Lea Salonga spreads Filipino Christmas feel with ‘Payapang Daigdig’ on KPBS special
Photo from KPBS/Facebook
In music, there exists a universal language that defies the limitations of borders and transcends the barriers crafted by humanity. And this is the exact notion Lea Salonga said as she set the stage in “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir” in the US.
The “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir” is the holiday special on the American network KPBS.
In a recent interview posted on KPBS’ Facebook, the Tony Award winner shared insights into her connection with a Filipino masterpiece that happened to be her favorite Christmas song.
With a voice that carries the weight of emotion and a spirit that transcends boundaries, Salonga began, “I’d like to think that, in whatever language, music just transcends every man-made barrier.”
Her words laid the foundation for a deeper exploration into the heart of her musical journey, unveiling a special affection for a Filipino gem— “Payapang Daigdig.” As she described, “There’s one Filipino song that I’ve just been loving to perform called ‘Payapang Daigdig,’ which just basically means peaceful world.”
Delving into the history of the composition, she shared, “[The] musician, named Felipe de Leon, was looking out on the city of Manila after World War II, and it’s about finding peace and quiet and hope amidst chaos and devastation.”
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This connection to a post-war narrative adds layers of significance to the melody, making it as what seems like an expression of resilience and hope in the face of adversity as Lea Salonga elaborated, “it’s one of the most beautiful Christmas songs of any language.”
“As someone who acts for a living, it just feels like such a gift to be here in this incredible space, this incredible venue with all of these musicians,” she further added, reflecting on her participation in the show.
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“The kindness that we have been met with at every step, and that is remarkable. Everyone—members of the crew, the members of the choir, the little kids that get to dance, just everyone.”
To catch the Filipina broadway singer singing the song, the full show is set to premiere at 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 (US time) on PBS and the PBS app.
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