To Ms. Lea Salonga, Ms. Monique Wilson, Ms. Isay Alvarez, Ms. Pinky Amador, Ms. Janine Desiderio and the rest of cast if Ms. Saigon, SALUTE! I was only on my 6th grade when I learned about this play. Now that I am 40, I become more interested to know the depth of these BTS (behind-the-scenes) of this phenomenal Ms. Saigon.
Lea was the singer who can act. Monique was the actress who can sing. Both great artists. Both groundbreaking. I'm still at awe how talented they were at the twilight of their teenage years and clinching the world encompassing search for the role of Kim. Thank you for posting this gem of a video. I don't care about the quality. The content is still inspiring to this date.
miss Saigon producer and director made a great choice to chose Lea salonga. she's one of the legend of musicals and even Disney.. right decision that time.m
@@loretagutierrez3523 pinoy ka nga. Lahat issue. Sign of being ignorant. Sa ibang bansa they dont care. Basta importante naintindihan. Kaya ka nga nag comment. Ok na yon. Wag masyado demanding. Im not from england. Hiyang hiya naman kami sayo
The long search for Kim ended in Manila, Philippines, after a gruelling auditions in London, England, U.S.A. cities and other parts of Asia. Lea Salonga was chosen as Kim; she perfectly fit the coveted role. Monique was also offered the role of Mimi(a bar girl) and understudy for Kim. Other Filipino artists were also tapped.
Lea and Monique became the shining light of Philippine Theater and Music. They are both very intelligent, excellently talented and extraordinary performers.
I know Monique Wilson is talented but when Lea Salonga sings, there's a magical presence there. Her voice is so beautiful and clearly superior to Ms. Wilson's.
@@ciociosan can't act ? you cannot win a tony & olivier by singing only..you need to be excellent at both !!!!...lea was also nominated for best child and later as lead actress locally.
Always have been as a child but sad to say that my older Gen X peers preferred Sharon Cuneta and other singers who were not even as good as Regine then. My sister was a big Lea fan but she was the only one in her batch LOL. That was why Lea only had a gold record when she was young. Good thing she was discovered because she is not really for the Filipino masses with her more Westernized upbringing as an entertainer.
Thanks for posting this clip…historical indeed. I remember how the country shared the excitement not only of Lea and Monique but all the Filipino artists included in the original cast. With pride I watched their Farewell Concert before departure for London…talent was overflowing. We all followed their Miss Saigon stories thereafter and cheered all their successes!!
Monique and Lea look like sisters... Just like what Karen Davila said on an interview with Ms. Wilson, "I guess a lot of people have said that you have a striking resemblance to Lea Salonga" and Monique blushed and said smiling "Yeah, a lot of people have said that. I guess that's why they cast us in Miss Saigon."
I don't see any resemblance at all even in my youth in the 80s. I don't know why people say that when Monique obviously has a more Westernized face being a mestiza. Lea has a different look that is not the native pinay since she also has fair skin but not the mestiza type. We have seen her in person and she is more like Gina Alajar if people still remember her or Lorna Tolentino in skin tone and eyes.
Love to reminisce how the Talented Pinoys romped with so many Casting roles during the Initial Ms.Saigon!! The Theatre World was stupified with how immensely talented Pinoys are!!
I love this episode of the probe team. I hope someone has a copy of the Inside Story's "Tales of 2 Kim" wherein Lea and Monique were interviewed by Loren Legarda.
Hays. There's just something innocent about Lea and Monique when they were chosen as the Kim's. But I'm not sure about those who just auditioned. Can't seem to find the innocence and simplicity found in these two gals more than 20 years ago.
the show was just breaking ground back then, so both lea and monique were its very first protagonists. no pressure nor expectation back then. nothing to compare to beforehand. no longer the same as now that the show is almost 2 decades old. potential role players for kim already have the preconceived notions as to how to go about the character. that freshness of the show and with the very first cast can never be replicated--ever
Because back in the 90s most Filipino girls are virgins even at 18, virgins with no boyfriend since birth status. Today, 15 or 16 y.o. girls already went through 5 boyfriends that's why you can't find that kind of innocent faces anymore.
It's Tina Agoncillo. As far as I can remember, she was also a TV personality. Someone kindly correct me if I'm wrong. But was she part of the youth oriented program "That's Entertainment" hosted by Kuya Germs (German Moreno). I used to read articles of Saigon back in college. From what I've read, only 4 girls made it to the cut to play "Kim". They were Lea, Monique, Jenine and Tina. The rest were part of the chorus. But at the last minute, Tina Agoncillo back out. Not sure of the reason though..
The reason for Tina Agoncillo not joining the original London cast, as quoted from the book, 'The Story of Miss Saigon' by Edward Behr and Mark Steyn: "There was one unforeseen defection: a few weeks before the Filipino contingent was due to leave for London, Tina Agoncillo, a highly talented singer, attended a retreat organized by a fundamentalist 'born-again' Christian sect, became an instant convert and dropped out: her group refused to allow her to come to London."
Lea has an angelic voice and her face reflects true Filipina beauty, innocence, purity, and sweetness.
Dyan ako nakukulangan kay Eva. She's got the Voice pero yung ibang characteristics..
To Ms. Lea Salonga, Ms. Monique Wilson, Ms. Isay Alvarez, Ms. Pinky Amador, Ms. Janine Desiderio and the rest of cast if Ms. Saigon, SALUTE!
I was only on my 6th grade when I learned about this play. Now that I am 40, I become more interested to know the depth of these BTS (behind-the-scenes) of this phenomenal Ms. Saigon.
Philippines stage is too small for Lea's bright, shining, magnificent and enormous star!!! Still watching this year 2019!!! :D
Lea sang On my Own for her audition, years later, she becomes Eponine. Wow! 😭😭😭😍😍😍
She's smart. And that innocent face. Lea you are truly Kim!
This clip is history!!! Finding Lea and Monique will only happen once in a lifetime!!!
So wonderful that they are both pinoys....
Lea sipping water from a Coleman jug -- priceless. Haha!
Lea was the singer who can act. Monique was the actress who can sing. Both great artists. Both groundbreaking. I'm still at awe how talented they were at the twilight of their teenage years and clinching the world encompassing search for the role of Kim. Thank you for posting this gem of a video. I don't care about the quality. The content is still inspiring to this date.
miss Saigon producer and director made a great choice to chose Lea salonga. she's one of the legend of musicals and even Disney.. right decision that time.m
AnastasiA Tagalugin na lang natin puhlease
@@loretagutierrez3523 pinoy ka nga. Lahat issue. Sign of being ignorant. Sa ibang bansa they dont care. Basta importante naintindihan. Kaya ka nga nag comment. Ok na yon. Wag masyado demanding. Im not from england. Hiyang hiya naman kami sayo
The long search for Kim ended in Manila, Philippines, after a gruelling auditions in London, England, U.S.A. cities and other parts of Asia. Lea Salonga was chosen as Kim; she perfectly fit the coveted role. Monique was also offered the role of Mimi(a bar girl) and understudy for Kim. Other Filipino artists were also tapped.
Lea and Monique became the shining light of Philippine Theater and Music. They are both very intelligent, excellently talented and extraordinary performers.
Wow Lea's face is so pretty, a true Filipina beauty, cute she looks like 8 yrs old♥️ love it
Then and now, Lea IS PERFECTION!
I know Monique Wilson is talented but when Lea Salonga sings, there's a magical presence there. Her voice is so beautiful and clearly superior to Ms. Wilson's.
Why do you have to compare them
Monique is an actress who can sing while Lea is a singer who can't act. It's not fair to compare an apple to an orange.
ciociosan lea won best actress awards for the role. Maybe, you should have said that Monique was a better actress.
@@ciociosan thats not true that lea cant act, she wont be able to win a Tony award is she cannot act
@@ciociosan can't act ? you cannot win a tony & olivier by singing only..you need to be excellent at both !!!!...lea was also nominated for best child and later as lead actress locally.
And now the 17-year-old who's singing in the Phil is Daniel Padilla. What a fucking downgrade.
😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
True.
I remembered watching the Probe Team every Friday because of their Miss Saigon specials.
LEA SALONGA IS VERY MUCH DIFFRENT TO MONIQUE, THE APPEARANCE🙏👍❤️
2020 still watching this . Love u Mis Lea
2021 🤍
@@janlibanan : Ditto! 😊
Lea Salonga was already a brilliant singer back then!
Always have been as a child but sad to say that my older Gen X peers preferred Sharon Cuneta and other singers who were not even as good as Regine then. My sister was a big Lea fan but she was the only one in her batch LOL. That was why Lea only had a gold record when she was young. Good thing she was discovered because she is not really for the Filipino masses with her more Westernized upbringing as an entertainer.
ganda ni Lea kahit walang make-up.
Thanks for posting this clip…historical indeed. I remember how the country shared the excitement not only of Lea and Monique but all the Filipino artists included in the original cast. With pride I watched their Farewell Concert before departure for London…talent was overflowing. We all followed their Miss Saigon stories thereafter and cheered all their successes!!
I chanced on the video while searching for the behind the scenes of Miss Saigon. Also a viewer of The Probe Team. Too bad they wrapped up production.
Lea was already 18yo here but she looks like 12yo. Such an angelic, innocent face....
Lea was only yrs old this time,shes beauty was a truly a Filipina with angelic voice😘😘😘❤❤❤
I like how lea doesn't have the filipino accent when she's speaking english .
missaznsaywhaa aaaffluent rich upper class is primary English while Tagalog is secondary.
Monique and Lea look like sisters... Just like what Karen Davila said on an interview with Ms. Wilson, "I guess a lot of people have said that you have a striking resemblance to Lea Salonga" and Monique blushed and said smiling "Yeah, a lot of people have said that. I guess that's why they cast us in Miss Saigon."
I don't see any resemblance at all even in my youth in the 80s. I don't know why people say that when Monique obviously has a more Westernized face being a mestiza. Lea has a different look that is not the native pinay since she also has fair skin but not the mestiza type. We have seen her in person and she is more like Gina Alajar if people still remember her or Lorna Tolentino in skin tone and eyes.
Lea really has a pretty face
Oh my.. how siked was Lea when she was eventually asked to play Eponine! Lea, your life, it's beautiful!
and then years later.... Lea played Eponine. :)
and fantine
Lea is pretty kahit walang make up. Galing pa!
Louisa Ruga n
lea is so beautiful here.
Lea sang On My Own? Good God, she is Eponine.
They r all superstar! Amazing GOD-given talent.. thank GOD from whom all blessings flow esp for these young people... i SALUTE them...🥰
Love to reminisce how the Talented Pinoys romped with so many Casting roles during the Initial Ms.Saigon!!
The Theatre World was stupified with how immensely talented Pinoys are!!
They look so innocent... :-)
#TeamLea
I was just in elementary during those time but so proud when Lea and Monique made this headline as Miss Saigon
Both of them are great artists!
2019 and still watching this.
Iba talagang humagod ng song si Lea.Superb!
I love this episode of the probe team. I hope someone has a copy of the Inside Story's "Tales of 2 Kim" wherein Lea and Monique were interviewed by Loren Legarda.
Lea is Kim,Eponine and Fantine :)
lara nuque singing voice of mulan and princess jasmine
Princess Jasmine and Mulan too.
Hays. There's just something innocent about Lea and Monique when they were chosen as the Kim's. But I'm not sure about those who just auditioned. Can't seem to find the innocence and simplicity found in these two gals more than 20 years ago.
the show was just breaking ground back then, so both lea and monique were its very first protagonists. no pressure nor expectation back then. nothing to compare to beforehand. no longer the same as now that the show is almost 2 decades old. potential role players for kim already have the preconceived notions as to how to go about the character. that freshness of the show and with the very first cast can never be replicated--ever
Because back in the 90s most Filipino girls are virgins even at 18, virgins with no boyfriend since birth status. Today, 15 or 16 y.o. girls already went through 5 boyfriends that's why you can't find that kind of innocent faces anymore.
Talent, just pure talent. What can you say?
Simply beautiful and brain lea,,
Oh please, Lea's the obvious choice! No brainer...
monique has such a sweet voice! love them both.
Agree
Can't believe I was able to meet Monique a couple of days ago. I hope someday I get to meet Lea as well! :)
Mas gusto ko ang personality ni Monique kaysa kay Lea.
@@baltazarmelchor451 Hmm monique was quite standoffish so idk about that
Oooh! Nicole Chien!!! I saw Nicole's future here.
2020? Anyone?
and Mulan, Jasmine and only god knows what's next for Lea... :)
wow! Lea and Monique....so very young talents...
OMG! I Found this interview by the probe team.
Kaganda nilaaaaa! 😍😍😍
2020..and still watching
cameron is good looking actually 😀
I think Monique was super sweet and she made a perfect understudy for Kim.
Oo nga, ang sweet niya, girl na girl siya rito. Walang hint ng kabadingan.😅
Thank you for posting
Interesting that at 8:13, there is Jon Jon Briones, the later Engineer!
In what year did the miss saigon had audition? in 1989?
Cheche Lazaro is one of the best in Philippine journalism
8:15 that's Jon Jon Briones who sooner played the engineer and for me the Best engineer portrayal..
Thanks for uploading :)
wow she was so young back then
sueannsy 17 years old when they auditioned
Theyre both great singers
Oh how I love u Lea 😍
Wow 😀✅ thanks for uploading
What a journey she had, to fulfill her dream roles in Les Mis.
You have the full programme?
Will they make a Miss Saigon the movie the version of the Musical.
It's Tina Agoncillo. As far as I can remember, she was also a TV personality. Someone kindly correct me if I'm wrong. But was she part of the youth oriented program "That's Entertainment" hosted by Kuya Germs (German Moreno). I used to read articles of Saigon back in college. From what I've read, only 4 girls made it to the cut to play "Kim". They were Lea, Monique, Jenine and Tina. The rest were part of the chorus. But at the last minute, Tina Agoncillo back out. Not sure of the reason though..
january 8, 2021 and still watching this ❤️
Nakikinig lang ako ng A whole New world kung saan saan na ko napupunta😅😅
ako din eh hahaha pati mulan sya pala kumanta now ko lang nalaman haha napanood ko na iba nyang kanta ngayon lang haha
2019 anyone? hahaha!
Girl na girl si Monique dito, walang hint ng kabadingan!😊😂
Lea is soo cute. Love her turban lol
Hoping for a better quality of the video.
Nanuod lang ako ng bad boy 2 ni robin padilla sa pbo napunta kaagad ako rito sa youtube.
Both girls are very pretty even without makeup
What songs did they sing hr?
Shes so eloquent.
The reason for Tina Agoncillo not joining the original London cast, as quoted from the book, 'The Story of Miss Saigon' by Edward Behr and Mark Steyn:
"There was one unforeseen defection: a few weeks before the Filipino contingent was due to leave for London, Tina Agoncillo, a highly talented singer, attended a retreat organized by a fundamentalist 'born-again' Christian sect, became an instant convert and dropped out: her group refused to allow her to come to London."
and years and years more... Lea became Fantine! Coz she can be eponine no more! LOL!
Thank you for sharing this :)
On My Own from Les Miz and I Still Believe from Miss Saigon
Wow Probe... Takes me back
why am I not hearing anything??
3:00 SOO easily came out of her mouth, so perfect gawd LEA
When did Filipinos start using English?
Well americans taught our forefathers years ago when they drove off the japanese army
when the americans invaded our country I think.
@@leberino5583
Your history is way off. Ww2 is 1940s. The americans were here since 1898.
@@whatslavender moron
It’s the medium of instruction in both private and public schools for more than a century, and even spoken in homes.
Hay Coleman. Bakit ang mahal mahal mo na ngayon?
Lea ❤🤗
Kaya di natanggap si Karylle kasi feeling niya pasok na pasok na siya. Di pa naman ganon kaganda ang boses. Stay ka nalang sa pop/ballad sis
This is love!
2021...06😁💕
You find it in the last place you look.
8:47 so cute
Totoo ba nag audition din si Regine Velasquez?....
lea michele should be shy to her =)
6/1/2019
When monique sang, i felt nothing.
shut up! LOL
Kamuka ni Babes Lea si Kisses Delavin dito ganda e fresh na fresh
IGotMyPride TheRainbowPride elel mo po