The song that best describes Ima

Ima Castro was once called the Cinderella from Tiaong, Quezon. She would take the bus to Manila each time she had a gig. No, she did not mind that she lived far from the madding crowd. Home was security for her. Then came Miss Saigon and her life took a 180-degree turn. She was picked to play the role of Kim in the West End production. Ima stayed in London for years and is back in Manila doing theater that includes playing the title role of Atlantis Productions’ Aida and most recently, on In the Heights where she showed her immense vocal prowess. Read on.

Tell us your recollections on playing Kim in Saigon. Tell us your Miss Saigon story?

Miss Saigon played an important part in my life and career. It has honed me to become the singer and actress that I am today. I was 13 years old when I started singing along with the original soundtrack of the show that my dearest dad bought for me. I remember locking myself in the bedroom pretending I was Kim. Who would have known that several years later, I’d be on stage playing it, hence, I believe in The Law of Attraction. Dreams really do come true.

Miss Saigon brought you places, you have never been to. And suddenly you were thrown into the limelight. How did you feel about your newfound fame?

The whole experience was overwhelming, to be given that huge responsibility to carry a show of that magnitude, for some, could be a good reason to give up, as there were some of us who couldn’t handle that much pressure and stress. In my case, it has always been my dream to be in it and after my very first show, I knew that I was meant to be Kim. A total of four years, averaging six shows a week, I did my last curtain call as Kim in June 2006.

 You have one of the best voices in the music industry. How do you take care of it?

Thank you, I’m flattered. I used to be very strict with what I ate and drank. No cold drinks, sweets and ice cream. Until one of my voice teachers assured me that they won’t affect or damage one’s voice. As long as I have the discipline or freedom to get enough sleep (I mean, eight to 10 hours), no smoking or too much drinking. Then my voice will stay in tip-top shape.

You have established a name in the industry here and abroad. Has anything changed about you?

I have improved a great deal as I have grown stronger and wiser both as a person and an artist.

Then you were called Cinderella from Tiaong. Do you still feel that way?

Hahaha! Does that mean rags to riches, a nobody to somebody, an ugly duckling to a glamorous lady? I don’t feel that way at all. I enjoy the simple things in life. I enjoy working and going home at the end of the day, relax, have a massage and do some household chores like what Cinderella does past midnight.

You stayed in London for years and in some other countries as well. How much of you is Ima the probinsiyana and Ima the city girl?

I’ve been very blessed as I’ve seen so much of the world but I know there is so much more to see and learn. Having lived in London for several years has changed me to become all the more the probinsyana that I was before I moved over there. I didn’t have a maid, driver and personal assistant while I was there. I did everything on my own. Went to shows, castings and auditions with just my Google map as my companion. So, in a way, I am 100 percent the Ima from Tiaong when at home and 100 percent Ima the city girl when thrown on the streets and stage. I’m Cinderella when she’s not wearing the crystal shoes.

You have earned raves for your performances, what was the nicest thing said about you?

 I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for me to say the nice things said about me as a performer, but I truly cherish and treasure all of them in my heart as they give me a boost in my confidence and help me a lot to believe in myself and what I can do.

Are you hurt by criticisms or do they matter to you?

 Criticisms used to upset me badly but I’ve learned to sift through them and use the constructive ones and bin the rest that I know would destroy me.

 As a performer, do you still have fears? If yes, how do you cope?

 I don’t want to call them fears but unnecessary stress. I make sure I give ample time to prepare before a performance — from putting my makeup on to getting dressed. I avoid cramming as much as possible because I know it would ruin my day, how I look on stage and most importantly my performance.

People were awestruck seeing you play Aida. How did you prepare? How do you prepare for a role?

I did a research on the Nubians and Egyptians. I discussed my role as Aida with our director Chari Arespacochaga. We had a long chat about her. It’s the same in every show I do and every role I play. It’s very important indeed to get to know the person and her history to be able to portray her with such honesty.

What is your dream role?

I make every role that is offered to me my dream role because it would mean that I’ll have my 100 percent commitment, respect and passion for the show. But if you insist, a role in a film would be a big new challenge for me and I would like for that first film project to play someone who is very athletic, fit and knows how to kick ass. I like to push myself to the limit and be out of my comfort zone.

What inspires you?

Yes, I do believe in inspiration. It makes your dreams and goals in life seem easier to achieve. People, things, events and places inspire me.

What other talent would you like to have? Why?

How I wish I obeyed my mom and attended all my piano classes when I was five years old as I envy those artists who sing and play an instrument at the same time. But hey, I guess it’s never too late for anything.

How well do you understand men?

I don’t think I’ll ever understand men. They don’t speak my language... but I can’t deny the fact that I love them.

Who is your favorite singer? Why? Your least favorite?

(Ms.) Lea Salonga — I feel every word she sings, crystal clear angelic voice, spine tingling and as a person, (she is very down to earth considering the tons of achievements she has received), genuine.

Ms. Whitney Houston. Her voice was one of a kind. It breaks my heart knowing I’ll never hear her sing live and record new songs ever again. Least favorite singer — anyone who is clearly not a singer but call themselves as such.

Your favorite song?

The Journey — Lea Salonga.

Your greatest influence as an actor/singer?

My dearest daddy, Whitney Houston, Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez.

When was the time you really hated your job? 

When I was a little girl, my dad and I would always argue because he wanted me to practice and learn songs when all my playmates were having fun playing outside on the street. I was obedient to my father but hated him and singing. Now, I’m very grateful to him that he did what he did because I can’t see myself doing something else but performing.

If you were a flower, what would you be and why?

Calla Lily. It lives longer than most flowers and its fragrance lingers. I want to live and linger for a long while.

If there is one song or a play that best describes you, what is it and why?

Someone Like You by Linda Eder. I’m a hopeless romantic and that song best describes my current state of mind. It’s my song to my imaginary Mr. Right.

Your life will be turned into one big musical. How would you title it?

Wow... tough question! Let me see. How about this — “Life is too short, Snap out of it.” Hahaha.

What do you do when you are lonely?

I stay away from people as I don’t want them to imbibe my negative energy.

What song would you not sing and why?

Songs with too much riffing. Coz I can’t do it.

A genie is in front of you and you are to make three wishes. What would they be and why?

Wish #1 More work. So I can have a comfortable and happy retirement.

 Wish#2 Mr. Right. So I can start my own family and have a life-long companion.

Wish#3 Extra money. So I can put up my own Charitable Foundation.

What is your idea of a perfect relaxation?

A two-hour massage at home.

Thirty years from now, where are you and what are you doing?

I’d be somewhere in the Philippines happily and comfortably living with my family and enjoying the fruits of my hard-earned wealth, maybe running my own business and doing some voluntary work.