Singing for Tomorrow

"The sun will come out, tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be sun…"

That song, "Tomorrow" from the hit musical "Annie", so aptly expresses the hope that we hold out for our children–that they will have not just a future, a tomorrow, but a bright one.

For the upcoming concert on October 20 and 21 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, "Tomorrow" is a most apropos title–for several reasons. First of all, it is the CCP’s major fund-raising concert for the year, and the primary beneficiaries are children, particularly the Sining sa Eskwela program which provides arts therapy for children in armed conflict as well as calamity areas.

It is also appropriate because the concert’s main artist is Lea Salonga, who started her phenomenal theater career singing the song "Tomorrow" when she played the lead role of Little Orphan Annie in the musical staged, prophetically, at the Cultural Center. And now she sings for a better tomorrow for her own child, five-month-old Nicole Beverly.

"Doing this concert is important because it is always important to support arts programs for our young people," says Lea. "Our country is full of innately artistic people that, unfortunately, don’t always have the opportunities and encouragement for their art to flourish. We need to support programs like the CCP’s to allow new generations of artists to thrive."

 Lea was only six when she did "Annie". "I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunities I had as a child and a young adult... I’d like for others to have their own chances too," she says. "We’re doing it for the young people. We want to get the message across that the future of our country and the world lies in the hands of today’s children. So we better make it right for them."

Lea shares the stage with the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Calvin Millado, Julia Abueva, the Kilyawan Boys’ Choir and the Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir.

For his part, Calvin sings for his two-year-old son Santi. "Santi has taught me a few things. He has taught me patience. Pikon ako, eh. And time. Quality time. When you play with a two-year-old there’s no other way but to play hard! One time we were driving to the CCP for rehearsals and I noticed a toddler Santi’s age being carried by a woman begging. How many children are in that situation in the Philippines? In the world?"

Director Chris Millado sets the concert in what very well be a child’s version of paradise: a happy place bursting with color and light. "We tried to imagine what could be the happiest place for children," he shares, and this is translated into the costumes and sets, even the digitally composed poster by award-winning graphic designer Dopy Doplon, who heads a stellar list of artists giving their expertise to the project pro bono: leading commercial director Mae Paner did the television plug for free, director Mark Querubin lent a state-of-the-art camera, Click Digital did post-prod work, Maxicom lent glamor lights and RS Video lent additional equipment, and Larry Manda did a special shoot. All these talents pitched in without hesitation, affirming that a good cause will always find supporters.

The concert is the CCP’s main fundraising event for this year. Past projects include a gala with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra led by conductor Lorin Maazel, the "Virtuoso" piano extravanganza featuring 12 of the country’s top pianists, and a Pitoy Moreno retrospective fashion show.

Heading this project is CCP trustee Nedy Tantoco, who puts her legendary fund-raising prowess to work for worthy causes close to her heart. Children’s welfare and the arts are two such causes. "Although fund-raising in these times is difficult, we are very grateful that our friends share our vision and hope for the children, and gave their support to this project. Kaya huwag mo silang kalimutan!" Nedy warns us with a laugh.

Indeed, rallying to the cause of the children are Globe Platinum, Procter & Gamble and Stores Specialists, the latter headed by Nedy’s son Anton, who affirms his own commitment to the arts and to the children. "It will be a better tomorrow if all Filipinos come together in peace and harmony," he muses, adding that the other companies in the Rustan’s Group like Rustan’s International Trading and Starbucks have also thrown in their support. Count in too AIG Credit Cards, the PCSO and ICTSI, plus Bulgari, Pagcor, Nestlé and Unilever.

Two organizations have also "adopted" the concert. Charter president of the Rotary Club of Parañaque-Poblacion Paul Tugade says, "Here was an opportunity to give back to the community–not only through an actual fund-raiser but through the gift of music, young talent and a memorable time with your family."

Agrees Conrado Crisostomo, chair of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Southern Tagalog Chapter, "The show is conceptualized to showcase an ideal world for our children where each child is given the opportunity to develop one’s potentials. So we decided to sponsor the show."

The concert "celebrates Lea at a very important phase in her life, as she nurtures a person who will be a citizen of the future," explains director Chris, who chose the repertoire together with Lea. The show will provide the audience with production numbers from hit musicals such as Circle of Life (from Lion King), Impossible Dream (Man of La Mancha), When You Believe (The Prince of Egypt), The Story Goes On (Baby) and Together Wherever We Go (Gypsy), this last as a duet by Lea and child soprano Julia Abueva ("I think Lea sort of sees herself in Julia," Chris hints).

Lea sings Anak with the Madz, and does a hauntingly beautiful Sa Ugoy ng Duyan a capella. Other children-themed songs in the repertoire include You Raise Me Up, If I Could, a Cantata for Children featuring play songs from around the world, and a surprise sing-along number. Stand Up for Love, the 2005 World Children's Day Anthem, and the title song Tomorrow will take the audience to a whole new level as the concert finale.

For Lea, the song Tomorrow takes on new significance. "It’s different now, deeper. The slant is now more for children, rather than being optimistic for yourself. It’s now more about being hopeful for other people."

"Parenting changes the way you feel about certain issues," adds Lea. "You feel more strongly when you see children suffering. There is a more compelling thrust to do something. I for one want to give my child and future children the best opportunities I can give to them. I know that every parent feels the same way."

Whether you’re a parent or not, if you feel the same way, support "Tomorrow" to give our children a truly better, brighter tomorrow.

"Tomorrow" goes on stage at the CCP Main Theater on Oct. 20 and 21 at 8 pm. Tickets available at the CCP Box Office (832-3704); Ticketworld at National Bookstore and Tower Records (891-9999).