GERALD SANTOS is back in Manila after doing the role of Thuy in the staging of “Miss Saigon” in Denmark’s Det Ny Theatre in Copenhagen.
It’s been a very memorable and successful stint for him in that Scandinavian country.
All in all, he stayed there for eight months and he enjoyed every minute of it.
In his role as Thuy, he has to deliver all his lines and the lyrics of his songs in Danish and he has to learn how to speak it like a native.
“Five months before I went to Denmark, I already started learning the language,” he says.
“I was so nervous on how I’d fare because I’m the only Filipino in the principal cast. But the reception was so favorable.
"They said I got it all right but with an Asian twang, which is just fine since I’m playing a Vietnamese character.”
How is the Danish staging different from the one he did in his tour of London and Ireland?
“At first, I was wondering, why is it like this, or like that? But then, I realized that both productions have strong points of its own, but the Danish version has to be made fit for the Danish audiences.
"Their depiction of my character, Thuy, the Vietnamese soldier, is more straightforward and clearer from the start. He’s more villainous. In the U.K., Thuy is more humane. ”
It’s good they imported real Asian talents to play the Vietnamese roles in the musical.
“Yes, I am just happy that they got an international cast to stay authentic to the story of ‘Miss Saigon’ at isa ako sa napasama roon.
"Our Kim is Thai-Dutch. It was a very rewarding and enriching experience for me.”
After “Miss Saigon”, he staged two concerts in Denmark and they’re very well attended.
Then he went to the U.S. where he got to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” in Citifield Stadium in New York where the NY Mets played.
“It was very challenging for me, grabe ang kaba ko, as the stadium is filled with 70,000 people.
"I’m so thankful I was able to pull it off. As I was ending the song, fireworks were lighted up and it’s an unforgettable moment for me.”
He was surprised that many folks recognize him in the USA.
“I did a lot of shows in New York. Kaliwa’t kanan talaga ang invitations sa akin, also in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
"In New York, I was able to watch Josh Groban as ‘Sweeney Todd’ and I was able to have a picture with him.
"I also watched Lea Michele in ‘Funny Girl’ and Lea Salonga invited me to the preview of ‘Here Lies Love’ on Broadway Theatre.”
Gerald says he also auditioned for a show and in the coming months, he’ll surprise us with some news that he is not yet in liberty to disclose. So what’s in store for him now that he’s back home?
“First I’m doing 10 concerts for the Erase Beauty Concert series that will be staged in various cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao up to November.
"Then I will release a new song, ‘Ako na Lang’ written by Marion Aunor, an R&B jazz number which is a return for me to pop music.
"Then after being away for so long, I renewed my contract as brand ambassador of Contura Medica, a top clinic for skin care and rejuvenation at na-miss ko na ang pampering they do on my skin.”
Gerald signed up the renewal of his contract with Contour Medica’s top honcho, Dr. Exequiel “Bing” Yumang, who said they’ve been sending to Gerald their skin preparations even while he was in Denmark.
And why did he get Gerald as endorser?
“He’s one of our best singers today, not only in our country but in the world,” says Dr. Bing.
“And we like his clean lifestyle, also the way he handles himself and his career. He’s really perfect as a brand ambassador.”
Contura Medica is the beauty clinic of choice of many celebrities for 12 years now and their clinic is located on 198 Chateau Aurora Bldg., Morato corner Sct. Delgado in QC.
They’re experts in liposuction, cosmetic and plastic surgery, breast lift and reduction and many other beauty procedures.
