Rachelle Ann is BACK as FANTINE!

As Rachelle is back in London for her third stint as the doomed Fantine in Les Misérables, let us look back at her first 2 runs - in London and in the Asian Tour. 

Miss Saigon Auditions in Manila

The smoke has cleared. The very first auditions for the planned revival of Miss Saigon in London is over. I am in tears and SUPER PROUD of my friends who dared. They went the distance to follow their dreams.

In the first round, the auditionees were asked to sing a part of their prepared audition song - mostly the chorus part. Therese, Mikko, JJ, Miko and Jee didn't make it past the first round, but I'm so proud of them as I always am. I'm sure it was not easy facing Cam Mack's trusted representatives, and the all other almost 500 auditionees.

Fritz and Karencitta on the other hand made it to the second round where the "survivors" were asked to sing the whole song this time. Again, I'm so proud of them considering that a lot of professional singers and professional thespians did not make it.

But among all my friends who auditioned, one shines above all else. The Ultimate Champion, the Fierce Songstress and now, I'd like to call her the Ultimate Survivor as she's one of the seven ladies who made it. Yes, it's Shin Shin, otherwise known to the world as Rachelle Ann Go. She got in along with Tanya Manalang, Apple Chiu, Frencheska Farr, Emerald Bañares, Mary Jane Solomon and Aicelle Santos. The lead role of Kim will be chosen from among them, and biases aside, I don't see any other girl who has all the qualities of 'Kim' but Shin.

No casting has and will be announced, since the creative team will still have auditions in London for the other (Caucasian) characters. One thing is for sure though. Shin is IN! She survived and yes, I am so damn proud!

And by the way, may I just say that my friends who made it past the first round all sang the songs that I suggested to them. Those friends who were up to the first round? Let's just say they sang the songs that they thought were best for them.

Being a Part of Her World ♥

First of all, I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all those who helped me just so I can go to Manila and watch the second to the last show of Disney's The Little Mermaid. I didn't just go there to watch as a fan and friend of Rachelle Ann, but as a fan, patron, performer and director of the arts - theatre and music.

It was an adventure for me going there alone with very limited budget in my pocket, but I survived, and I enjoyed the show so much. In my 31 years of existence, I can say that it was perfect. From the songs, to the staging, to the orchestration (yes, a live orchestra), to the performances, to the sets and props, it was absolutely PERFECT!

Some people are born to play certain roles in their lifetime that no one else can. Shin was born to play Ariel, period. With all objectivity, she was so much better than the original Broadway Ariel (Sierra Boggess). She captured the spirit of Jodi Benson (the original Ariel in the cartoons) and made the character her own.

Bravo, Shin! Bravo, Direk Bobby & Direk Chari! Bravo, Erik! Bravo, Atlantis Productions! Bravo, everyone! You so more than deserve the standing ovation that you got in every performance! :)

Congratulations, Shin Shin!

7 years of friendship, and watching & hearing you perform, 

you really outdid yourself.

Soo proud of you!

Love you! ♥

Under the spell of ‘Little Mermaid’

by Lea Salonga

Philippine Daily Inquirer

I brought Nicole out for a mommy-daughter date to the theater last Friday, the opening night of Atlantis Productions’ mounting of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Meralco Theater.

All of us in the family have seen the Disney film on which the stage version was based. But we haven’t seen the stage production, so I jumped at this opportunity.

From the moment the music played (under the excellent musical direction of Ceejay Javier), we were magically transported to this kingdom under the sea.

The plot is similar to that of the movie, besides moments that would have been impossible to stage (there is no shark chase here, nor is there a gigantic Ursula).

New songs by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater (the same team behind “Tangled and Sister Act: The Musical”) were added, which seemed to blend seamlessly enough with the original tunes from the film.

This stage version stars Rachelle Ann Go as Ariel, Erik Santos as Prince Eric, Jinky Llamanzares as Ursula, OJ Mariano as Sebastian, Calvin Millado as King Triton, Ikey Canoy as Scuttle, Felix Rivera as Flotsam, Jamie Barcelon as Jetsam and Raymond Concepcion as Grimsby.

Add to that a mix of Atlantis, Repertory Philippines and Trumpets/Stages regulars with a few fresh faces, and you have a very strong, principal-player quality ensemble.

The way the show was orchestrated, I swore you heard far more than the number of players who were actually in the pit. The sound was rich, bright and full. Kudos, too, for the sound design team. There was only one crackle the entire night, and even then it wasn’t disturbing.

Inventive

The sets and costumes were beautiful and inventive. I loved the “Kiss the Girl” scene—where fireflies, frogs and large birds came alive, creating a colorful and romantic atmosphere. “Under the Sea” was one big calypso party, with neon creatures and sea plants. The silhouette puppetry deserved praise as well.

I couldn’t ask for anything more from the performers. From ensemble to principal, each one was completely committed to creating this beautiful world. But of course I have my standouts.

Llamanzares rocked my world with her mind-blowing vocal skills as Ursula. Each time she opened her mouth to sing, I got so gigil at just how amazing she was, not to mention the bigness in her personality to actually make those humongous and unwieldy costumes come to life. Ang sarap kayang hagisan ng sapatos sa sobrang galing.

Millado was more than sufficiently regal as the ruler of the seas; Rivera and Barcelon were a lovely electric eel team (they were so clear that even my 5-year-old knew what kind of creatures they were supposed to be); Canoy was a really funny and endearing Scuttle (he was also great in “The Kitchen Musical,” now showing on Studio 23 and AXN); and Concepcion was a very dignified Grimsby.

Mariano was fantastic as Sebastian, although his Caribbean accent found itself in Ireland and Scotland once in a while. Kudos to the six princesses, too, each for being so unique whether they were on land, or in the ocean. To the male ensemble, you were all muy macho.

Improved diction

Now, for the two artists making their musical theater debuts. Santos has vastly improved in his English diction. It is clear that for “Mermaid,” he put in a lot of hard work, which was beautifully on display here, especially when he sang. There is still room for improvement, but he has made great strides in the right direction. And yes, he actually can act, too!

As for Go, I don’t know that the superlatives in my vocabulary could cover just how wonderful I thought she was. Bundles of charm oozed from her, as well as an easy sense of humor and adventure. Her voice was also a great mix of that clean and pristine Disney sound, plus a deep pop sensibility that made this score (and her Ariel) accessible to everyone.

She was a perfect Ariel, and her portrayal will only continue to deepen and improve. She blew me away on opening night. Whatever management outfit, studio or record label is currently handling her needs to realize, if they haven’t already, just how big a treasure they have on their hands. Go is incredibly talented.

So run, drive, and yes, swim to “The Little Mermaid.” They have three more weekends at the Meralco Theater. If the standing ovation on opening night is any indication, they are in for a stellar run. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew, including co-directors Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga and choreographer Cecile Martinez. Break fins until December 11!

Source: http://entertainment.inquirer.net/22015/under-the-spell-of-%E2%80%98little-mermaid%E2%80%99

Window of the Heart

One of Shin Shin's songs that wasn't released but included in her I Care album is Window of the Heart, a duet with Mark Bautista. It's a very beautiful song that I think should have been released by Viva. Oh well, there's nothing we can do now about it.

Where do I begin I’m still looking for a way

To tell you how I feel and there’s so much to say

When you look at me I can tell you want to know

If my heart is for real and here to stay

Countless moments I’ve tried to find you

I keep telling myself, to remind me that it’s true

If you wanna know my love, from end to the very start

You can see me through the window of the heart

Chorus:

Just let me know I’m everything to you

You changed my world from all that I knew

If you’re looking for the truth, I know where you can start

You can see me through the window of the heart

Stop where you are, just look into my eyes

You can see where I live, and how I live for you

You light the spark that brings a flame to the core

From my waking hour, it’s in all that I do

Chorus:

Just let me know I’m everything to you

You changed my world from all that I knew

If you’re looking for the truth, I know where you can start

You can see me through the window of the heart

I wanna dream, I wanna to live it everyday

With a love that never stops inside

And fills my life in every way

I would never ask of you,

What I’m not so willing to give

Cause to be without you in my life,

Well that’s just no way to live

Chorus: (2x)

Just let me know I’m everything to you

You changed my world from all that I knew

If you’re looking for the truth, I know where you can start

You can see me through the window of the heart

Happy 24th Shin

Happy 24th Birthday to the

Ultimate Champion,

Rachelle Ann Go

As always, we're forever here

behind you come what may.

Love you, Shin! ♥

Finally Recognized

I am very happy that a lot of people are finally appreciating Shin Shin and her amazing talent. So far, her transfer to GMA 7 from ABS-CBN has been a blessing, and it's such a joy watching her finally get the recognition that she rightfully deserves. She was one if not the most talented female performer in ASAP XV, but was either not recognized by the station's bigwigs or was.. I'd rather not get into that. The important thing is that she's being appreciated more now, especially by people who just thought of her as one of those-who-know-how-to-sing before.

Speaking of recognition and appreciation, here's one of her amazing performances from her True Champions concert with Jed last year. Her rendition of this classic is just amazing, and it shows that her range and vocal quality have improved a lot in the 6 years she's been in show business.

From the Start

Day 18 of the 30 Day Song Challenge - A song that you wish you heard on the radio

Today as Shin Shin embarks on her new journey, a new start, I wish I would hear her song, From the Start, on the radio.

From the Start was composed by Vehnee Saturno and won Best Song, as well as winning a silver medal for Shin as Best Interpreter in the 2004 Shanghai Music Festival. It's one of her biggest hits, and a song that she can call her own.

Say you'll keep me in your heart
Promise me, we'll never part
I can only love you so much more
cause you are all I'm living for
and the only thing I'd do
Is to give my love to you
and forever you'll be in my heart
The way I've always loved you from the start

Goodbye ABS, Hello GMA

Today, Shin Shin will formally say goodbye to ABS-CBN, to ASAP XV, to her fellow performers who are also her closest friends.

It is a sad day for us, Shin's fans and friends, because in a few hours, she will sign a contract with ABS-CBN's rival station, GMA-7. From a Kapamilya, Shin will become a Kapuso. As a fan and friend, I am both excited and sad. Excited because after confirming the transfer with Shin and her mom, I learned about the possible projects planned for her, projects that will hopefully make her soar a little higher, make her star a little brighter. In the same breath, I feel so sad that she will no longer be performing with people she's been with for the past 6 years. There is no question that the talent-level of ASAP XV is far greater than Party Pilipinas or any other show, and though I respect Ogie Alcasid and Janno Gibbs, as the best and most seasoned male singers in GMA-7, I don't think they're good enough to match Shin's vocal prowess. Compare those two with ASAP's Martin Nievera, Arnel Pineda, Gary Valenciano and Jed Madela, and you'll get what I mean.

I've always said many times before that you won't really know the real value of someone or something until they're gone. I don't want to say this but I hate ABS-CBN for not really valuing Shin as one of the most talented stars they had. She was always second or third choice to others whose talents are inferior to hers, but she never complained. Demanding rehearsals and very early call time for a mere single production number where she gets to sing one stanza, she's still very professional about it. I've always hated ABS-CBN's politics and unfair treatment of their artists. Now that GMA has Shin, I hope they learned a lesson from their rival network, and will take care of Shin.

My loyalty has always been with Shin and not to any network. The best that I can do now is to hope and pray (hard) that everything will turn out well for everyone, most especially Shin Shin who's the center of this all.

Moving on is a simple thing,
what it leaves behind is hard.
Shin, you will always have our love and support.
And yes, God is always in control.
We love you! ♥

She Made it Through the Rain

Day 5 of the 30 Day Song Challenge - A song that reminds you of someone

Whenever I hear Mariah Carey's Through the Rain, I remember Shin Shin. This was the song that started it all for her. She sang it during the elimination round of Search for a Star, and wasn't planning to sing it again for the Finals as she had another song in mind. The producers thought Through the Rain would be her best song so they suggested it to her. She sang it, and the rest is history.

Shin totally owns the song from that amazing performance in the Grand Finals, until now. After 5 albums to date, she still includes this song in most of her shows and gigs, and her rendition now is much more powerful and heartfelt. Now in her 6th year in show business, she has weathered all the storms that came her way, and no question she will weather the storms that have yet to come.

When everything will be said and done, she can look back and say she made it through the rain.

Love Rocks rocked Cebu

OMG!

Arnel Pineda is a Rock God! He really is. And he rightfully deserves all the success and blessings that he has now because of what he is: A very humble little man with a big heart and lungs of steel.

Cebuanos have always been critical music lovers, and one of the most difficult to please audience. That is the reason why the Concert King, Martin Nievera, for the longest time would always start his year in Cebu. And in all the concerts that I've been to, I rarely see the Cebuano audience rock and dance while watching.

Tonight was an exception.

The Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel was total electric. Arnel's energy was simply amazing from the sound check a few hours earlier (yes, I was that early) until the end of the concert. If I'm not mistaken, AP sang 34 songs, including a surprise that brought the house down: a medley of Journey hits.

I'm also very proud that of all the great artists around, it was Shin Shin who was chosen as guest in AP's first major solo concert. As always, she did not disappoint as she rocked with AP.

Wow! I'm still high from attending my very first rock concert. Well, technically, this is my second as I watched the After Image band when I was way younger, but yeah, I witnessed Arnel Pineda rock in the flesh belting out all my favorite rock and a few slow songs.

I am a witness.

Love Rocks

I was offered to do a solo Valentine's gig on February 12, 2010, but as much as I was so excited to perform again, I had to decline it with a heavy heart.

This is the reason.

Rarely do two of my idols come together for one major concert, and more rarely do they come to our city, so I will be watching this concert, even if it means pawning or selling my phone just to buy the tickets.

Love Rocks! ♥

Shin's Message for Katrina

Since that evening I spent with Shin, Jed and Princess was my daughter's birthday, Shin sent her birthday wishes for Katrina through vid.

Thank you, Tita Shin Shin. Katrina Alyssa was so happy to watch your greetings. ♥

Being with Shin & Jed

Yesterday, I went undertime from work, rode a van-for-hire, and went to a city I've never been before just to see and be with Shin Shin again. It was worth it. The van we were in was also the backstage and dressing room, so we were cramped with Shin, Tita Russ, Jed Madela and Princess Ryan, but it was okay because we had a chance to talk a lot. It was an amazing experience, and since it was my daughter's birthday, I got her a video greeting from her Tita Shin.

After the show, I had to sleep at the sidewalk because there were no more public transportation in or out of the city. Well, not really sleep because I was half-awake the whole 2 hours for fear that someone might swipe my bag. I went home this morning, took a bath, and went to work. I was excited for my shift to finally end tonight so I can go home and finally sleep, but an hour ago, my office mate called sick again, so that means I'm stuck here again for the next 4 hours at the very least. Sucks big time.

Oh well, I'm sure my sacrifices will pay off in the end. That is, if my body won't kill me first because of over fatigue.

Here's one of the pics I took while inside the van last night.

It was night to remember, indeed.

Shin's 2009 Achievements

As we're starting with 2010, let me go back a bit and congratulate (again) my friend and idol, Shin Shin for an amazing year. 2009 has been a roller coaster ride for her. Personally, her heart was broken again, but professionally, she received a lot of awards and recognitions long overdue.

♥ 2nd Red Music Radio Awards Best Song by a Female performer: "Honestly"
♥ 3rd iFM Pinoy Music Awards Best Song by a Female Performer: "Honestly"
♥ 3rd iFM Pinoy Music Awards Song of the Year: "Honestly"
♥ Revival Album of the Year, 1st PMPC Star Awards for Music
♥ Female Star of the Night, 1st PMPC Star Awards for Music
♥ Pop Female Performance in a Music Video - 2009 ASAP POP Viewers' Choice Awards
♥ Pop Female Artist - 2009 ASAP POP Viewers' Choice Awards
♥ Best RnB for "Paano" - 22nd Awit Awards (PARI)
♥ Gold Record Award for her "Rachelle Ann Falling In Love" Album
♥ ASAP'09 24K Gold Record Awardee for her "Rachelle Ann Falling In Love" Album
♥ ASAP Platinum Circle Compilation Awardee 2009 "GV 25: An All-Star Tribute

I'm sooo proud of you, Shin! Hoping and praying for more success in 2010.
And yes, as always, I'm still always and forever here for you.

Con Te Partiro

What do you get when you have one of greatest songs of all time and two of the country's best young singers? An amazing performance by Shin Shin and Jed Madela during their recent concert. This is what versatility is all about. Until now, I'm still awestruck.

True Champions

Thank God the concert of Shin and Jed last Saturday was an outstanding success! It's a relief to know that Shin was able to use the pain that she's feeling and gave out an amazing performance. She was able to prove that she is not just an Ultimate Champion, she is a Diva. As for Jed, I've always admired and envied his voice ever since I first heard him sing. He's simply amazing, and as Lea Salonga said, "he's not human." Kudos to Jed Madela and Rachelle Ann Go for a superb and successful concert.

For the nth time, Shin and Jed have proven that they are truly world-class performers and are just not given the right breaks yet. Showbiz in the Philippines is such a pity, with favoritism and politics still aplenty. *sigh*

I hope the producers will do a provincial, as well as a world tour for the True Champions. Words cannot even describe how great it was, and how great they were, good thing a few friends were able to take a lot of vids and posted them on You Tube for everyone to see.

Congratulations, Shin and Jed!

We're Behind You, Shin

A lot of rumors, speculations and talks are going around. I'm praying that through all of these, Shin will be alright. She doesn't deserve all the pain and hurt that she's feeling now. For goodness' sake, she's a very sweet, very down to earth girl. I hope everything will turn out well, especially that she has major concert with Jed Madela this Saturday.

Be strong Shin, we're here for you always.

We love you, Shin Shin.

YRS

One of the segments I love about ASAP 09 is YRS because it showcases the talents of YRS - Yeng, Rachelle and Sarah, three of the most amazing singers of this generation, all winners of reality singing contests.

This is one of my most favorite YRS aired September 6, 2009, when they sang the hits of the 80's. Featured songs were Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper, Call Me by Blondie, and Dangerous by Roxette.

Happy Birthday Shin!

To the world, you're Rachelle Ann Go, multi-awarded performer, Ultimate Champion. To us, you're Shin Shin, the most unassuming, really talented, really cool, and really sweet girl. May the Good Lord continue to shower you with His abundant blessings because you deserve it all.

I love you and I will always be here for you.

HAPPY 23RD BIRTHDAY SHIN SHIN! ♥