Once, when Raymond Lauchengco was in elementary school, he accidentally got on the wrong bus going home. He realized his mistake because he couldn’t find his sister, whom he usually rode home with, on board. However, as a shy and introverted young boy, he chose not to say a word.
“I rode the bus until it went back to school, so my parents had to pick me up there,” he recalled at a media roundtable in Paranaque City.
This childhood story may seem like a small moment, but it highlights a recurring theme in Lauchengco’s life — unexpected detours that led to remarkable destinations, many of which the public came to know well.
For indeed, how could that same kid go on to charm and win audiences in the quintessential coming-of-age film of the ’80s, “Bagets,” and many other movies that followed. How too could he have found the courage to bring such hits like “Farewell,” “So It’s You,” “Saan Darating Ang Umaga” and “I Need You Back,” among many others to classic OPM status?
“I just got lucky,” Lauchengco said, still humble as ever, 40 successful years into his career. He has even chosen this sentiment as the title of his milestone anniversary concert, “Just Got Lucky,” at The Theater at Solaire on November 23.
“This concert is my way of saying thank you to people who have listened to me and continue to listen to me for 40 years,” the singer-actor expressed.
Lauchengco promises around 20 songs in his repertoire for the musical evening, some of which will he will share with special guest Bituin Escalante and other surprise performers.
“[In conceptualizing the show], I felt the thing that would suit my audience most is if I brought them back to where it all started — the ’80s. So this will be an ’80s concert. I’ll be singing the best of the decade, whether OPM or the Top 40, slow or fast. It’s gonna be lots of fun.”
Looking back at his storied showbiz career, Lauchengco recalled that his discovery was serendipitous.
“If you think about it, I was lucky. Sharon Cuneta discovered me. I didn’t have to audition or anything. She just saw my picture one day in my dad’s office, who was one of her teachers. The next thing I knew, I was with Viva; then I was recording an album with all these hits by the best composers — George Canseco, Louie Ocampo, Odette Quesada, Willie Cruz and Cecil Azarcon.
“These were given to me on a silver platter, so I really feel like I got lucky. But the more appropriate term is I’ve been blessed. I’ll explain more about it during the concert,” Lauchengco told The Manila Times.
The 58-year-old revealed there were indeed times when he would wonder why a shy kid like him was allowed to join the entertainment industry.
“Through the years, you realize it’s a gift. I thought I was going to be a doctor or an architect, but that wasn’t my gift,” he reflected.
Despite the ease with which his career took off, Lauchengco remains grounded in his love for music and the people he performs for.
“Along the way, when I would sing for a live audience, that would give me the courage to reach out and create a special bond with people. That’s the power of music in my life, so that’s how I see it — as a gift. Singing allows me to come out of my shell.”
He added, “For me, it’s not about the singing. It’s about the people I sing for. Singing is just a tool. I use it to connect, and that’s what matters more to me.”
For ticket inquiries and partnerships, contact info@raymondlauchengco.com or SMS/Viber at +63 917 5334206.
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