue to light up stages here and abroad, confess to pre-concert jitters.
A blunt Licad says, “I’m always agitated and nervous before every show since I was seven. But as I get older, I’m less afraid of screwing up things. Everything in life is not perfect so why not make an art of screwing up? I’d ask the presentor if I can have a siling labuyo (hot chili pepper), I eat it. The taste keeps me awake.”
Salonga shares that she paces a lot before a show starts, apart from warming up her throat, to free herself of nervousness. She adds, “I can’t sit still. I go through the blocking and lyrics in my head. I stay hydrated and don’t talk too much. Praying keeps my calm.”