NEWSFLASH

LEA SALONGA FLIES HOME TO PLAY ‘MISS SAIGON.

NAIA, Pasay City, May 31, 2000 - Broadway star and internationally renowned performer Lea Salonga arrived yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from New York for several major projects in Manila, including the staging of the musical "Miss Saigon."

On hand to greet the 29-year-old Tony Award winner at the airport arrival area was close friend Martin Nievera.

Salonga, who gained international fame for playing the lead role in Cameron McKintosh's "Miss Saigon," received a bouquet of yellow daisies.

"I am very happy that Cameron McKintosh decided to stage 'Miss Saigon' in the Philippines, which has been a source of many of the talents in the different productions all over the world," she said during a brief press conference at the NAIA.

Salonga said the staging of "Miss Saigon" in Manila was the director's way of saying "thank you" to the Philippines.

She also pointed out that she was extremely happy for the many Filipinos who eventually left the musical and found careers all over the world.

The coming of "Miss Saigon" to Manila, Salonga said, was a great way of revitalizing the local entertainment industry since it would mean employment for a lot of Filipino performers.

The musical casts 45 actors, half of them Asians, who will be assured of employment for the entire six-month theater run. Salonga will be in the musical for only three months.

"This will also give actors a chance to hone their craft for an extended period of time," Salonga pointed out. "And this will bring attention to the local theater industry."

She pointed out that she feels a little intimidated performing before a Filipino audience, which she described as "very critical."

But overall, Salonga said she still feels the same excitement as when she was first cast in the role of the Vietnamese Kim -- the role that eventually gave her international recognition.