'Saigoners' help colleague's dad

MANILA, Philippines - Irene Alano-Rhodes of Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar and The King and I in London is grateful to the performers called upon to appear in the show Imagine to help raise funds for the medical expenses of her father Jun Alano who has stage-4 cancer. The concert at the Teatrino was made possible through the efforts of Dong Alegre, best known as West End producer and Cameron Mackintosh’s representative in the Philippines. 

The show that ran for three days had many performers from Miss Saigon along with others known in the musical theater world. They were Isay Alvarez (Gigi) and Robert Seña (Thuy) from Miss Saigon London; Melissa Reyes and Miriam Valmores who played Kim in various shows of Miss Saigon; Jinky Llamanzares (Gigi) of Miss Saigon and (Acid Queen) of Tommy both in Toronto.

From the ensemble were Roden Araneta, Nathalie Everett, Nikki Guevarra, Jake Macapagal, Raul Mitra, Raul Montessa, Jun Ofracio, Stefanie Reese, Lissa Romero who at one time or another performed in Miss Saigon from London to Stuttgart to Manila; Menchu Lauchengco Yulo (Ellen) in Miss Saigon Manila; the Streetboys who were acrobats of Miss Saigon Manila, London and Asian Tour.

From other musicals came Shiela Francisco (Bloody Mary) of South Pacific in London; Sheila Valderama (Nala) in HongKong Disneyland; Raki Vega (Ti Moune) in Once on this Island Manila; and Dulce and Bituin Escalante who just wanted to share their voices; Denise Laurel, niece of Cocoy Laurel who was Engineer in Miss Saigon; Cheryline Alano, younger sister of Irene Alano; and pianists Inday Echevarria, ManMan Ansico and Raul Mitra who accompanied the singers.