A pleasant surprise

Fans of Raymond Lauchengco will be treated to eclectic music in his upcoming series with Ayen Munji Laurel entitled The Best of Us. To run at Teatrino, Greenhills on Oct. 7, 14 and 21, the concert will have Raymond doing not only songs from the ‘80s but also Broadway, Top 40, standards, jazz, blues and OPM. These are songs people perennially request from him since his return to the scene last year following a near-decade hiatus.

"I want to be known as a singer of songs from any era and of any genre," he says. "Though I will forever be grateful to my signature hit songs from the ’80s, I am an artist who needs to grow in versatility and hopefully bring my audience along to where this decision takes me."

The journey with Raymond is bound to be a gratifying one. The boyish-looking singer, after all, commits his heart and soul to anything he does. As proof, Raymond co-wrote the script for The Best of Us with his wife, Mia, and worked closely with musical director, Danny Tan, as well as with top designers for the clothes he will use on the show.

During his absence, Raymond pursued his interest in photography; one where he, too, excelled in. "Looking back, the purpose of that ‘disappearance’ was for me to appreciate singing more, hence, the extra mile I put in my career now," he says.

"I’ve always given my best in my craft but knowing God has given me many gifts pushes me to use them to the hilt. Of course, I have to determine which to prioritize. And as time goes by, I realize I am happiest when I touch people’s lives with my singing."

This joy to share, to give, begets joy from his audience. In the recent First MYX Music Awards, Raymond was nominated in a category that had him competing with today’s hot acts. His new album is also moving fast in retail even as special shows he had done over the last year were almost always standing-room-only affairs.

Raymond is a classic act that had been missed – and is still very much loved by Filipino music lovers. "I never expected this kind of reception," he says. "Before my return, all I was thinking of was how it would be nice to hold a microphone again in front of people and to fill the air with my voice. But I wasn’t sure if people would still believe in me. Now I know."

In the upcoming series, Raymond also draws inspiration from singing partner, Ayen. Describing the chanteuse only in superlatives, Raymond says that like him, Ayen leaves no stone unturned until near-perfection is achieved in every aspect of the show. "Dedicated and disciplined people like her bring out the best in me," Raymond says.

"Few people know artists feed on something to sustain their energy and enthusiasm while performing. In this show, I don’t only get that from people in front of me but also from the person beside me on stage."

Raymond rose to fame as one of lead actors in the now-classic movie, Bagets. From then on, he had worn several hats as thespian and recording artist/concert performer. Among the productions he has played significant roles in are The Fantasticks, South Pacific, Romeo and Juliet, Once In This Island and Rama at Sita. Raymond gave music lovers OPM gems like I Need You Back, Farewell, Saan Darating Ang Umaga, So It’s You and Okay Ka.

Radio Idol 2006

In the past 10 years, Monster Radio RX 93.1 has given us some of FM radio’s finest talents. Names such as Chico Garcia, Delamar, Rico Robles, Louie D, Francesca, Danielle, Christi, Iggy Guerrero, Jude Rocha, and Dr. Love Tom Alvarez brighten up listeners’ lives every day with their carefully chosen pop music, witty banter and distinctive voices. Many announcers who started their careers with RX continue to make their mark in the broadcast industry in other radio and TV stations.

Indeed, being an RX jock is one of the coolest jobs in the country – getting the chance to communicate one’s ideas to young minds, being idolized by thousands of listeners and finding oneself part of a hip, happening and happy media family.

One lucky amateur is about to get his or her break to become the next RX DJ. Monster Radio RX 93.1 and Astring-o-sol Extreme have just launched Radio Idol 2006, third edition of the most exciting radio reality show that has introduced Gelli Victor and Sanya Smith to audiences. Radio Idol follows several dozen contenders who passed the audition process through a month of on-air tests and challenges. An unseen (it’s radio, right?) Board of Judges evaluate the performance of the idol "wannabes" while listeners help the selection process by voting for their favorite candidates via text.

The winner – to be announced on the finals night at the end of the month – will go home with P20,000 cash and a contract to work with Monster Radio RX 93.1 as the newest jock of Manila’s Hottest. Radio Idol 2006 goes on air on the last week of September and throughout October, Mondays to Fridays at 7 p.m., hosted by Rico Robles and Gelli, with a replay the next day at 7 a.m. on The Morning Rush with Chico and Delamar. It’s time for listeners to choose their next favorite RX DJ and the next Radio Idol!