Showbusiness has constantly been the microcosm of both society’s ideal and turbulent lifestyles. A great number of avidly idolized celebrity figures are treated like demi-gods by swooning fans while being sustained with the feeling of possessing that enormous sense of invincibility and the might within the palms of their hands.
But a few hadn’t allowed such illusion of grandeur to rule over and uncontrollably swell their heads. One among the few whose talent has remained undoubtedly brilliant, with untarnished image that couldn’t just be ignored and a demeanor that could still command a second glance is former teen heartthrob and passionate singer Raymond Lauchengco.
Born Raymond Lauchengco on November 29, 1964 in Manila, the accomplished singer-recording artist is simply turning a golden leaf on his next birthday sans regret. He’s enjoying what he has toiled for.
The name Raymond Lauchengco didn’t ring a bell way back in 1976 when he was barely 12…really, not just yet. His foray into the limelight gave him the opportunity to interact with equally greenhorn performers in Repertory Philippines’ production of The King & I where he delineated the role of Louise, one of the king’s children. His maiden stage exposure opened more doors for more stage productions until mainstream showbusiness irresistibly lured him when he turned 18.
Actually, his baptism of fire before the cameras was in 1982 in a Sharon Cuneta-Rowell Santiago romantic movie “Cross my Heart” then followed by “Saan Darating Ang Umaga” (released 1983), a Maricel Soriano-Nida Blanca-Nestor de Villa family-oriented film where he played Raul. In the latter, Raymond also sung the soundtracks from the composition of George Canseco.
Instant fame befell onto him in 1983 via one of the five male leads of Viva Films’ youth-oriented movie, “Bagets,” together with Aga Muhlach, Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin, and William Martinez. Amazingly, all the lead actors, except for JC Bonnin, are still active despite having their own families and had embraced other profession other than showbusiness. The unprecedented success of the movie clamored for a sequel, hence, the release of “Bagets 2” in 1985 with the same cast.
Remarkable follow-up projects earned for his name a more established status. As an actor, he has justifiably proven his talent among powerhouse cast acting vehicles such as “Hotshots,” Remember Me, Mama,” Joey Boy Munti,” “Bukas, Luluhod Ang Mga Tala,” and “In Your Eyes.”
Known for his vocal prowess and terpsichorean skills, Raymond concentrated on recording and was chosen as the Philippine representative to the prestigious Tokyo Music Festival in 1987. Later on his credibility as a reputable singer and consistent hitmaker earned for him the elusive Aliw Award for Best Concert Collaboration for his concert series in more than 23 countries worldwide.
Other awards and recognitions neatly stashed under his sleeves are: Best MYX Live Performance finalist during the first ever MYX Awards in 2005, Best Actor in a Stage Musical nominee for “Rama at Sita” in 1999, Representative to the Asean Cultural Music Exchange in 1985, and Gold Record Award for “Raymond” in 1983.
His impressive track record in album recordings, ‘though not really voluminous yet top-chart-raters, proved his undisputable mettle in his field which included: Full Circle (Viva Records, 2007), Raymond Lauchengco (Vicor Music Corp., 2005), New Every Morning (Dyna Records, 1995), Walang Kupas (with Regine Velasquez, PilTel, 1990), Rated R (Wea Records, 1988), Dreamboy (Vicor Music Corp., 1984), and Raymond (Vicor Music Corp., 1983) which has a Gold Record certificate attached to it.
After seven years of hibernation from the recording studio, Raymond returns to tin-pan-alley with his eighth album, The Promise, released by Viva Records and was successfully launched at the Greenbelt 3 Park in Makati last May 14, 2014. His latest CD contains sentimental cuts and love ballads as a tribute to the music he has grown accustomed to during the 80s and other songs from different decades…a flashback, actually. Some cuts include: Barry Manilow’s “I Can’t Smile Without You”, George Benson’s “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You “(the album’s carrier single), The Beatles’ “Til There Was You”, Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, The Backstreet Boys’ “I’ll Never Break Your Heart”, Wency Cornejo’s “Langit Na Naman”, and Melissa Manchester’s “The Promise”.
If there’s but one male celebrity who could be the paragon and inspiration for fledgling showbiz novices that would easily be Raymond Lauchengco. For even during his early years when numerous teen stars were inevitably involved in juvenile delinquency cases and the like, Raymond was never accused of being neither cantankerous nor unprofessional. He was believed to have had a clean-as-slate life, personal or otherwise.
Only a handful of celebrities of his caliber could capably hold on to their stature and ably sustain the level of popularity. Yes, the adoring public could be mean and choosy at times but lenient in Raymond’s case. Although a few were lost into oblivion or in a temporary hibernation (for whatever reason) yet there’s always a reserved spot for Raymond upon his return.
But Raymond hasn’t been totally out of circulation for he’s never without a gig or two. It was just that there weren’t hyped publicity or full media coverage of what he continuously does. His non-stop execution of what he’s tremendously passionate about duly serves as a way of honing his vocal power and perfecting his craft that worked to his advantage when huge projects come along.
His return to the concert arena after an extended hiatus was held at the Rockwell Tent in Makati via Raymond Lauchengco: Classic Romance, which generously merited two standing ovations from the full house. The same repertoire was re-mounted at the Music Museum stage due to insistent clamor and received equally thunderous response from the filled-to-the-rafter attendees.
The topsy-turvy world of the entertainment industry could at times be cruel and spiteful and could only cuddle consistently hot “items” into its fold. The name Raymond Lauchengco, after all these years, has remained a familiar moniker with a resounding track record to reckon with. After having unreservedly persevered and gingerly dedicated his life to a career that spans for more than 32 years and endures this long, he could only thank and praise his Creator and sigh: “C’est la vie!” “On récolte ce que l’on sème” (“Such is life! You reap what you sow!”).
Raymond’s obsession to personally serenade his kababayans this side of the north east will soon come to reality when he travels across the miles and braves the oceans if only to express his gratitude to his fans for their unending support and share his music once more through “Love on 5th Avenue.”
Be there on Friday, September 12, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center New York (556 5th Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets) when Raymond Lauchengco exhibits his undiminished stage power and releases his compelling vocal prowess to its finest.
Feel the very essence of romance and the ethereal feeling of love as induced by the lingering melody and easy-on-the-ear influence of fast-rising pop-soprano, vocalist and composer Jared Martin. Re-live the past and experience love in September’s early fall after the scorching summer air has gone.
Love on 5th Avenue is another quality venture meticulously conceived and produced by Joji Babuschak, the moving force behind JB Entertainment Productions.
A meet and greet session and photo opportunity follows at the Lobby after the show.
For ticket sales and reservations, please contact (732) 929-3909 or call (201) 300-5234. Tickets are priced at $58 for general admission and at $78 for VIP seats.
For comments and suggestions, please email: [email protected] or [email protected]
