Photo Coverage: DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? in Manila Meets the Press

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED

"DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? is a concert celebration of the musical genius of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. It is an unexpectedly moving tribute to the universal appeal of their collaborations, and shows how LES MISERABLES in particular has impacted people all around the world." - BroadwayWorld.com

Manila, Philippines, January 23, 2014--DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? international concert tour headliner Lea Salonga ("LES MISERABLES"), sans the show's other two lead stars David Harris ("Legally Blonde") and Marie Zamora ("LES MISERABLES"), met with the press yesterday, January 22, at Maxims Hotel at Resorts World Manila. Instead, Salonga was joined by the new additions to the cast Jon Joven ("Miss Saigon"), Leo Tavarro Valdez ("Miss Saigon"), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo ("Miss Saigon"), and Carla Guevara Laforteza ("Miss Saigon") who will perform with Salonga, Harris, and Zamora in the Manila leg of the concert set Wednesday, January 29, and Thursday, January 30, at 8 p.m. at Resorts World Manila's Newport Performing Arts Theatre.

As previously announced, DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? in Manila has been turned into a benefit concert for the survivors of super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in central Philippines. The goal, according to presenters Bouberg Productions, Enda Markey, IMG Artists, and Resorts World Manila, is to build 200 permanent shelters for the typhoon survivors through the nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity-Philippines. "LES MISERABLES" writing partners Boublil and Schönberg are expected to attend the fundraiser.

Other cast members include guest soloists Rachelle Ann Go ("Miss Saigon"), Jed Madela (World Championships of Performing Arts), Cocoy Laurel ("Miss Saigon"), and Michael Williams ("Miss Saigon"); ensemble members Pinky Amador, Analin Bantug, Edward Bungalon, Tricia Canilao-Buser, Robbie Guevara, Natalie Everett, Jake Macapagal, Lora Nicolas, Jun Ofrasio, Ivy Padilla, Aileen Payumo, Amparo Sietereales, Christine Sambeli Marquez, Arnold M Trinidad, Jojo Urquico, Gina Respall, Meliza Reyes, and Christian Rey Marbella; an 80-member adult choir made up of choir members from Ateneo Chamber Singers, Mass Appeal, Aleron, and San Miguel Master Chorale; and 20 children from International School Manila's Middle School Honor Choir.

The concert, which features songs from musicals "LES MISERABLES," "Miss Saigon," "La Révolution Française," "Martin Guerre," and "The Pirate Queen," will be accompanied by ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Gerard Salonga (DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING?-Shanghai). Jonathon Velasco is choirmaster; Andrew Pole is director; JAmes Browne is production designer; Christopher Page is lighting designer; and Thomas Brickhill is sound designer.

Besides the concert, the producers are also arranging an online auction of memorabilia and gala night tickets, including hotel accommodation, to the opening nights of the new production of "LES MISERABLES" on Broadway, starring Ramin Karimloo (Jean Valjean), Will Swenson (Javert), Caissie Levy (Fantine), and Tony winner Nikki M. James (Eponine), and the 25th anniversary production of "Miss Saigon" in London, starring Eva Noblezada (Kim), Jon Jon Briones (The Engineer), Rachelle Ann Go (Gigi), and Alistair Brammer (Chris).

For tickets to DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? in Manila, visit ticketworld.com.ph.

Photos by Erickson Dela Cruz