Why Lani shies away from titles

If she would have her way, Lani Misalucha would rather do away with titles. She’s been tagged as "Asia’s Nightingale" but Lani says she’s much comfortable with just plain Lani Misalucha.

"It was Ronnie and Ida’s (Henares) idea; my managers created this monicker," reveals the singer. "They were thinking of names one time and Ida came across the word "nightingale" which stuck to her mind the whole day. It was throbbing in her head and then suddenly, while she was driving around the city, she saw a bar called "Nightingale." They took it as a sign to christen me with."

People also tag Lani as a diva. Though she feels flattered at being called one, Lani never thought of herself as a diva. "Some people call me a diva, and I say ‘thank you.’ I feel privileged considering I haven’t been in the business as long as the other divas. Four years palang ako, so I don’t feel I’ve earned the right to be called a diva yet."

But some wags say Lani should also be known as the "Sapaw Queen" – meaning she deliberately upstages co-singers onstage. Lani defends herself, saying, "It is never my intention to upstage anyone. It saddens me when people say things like these, kahit all praises ang iba sa akin, sinisira naman ako ng kabila. What will other people say? I don’t want them to think I’m the one spreading these rumors."

Unlike Jaya and Regine Velasquez who are very vocal about their friendship, Lani admits she doesn’t have close friends in the business. "I don’t have anyone in showbiz who I call just to talk or go out with to do girl stuff. My hands are full with my family. As in after each gig, I go straight home to be with my two daughters and my husband," Lani says. But Lani is quick to add that her acquaintances in the industry don’t take it against her if she doesn’t hang out with them.

"They understand my situation. In fact, Ogie Alcasid is soon celebrating his birthday and he didn’t invite me. Instead, he went straight to my husband and invited him because he knows that if my husband attends, that’s the only time I’ll go! Ha ha!’

Lani is preparing for her concert, Lani Misalucha: The Cross-over Live Tour, on Sept. 8 at Araneta Coliseum. It promises to be "a musical experience you won’t forget," says Robert Crespo, Corporate Communications Manager of Mareco Broadcasting Network, 105.1 FM’s mother company. Joining Lani as special guests are Martin Nievera, Joey Generoso and Side A and Malik.

This concert makes Lani only the third artist to be tapped by Crossover 105.1 FM for its prestigious live tour after Martin Nievera (XVII and Aftershock) and Jaya (On Fire).

Being hailed as the new Crossover singing star is a big honor for Lani. I never thought I would be the next singer Crossover would tap to do their tour. You’d think that after Martin and Jaya, they’d get someone like Gary (Valenciano) or Regine (Velasquez.")

As for those who say she’s not ready to do a concert in such sa big venue, Lani only has this to say: "I know a lot of people will say that. One can’t avoid that. But I can tell them I didn’t force myself to do this concert. I’m just blessed Crossover people believe in my talent and I should have a concert at a venue like the Araneta Coliseum. For them, I can only promise to do my best and give my all when it comes to my performance."

Well, who can resist the magic of the "Nightingale’s voice?"

Private Ei8ht models

Recently, all roads led to SM City North EDSA Entertainment Plaza for the 2nd Annual Search for the Private Ei8ht grand finals. Of the 20 finalists, eight fresh faces (four males, four females) were chosen for the elite circle of Private Ei8ht. The winners were Joshua Garcia, Joel de Ramos, Joji Roa, Ramon Tijares, Margarette Arcangel, Kathleen Anonuevo, Jasmine Chua and Hazel Anonuevo.

Hosted by upcoming comedians Bearwin Meily and Duday Galliguez with last year’s winners Joel Yap and Jennifer Rances as co-hosts, the event was conceptualized by Del Pascual of A.T.M.A.C.S. production in cooperation with Private Property Clothing Apparel.

Heading the panel of judges were Private Property image models Leandro Muñoz and Monina Bagatsing, Dave Fabros of the ABS-CBN Talent Center, actor Miko Palanca, Woman’s Today’s Vic Sevilla, 8 Waves Manager Alex Villangca, Private Property head designer Raoul Ramirez and Private Property President Peter Chua.

The eight winners received P10,000 cash and gift packs and a year’s supply of Private Property shirts and accessories. They will soon be showcased in Private Property’s fashion show and the Private Property 2002 Calendar.