Aicelle Santos: May Himala!

Even while receiving praises for her performance in the musical Himala (which ends its series of stagings today at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Theater in Makati City), hurdling the challenge of essaying the character Elsa with flying colors, the pseudo-visionary originated by Nora Aunor in the classic Ishmael Bernal film, Aicelle Santos feels her heart bursting with happiness as she got the news that she has been accepted for the UK tour of the Cameron Mackintosh megahit musical Miss Saigon, as the bar girl Gigi van Tranh first played by Isay Alvarez at London’s West End, followed by more Filipino actresses including Jinky Llamanzares and Rachelle Ann Go (who got not just good reviews but an acting award as well, and is now playing in Hamilton also in West End).

After quitting the La Diva trio (with Jonalyn Viray [now simply Jona] and Maricris Garcia), Aicelle began making a name for herself as a solo actress (she likewise played a “Traffic Diva” in Eat, Bulaga!) especially in theater. Called The Rock and Soul Diva, Aicelle first captured the hearts of theater enthusiasts with her role as Aileen in Rak of Aegis for which she won Best Actress in a Musical Production in the Aliw Awards 2014. This was followed by more stints in theater, making her a favorite in the local scene.

Among the Filipino actresses who have played Gigi in Miss Saigon (from left): Rachelle Ann Go, Isay Alvarez and Jinky Llamanzares

Last year, Aicelle has once again been recognized by Aliw Awards as Best Actress in a Featured Role for her portrayal of Perla in the musical Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag. For the same performance, she is currently nominated at the Gawad Philstage Award as Best Female Featured Actress in a Musical.

She will continue being visible on TV as her successful Awit Na Aicelle concert will be televised on GMA, and the music video for the single Tuloy Tuloy Lang for her recent album Liwanag will also be released soon.

Aicelle will leave for the UK third week of March to start rehearsals for Miss Saigon.

When did you audition last for Miss Saigon? Describe the scenario.

“It was in November last year when I tried out for Miss Saigon again. My manager, Carlo Orosa, called me up for it. I saw familiar faces in the audition. The song Movie in My Mind was a hit that day.”

How was the role of Gigi van Tranh offered to you?

“I got the e-mail before Christmas saying I got the part.”

Did Rachelle Ann (nicknamed Shin) know about your offer? 

“On the same day I got the e-mail, Shin sent me a message, congratulating me.”

What cities in the UK are included in the tour?

“Manchester is one of them. We’ll keep you posted on final schedule.”

Did you ever dream that this “himala” (miracle) would happen to you?

“I entered the music industry with a dream of writing a hit song. That remains to be a goal. I don’t know why God is pointing me to this direction. I am just overwhelmed and grateful every day…from Katy The Musical, Rak of Aegis, Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag and Himala. And now comes Miss Saigon. I must have done something good to deserve them.”

Have you ever seen Miss Saigon, where and when? 

“I’ve seen clips from YouTube and heard some songs, but I never saw the full show. It was only in 2013 when my eyes were opened to the theater world. I am looking forward to seeing it (and being part of it), soon!”

Will you be getting pointers from Filipino actresses who have played Gigi?

“I called mentors Nanay Isay and Tatay Robert Seña (who has played Thuy in Miss Saigon) to ask for advice. They both said that I needed to go and experience it! To learn from it! Rachelle is as excited for me as the Señas are.”

How long will you be working abroad?  

“Almost a year.”

How does your fiancé Mark Zambrano (photo) feel about your being away that long? 

“We’re not yet engaged. Our relationship will definitely be challenged this year. But with the kind of love we have for each other, we will be strong despite the distance. Mark is very supportive.”

Aside from Gerard Santos (as Thuy), have you worked with any of the Filipino actors on this Saigon tour?

“I also know Red Concepcion, The Engineer of Miss Saigon tour, from theater productions here in Manila. It’s the first time I’m working with him.”

How are you preparing for the tour?

“Physically, I need to prepare for those bikinis! Hahahaha!!! I have dance sessions, and I’ll try my best to study the character before I leave. Mentally, I need to convince myself that, you know, ‘This is really happening!’” 

What is your message to other actors aspiring for the same opportunities you are now enjoying?

“Ask for God’s grace in everything that you do. He always has a better plan.”

Aicelle in another scene from the musical Himala: Being compared to Nora Aunor proved to be a Herculean challenge

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