PNS — LEA Salonga attended the recent press conference for the 2008 Metro Manila Film Fes­tival entry, Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia produced by Cutting Edge. The international theater star is tapped to sing the theme song of the said full-length Pinoy animated film, the first in the his­tory of local filmmaking. Titled Li-pad, the song is penned by Jessie Lasaten and Temi Abad, Jr. and recorded with the FILharmoniKA. Lea stunned every one who at­tended the event, especially the entertainment press, with her flawless rendition of the song.

“It makes me proud to be part of this film. It’s an all-Filipino proj­ect. I had a feeling this was going to be something pretty important, given the technology it employs in order to make the movie and given that the story is about fac­ ing your fears and conquering obstacles and doing something great for somebody that you love and making your own dreams come true. There’s adventure and comedy in it so why wouldn’t I be part of something like this?   “This is a good start for Fili­pino animation. I hope the film becomes successful and inspire more local animation studios to produce. It feels great to do something for a Filipino compa­ny. It’s something that I can say: ‘This came from my country and I’m proud of it.’ The movie’s com­mercial success will surely make Filipino artists look things at a higher perspective,” Lea said. The international theater star was asked why she only sang the theme song and didn’t lend her voice to one of the essential characters? “I wasn’t offered. But if ever I was, perhaps, I would consider. I did that with Aladdin and Mulan before, remember? But singing the theme song also brings a different high. The only difference is that here in Dayo, I need not create a character. I just had to be myself.” There are ru­mors that she will do a movie with Aga Muhlach next year under Star Cinema.

“It’s still being negotiated. But I already expressed my desire to do a movie with him once again, provided the story will fit our pres­ent state. Hope it will showcase us as grown-ups, a far cry from our characters in Bakit Labis Ki­tang Mahal and Sana Maulit Muli. It has to be realistic. It cannot be a similar story or a rehash of our previous starrers.”

She and Aga are constantly communicating regarding their planned screen reteaming. “We exchange text messages. Actually, it’s not only us who are excited about the idea but our spouses as well. They really want us to do a movie together once again.” Lea happily revealed that as of now, she and hubby Robert will stay in the country longer. “He found a good job here. It’s nice because we’re in our native land and yet, I still get to travel abroad for my shows and concerts. This is the reason why I nixed some offers for a soap opera. I can’t commit my avail­ability. In fact this January, I will be out for the Singapore run of Cinderella. I am fully booked for next year.” Interestingly, Lea the mother never runs out of stories about daughter Nicole. “She’s growing up to be a smart tot. She’s friendly and very inquisitive. Her Lola Ligaya (Sa­longa) spoils her a lot. She’s a Mama’s Girl,” she stated. Many are curious as to when she and Robert will have their next baby. “Not at this point in time. The demands of our respective work get in the way. Anyway, Rob­ert and I still want to enjoy our little bundle of joy,” the talented artist summed up.