Cover Raymond Lauchengco celebrates his birthday with performances both electric and poignant at his concert, ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, last November 28 (Photo: Catilo Photography)
Raymond Lauchengco celebrates his birthday with performances both electric and poignant at his concert, ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, last November 28 (Photo: Catilo Photography)
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On the eve of his 60th birthday, the inimitable Raymond Lauchengco graced The Theatre at Solaire with a spectacular concert, ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, celebrating his enduring career in theatre and music, his book and art borne out of isolation during the pandemic and his most special milestone: being a family man
Raymond Lauchengco is a man of many hats. From the theatre stage, he soared into stardom in the Eighties through the iconic film Bagets and its sequel, later adding more titles to his filmography. But more enduring than this was the privilege of singing songs penned by Odette Quesada, among others, that became part of the soundtracks of many Filipinos’ lives. Recently, he marked his birthday with a concert titled, Everybody Loves Raymond, borrowing from his favourite Nineties sitcom, delivering a heartfelt celebration of his life, career and long-lasting bonds with friends, family and fans.
Read more: Next Chapter: Raymond Lauchengco’s realisations during the pandemic
Above Director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo during the technical run through of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’
Director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo during the technical run through of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’
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His November 28 performance was a timely gift from himself to his audience. Lauchengco’s long-anticipated return to the main stage, following his 40th anniversary concert last year, was no stranger to expectations. But his sister, Mench Lauchengco-Yulo, who helmed the production as its director, was up for the challenge, determined to showcase how he knows his brother best.
Under the masterful musical direction of Marvin Querido, the repertoire was described by Lauchengco himself as a crowd-pleaser, featuring arrangements so moving that he admitted struggling during rehearsals, particularly two medleys, because of their poignant impact on him personally.
Above Raymond Lauchengco with onscreen partner Eula Valdez
Above Martin Nievera
Raymond Lauchengco with onscreen partner Eula Valdez
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The night was filled with familiar songs, including his very first hit, I Need You Back, and other classics like So It’s You and Saan Darating ang Umaga. The latter, he noted during a prior press conference, is a song people turn to for encouragement during difficult times. The setlist closed with an encore of his newest single My Favorite Story, and his earlier hit, Farewell.
Director Lauchengco-Yulo’s theatre background was evident, rendering a show that was both fun and profound. The Broadway Medley, featuring classics like Something’s Coming from the West Side Story and Memory from CATS, performed with Martin Nievera, was a highlight, showcasing Lauchengco’s strong theatrical roots.
Read more: The early days of Ice Seguerra
Above Mitch Valdez
Above Raymond Lauchengco with his daughter performing onstage
Mitch Valdez
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In a dream come true for Lauchengco, his longtime discoverer in mainstream show business, Sharon Cuneta joined him live onstage to perform Pangarap na Bituin and Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok ko. With another special guest, Ice Seguerra, he performed Pagdating ng Panahon and Shadow of Time. While comedian, actor and singer Mitch Valdez provided a lively set of spiels and covers, including Respect and Play That Funky Music.
The concert was also a launchpad for his new artistic endeavours. Lauchengco presented his latest single My Favorite Story, an old song written by Quesada with her late husband, Bodjie. He described the song as his way of giving thanks to his family, friends and fans, who have all become an extraordinary part of his life.
Above The cover of Raymond Lauchengco’s book ‘Dance with the Wind’
The cover of Raymond Lauchengco’s book ‘Dance with the Wind’
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Furthermore, the occasion marked the upcoming release of his debut book, Dance with the Wind, which features a collection of essays and short stories Lauchengco wrote during the pandemic, a time when he also turned to creating functional art and sculptures to maintain a positive spirit amidst uncertainty.
The book’s title story is a powerful allegory about a tree on a cliff that survived strong winds by learning “to bend and to sway instead of fighting or resisting”, illustrating the theme of resilience. As Lauchengco shared, the book chronicles his personal journey toward mental wellness and a balance among his life priorities. For him, making art was a way of surviving and was inextricably linked to his life.
Lauchengco views the unexpected creation of the book as a significant milestone, saying that if someone had told him years ago he would be an author by age 60, he “would have stared at them in disbelief”. The book reveals a multi-faceted side of the artist—the visual artist and writer—that was awakened during a time of great adversity and introspection.
Above Raymond Lauchengco sings with Sharon Cuneta
Raymond Lauchengco sings with Sharon Cuneta
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Amidst the applause and the celebration of his artistic journey, Lauchengco’s true focus remains with his family. His sister praised him as a wonderful father and husband, calling him an admirable family man.
Lauchengco unequivocally stated that being a husband and father was the highlight of his life, with his family being his biggest achievement. Meanwhile, in his entertainment career, he added that the privilege of being part of the soundtrack of people’s lives, having his songs played at weddings, graduations and even breakups.
As he turns 60, Lauchengco is filled with gratitude, embracing this new chapter with open arms.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
