The story behind Aga’s ‘love letter’ to Lea

Before the kilig moment dies down, things must be put in the proper perspective.

The “love letter” that Aga Muhlach wrote to Lea Salonga that went viral last week was actually written for the souvenir coffee-table book (a veritable collector’s item) titled Lea Salonga Playlist, A Celebration of 35 Years published in time for Lea’s concert (directed by Bobby Garcia) at the PICC on Dec. 6 and 7, 2013.

The book traces Lea’s journey from, as the lead paragraph puts it, “small voice” to the big voice heard ‘round. Aga was among those close to Lea who wrote testimonial to Lea with whom he starred in two movies, Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal and Sana Maulit Muli. Somebody must have stumbled upon the Playlist book and posted Aga’s “love letter” on social media, leaving the impression that Aga wrote it recently pining for an unspoken love for someone “who got away.” I remember having received a complimentary copy of the book autographed by Lea and I forgot to even browse it — that is, until last week when Aga’s letter went viral and left the romantic on protracted kilig mode.

With that background, let me reprint the letter for the benefit of those who are clueless about the whole thing and let them have a piece of the kilig.

Love Letter to Lea

Lea is the one who got away. And she never knew.

She never knew how she saved me. It was 1992, and I was at the very bottom of the industry. Walang-wala ako noon. Wala akong pera, wala akong career, but with Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal, I made a comeback. It was the right movie with the right girl at the right time. Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal resurrected my career. So lahat ng sumunod — awards, accolades, box-office success — was, in no small part, because of her. Dahil sa kanya, umangat ako. That movie saved me. Lea saved me.

She never knew how much I admired her. Of course, I admired her voice, which we celebrate tonight. But she is so much more than just a voice, although what a voice it is  — transcendent, resplendent, indisputable, incomparable! Sobrang linis! Whether it’s in a concert hall with thousands, or an intimate night at the Carlyle for under a hundred, her voice is as clear as a bell, as breathtaking as the sunrise. Most people have no idea how much work goes into being as good as she is, and making it look as easy as she does. I admire her because she has never bought her own press, she doesn’t mind pursuing the popular view, she has always kept her disarmingly wry sense of humor. She has never changed, gusto ko ‘yan about her. She is her own person. Gagawin niya ang gusto niya, ‘yung tingin niyang tama, at wala siyang pakialam sa iniisip ng iba. I looked up to her because she has never changed, in a world and industry that is always changing.

She never knew how much she taught me. She is the ultimate professional, aka, she is always on time! Kapag call time 8 a.m., 8 a.m. talaga. Walang 8:05, 8:15. Kaya pati ako, napilitan maging maaga! And I never hear the end of it, as I always be “the late” Aga Muhlach. Her passion, charisma and dedication to her craft are a constant source of inspiration. More importantly, she lives her life straightforwardly, unreservedly, unapologetically. When she gives, there is neither condition nor expectation. She says or does something nice for you, and she doesn’t care if you notice, she doesn’t need you to return the favor, di niya kailangang pag-usapan.

She never knew how much I loved her. It was a lifetime ago, I was a young man on fire with passion, as all young men of a certain age are. I wooed fair ladies, and dreamed of shaping the world. And, to me, Lea was Sandy — ethereal, aloof, unattainable; my very heart’s desire. Lea was Agnes — vulnerable yet remote, kind yet callous, constantly in a battle of wills. And I love Sandy and Agnes and Lea in equal measure. (Sandy and Agnes were the characters in her two movies with Aga. — Ed).

Lea is the one that got away. And she never knew.

So now she knows. We are older and wiser now, we have gone our own way, we are no longer the same. But the fire has not ebbed. Rather it has grown deeper, stronger, quieter, more enduring. I love her still, but perhaps because she got away, I have her as a friend now, and so I will always love her. Anytime she needs me, andyan ako. Anytime I need her, she’s there.

Lea, bakit labis kitang mahal? It’s because you are, and have always been, so real. Walang kaplastikan, walang arte, walang drama. Pinakita mo sa akin ang totoong pagkatao mo. You are the real thing.

My most fervent prayer for you is that you shine even more brightly, and that you and Rob and Nicole continue to love and cherish and take care of each other. Sa dami ng gusto mo pang gawin, kung saan ka man dalhin ng Diyos, sana huwag ninyong pababayaan ang isa’t-isa.

My dear friend, 35 years! Bihirang-bihira ang ganyan — you are an artist who has had a successful career spanning decades, and still you have kept your good name, the respect of your peers, and the adoration of your fans. You make our country proud! You make me proud! Congratulations, my dear, on all your success. You deserve it! Mahal kita. And congratulations in advance on our third movie — all good things come in threes, di ba? Kaya...sana maulit muli!

P.S. The “third movie” with Lea that Aga is wishing for may have to wait a little longer as Aga is currently shooting Seven Sundays for Star Cinema with Dingdong Dantes, Cristine Reyes, Enrique Gil and Ronaldo Valdez; while Lea is busy with other things. Like Aga who is happily married to Charlene Gonzalez with whom he has tween twins, Lea is herself happily married to Rob Chien by whom she has a daughter.

In her intro to Aga’s letter, Lea wrote: He had earned the reputation of being something of a lothario, reportedly falling in love with every single leading lady that he was paired with. I was acutely aware of this, hence I was determined that our working relationship would be strictly business. No hanky-panky. It would only be about work.

…Sana Maulit Muli will always remain something very special to us both. And it has cemented his position as my favorite leading man. Ever. He is, and will always remain, untouchable.

During Lea’s 35th-anniversary PICC concert in 2013, Aga was a “surprise” performer. In sum, yes, between Aga and Lea, there exists to borrow the title of the hit Kapamilya series, “a love to last.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)