In the latest installment of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ “Triple Threats” series, this total performer will star in her own concert on Oct. 17 at the CCP Blackbox. She’s also wrapping up performances for Once on this Island and will be embarking on a Visayan tour of Rama Hari this October.
Singer-actress Shiela Valderrama-Martinez was pleasantly surprised and excited after she was offered to perform for the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) “Triple Threats” series.
“It’s an honor to be invited and be given this chance by the CCP,” Shiela said. “This was something I hoped to do someday and just like that it happened.”
Shiela went on to thank Dennis Marasigan, Ariel Yonzon and the entire CCP artistic team for choosing her. Part of My World, the title of Shiela’s upcoming concert, the second in the CCP’s “Triple Threats” series, is quite meaningful for her. For one, it was the song, the theme from The Little Mermaid, she sang in her very first professional audition.
“My concert will be a journey of my career, so I’m inviting my audience to see and be a part of my world,” Shiela said. “I’m a Disney girl through and through. I’ve done a number of Disney Princess roles in the past.
“I was among the pioneer vocalists of Hong Kong Disney shows and the past two years, I’ve performed at the Disney Orchestra Concerts abroad.”
The last time Shiela did a solo concert was at The Ruins in Bacolod, produced by Stages, her talent management outfit. She also did “That Fair Lady” for One Night Stand, the first show held in their El Pueblo branch.
Shiela’s personal choice as concert director is veteran stage actress and singer Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. “Yes, Menchu was the first person I thought of to direct my concert the minute I got the invite,” Shiela affirmed.
“She’s the First Lady of Philippine Theater and one of the first ones to do the CCP ‘Triple Threat ‘concert series. In Menchu’s words, she has seen me grow up in the business and witnessed my career.
“She’s a role model for us following the leading lady footsteps, so who better to direct it, right? Not to mention she’s a brilliant director. Very hands on and meticulous. She also gathered a fabulous team to work with us on this concert. So I know I’m in good hands.”
Menchu and Shiela have done quite a few shows together. All the way from Secret Garden in 2001, to Carrie, Godspell and several events and concerts.
“Menchu has a vision that I trust, but she’s very collaborative, which is great,” Shiela added. “I have a ‘yes’ girl mentality when it comes to work. I try before I say I can’t do it. Mench constantly reminds me to say what I want or say if I’m not comfortable.”
Working as musical director for “Part of My World” is Rony Fortich, who brainstormed with Shiela to finalize her set list for the concert.
“Just like Menchu, Rony was the MD (musical director) I first called when I got invited to do ‘Triple Threats,” shared Shiela. “Rony and I have known each other and worked together a long time.
“We worked in Disney. He has also worked as musical director in many of my shows, including my solo concert at The Ruins. So he knows my personality, my voice and range.
“We brainstormed on the set list. Songs that I love, songs that they felt would fit the show and suit my voice. It’s funny because when we were finalizing the line-up, Rony had these little pieces of paper with all the titles while we discussed and debated the order of the songs.
“That was me, Rony, Mench and Tita Luna Inocian, who is my show writer. It was like a puzzle, the sequencing: which song would musically flow, would fit the story thread of the show, would make sense, blocking wise. We also had to factor in the wardrobe changes and plotting the vocal endurance.”
Shiela, who will be performing with an 11-piece orchestra, remains mum about her set list. She wants it to be a surprise.
“Orchestral arrangements will be done by JC Celeste,” Shiela continued. “I will be singing with guests who are my best friends in the industry. My incredible leading men–Arman Ferrer, Floyd Tena and David Ezra – my fellow leading ladies Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Yanah Laurel.”
A choir led by Shiela’s good friend John Mojica, her husband Lorenz Martinez and daughter Simone Martinez, will also be part of the show.
Meanwhile, Shiela will devote rest of September for the 9 Works Theatrical musical, Once On This Island. In October, she will do a tour for Rama Hari before her “Triple Threats” concert.
“We close Once on This Island on September 29 at the RCBC Theater and I just have to say that I was thrilled to do this production because the character of Erzulie, whom I played, has always been in my bucket list of roles,” she shared.
“Then we leave for the Visayan tour of Rama Hari on October 2 for about two weeks. Performances will be in Dumaguete at Silliman University and Bacolod at St. Lasalle University.”
She’s excited because in this run, she’ll be doing dual roles of Sita and Kaikeyi. It will also be her first time to visit Dumaguete and perform at Silliman University. It’s quite ironic, actually, because Shiela is from the neighboring province of Negros Occidental. In fact, she considers Bacolod, which she will also be visiting, as her hometown.
“Right now, I’m juggling rehearsals and meetings for my concert, rehearsing for Rama Hari and doing ‘Once On This Island’ shows on the weekends of September,” she reveals.
It looks like Shiela would have to postpone any plans for a long holiday break, as the remaining last quarter of the year will continue to be a busy time for her.
“I start shooting the Netflix series Buy Bust by director Erik Matti,” she concluded. “After my concert, then the other series, Bag Man that we just wrapped up filming, will be aired this year, as well. It’s also ‘ber’ months so I’m gearing up for the busy events season.”
