Gerard out of Lea’s shadow

In the beginning, as he himself would admit, people thought that Gerard Salonga was being given (special?) attention and hired as musical director only because he happened to be the younger brother of Lea Salonga.

"The surname helps a lot," said Gerard who, happily, is now on his own, taken for his own individual worth and talent, having moved out of Lea’s shadow. "Maybe people were curious how far Lea’s little brother would go so they hired me. But then, if you mess things up, if you don’t make the grade, nobody will hire you again even if you’re the brother of the president."

Because Gerard has amply proven his worth as an artist, he has been enlisted as musical director even for projects not starring Lea. Since he turned professional three years ago after graduating summa cum laude (with a grade of 3.92) from the Berkelee College of Music, Gerard has done more than a dozen projects, including those of Crossover Presents, Globe Telecom, Aliw Awards 2001, Studio 23’s Acoustic MYX, etc.

His latest is The Broadway Concert (a repeat) scheduled on June 19 at the PICC, starring his Ate Lea who’s flying from New York after performing at the Tony Awards where she will sing in a tribute to Richard Rodgers (of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein team). Gerard is the musical director of the concert which will be released as a "live" album by BMG (Pilipinas) Inc. for which Lea and Gerard have to date done seven albums.

Gerard begged to disagree with the general belief that stardom was offered to him in a silver platter.

"I must admit, though, that the chance and opportunity were offered to me on a silver platter," he said. "Before I began working, I studied music. I have the credentials. I could have pursued a career in the US but I couldn’t because I’m not an American citizen. No, I wouldn’t say that I’ve been an ‘overnight success’ here. I don’t even think that I’m already successful. I still have a lot to prove."

Neither are he and Lea into any "package deal," claiming he has worked more with other artists (Regine Velasquez, Jaya, Lani Misalucha, Pops Fernandez, Basil Valdez and Ryan Cayabyab among them) than with Lea.

"My sister would tell me, ‘Okay, I will hire you (as musical director). But if you don’t come up to the standard that I have set, I will not hire you again.’ You see, it’s not just my name that is at stake but also her name."

Because he often works with Regine (five times so far), there’s a suspicion that Regine has a crush on him – and vice-versa? Gerard nipped in the bud such a yarn by saying, "Regine is like a big sister to me."

The truth is that Gerard has been happily going steady for two years now with violinist DJ (Divina Juanita) Francisco who is the associate concert master of the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra (and niece of National Artist Benjamin Francisco).

"Music has been a big part of our relationship," said Gerard who, according to keen observers, can sustain a romance better – and longer – than his Ate Lea does. "Next month, we’ll be celebrating our second anniversary as steadies."

Melvin Dizon, new singer

When he sings and people are not looking, they mistake his voice for that of Martin Nievera, his favorite singer.

"I really look up to Martin," said Melvin Dizon, 24, who’s a deadringer for Bing Davao (Ricky Davao’s semi-retired actor-brother). "I admire the way he handles his life and career."

Melvin finished B.S. Education (major in Mathematics) at the Angeles University Foundation College in his native Angeles City (Pampanga). On the side, he took up a course in Ballroom Dancing. After working as a D.I. (Dance Instructor) in several establishments, including the Traders Hotel, Melvin now aspires to put in harness his other talent – singing, that is – and follow in the footsteps of his idol, Martin Nievera.

Medicine confab

For the first time ever, the Philippines will hold a National Conference on Alternative and Natural Medicine, on May 23 and 24, at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City, with the theme "Where Science Works Naturally."

Local and foreign lecturers will discuss and hold workshops on 15 alternative and natural therapies, including anti-aging live-cell therapy, cardiovascular, cancer and nutritional therapies, detoxification, oriental diagnosis and acupuncture, photoluminescence, biological dentistry, electromedicine, homeopathy, aromatherapy, Qi-Gong exercises and iridology. There will be exhibits of local and foreign herbal products.

Keynote speaker is Alfonso T. Lagaya, M.D., Director General of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care of the Department of Heath (PITAHC-DOH).

Current PCAM President is Carmencita R. Yap, M.D.; Vice-President is Rosario R. Austria, M.D.; and Edna Lao, M.D., Secretary/Director, is Chairman of the Organizing Committee. IHAI President is Ursula Aznar.

Pre-registration is now going on, with a fee of P2,000 for PCAM and IHAI members and P2,500 for non-members. For inquiries, call Myla at 373-2141, 411-8450 or 09177339182 in Quezon City; or Rosalyn Fuentes at (32) 261-6667 or 09173221742 in Cebu City.