Lauchengo is mounting an ‘80s concert to mark his 40 years of artistic evolution. The guy didn’t just get lucky, after all.
“The more accurate term would probably be ‘blessed’ but that’s not the Bagets theme song, is it?” he said with a grin.
Filipino Gen Xers remember Lauchengco as one of the local heartthrobs of our time, a wholesome matinee idol who just also happened to possess some serious pipes and talent.
We all remember the iconic ‘80s classic film Bagets, which launched Lauchengco, Aga Muhlach, Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin and William Martinez into ‘80s superstardom. Lauchengco’s version of Bagets anthem Just Got Lucky is equally iconic, guaranteed to get Gen Xers on the dance floor doing the distinctive Bagets arm-raising, sidestepping dance moves.
It’s been 40 years since Lauchengco burst into the local showbiz scene, but he’s obviously aged like fine wine. His boyish good looks have morphed into chiseled features, silver hair and an air of gravitas, wisdom and humor that lends him a soulful sexiness.
Perhaps it’s 40 years of artistic evolution in other fields such as photography, directing and sculpture that did it, but whatever it is, Lauchengo feels very lucky and is marking this milestone year with a milestone concert.
“It’s my way of thanking the people who have not only listened to me for the last 40 years but also embraced me every single time,” said Lauchengco at a media lunch hosted by East Ocean Palace. “This concert is an expression of gratitude and the best way I know how to do that is to take them back to where it all began—the 80s.” Lauchengco added, “And I’m usually a balladeer, but this time, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone, doing fast songs, and working with dancers, God help us! I want people to leave the concert feeling like, ‘Oh, it’s good to be alive…even if we’re older.’”
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In his 40 years, Lauchengco has worked with many big names in the industry. “Not many people know this, but I was actually discovered by Sharon Cuneta, who also happened to be my first celebrity crush,” he said. “She saw a photo of me on my dad’s desk, and asked who I was. My dad did a little typical fatherly bragging, and next thing you know, I was cast in her movie and singing the theme song. Can you imagine what that was like for me, acting and singing with my first crush?”
Cuneta is far from being the only heavy hitter Lauchengco has worked with. He recalls his first movie with Maricel Soriano and how petrified he initially was of her. “It was our first day, and I was late. Vicor and Viva had double-booked me for 2 pm that day. They told me to go sing first, and then proceed to the movie set to record afterwards, and they’d take care of it. I got to the set two hours late and then found out no one had informed Maricel.”
Lauchengco recalls director Maryo de los Reyes urging him to go speak to Soriano, so he walked into her dressing room and tried to explain. “She looked at me from head to toe, says ‘E ano pa nga ba?’ and stormed out. My knees were still shaking when a PA walked in two minutes later to say it was time for our photo shoot. And it was all shots of me and Maricel embracing,” he said, laughing. “She turned out to be such a good friend to me, though. She taught me so much, tips that you can only get from very seasoned actors.”
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When asked what his favorite song was, Lauchengco said Saan Darating Ang Umaga has a very special place in his heart. “I only found out the day before from Boss Vic (del Rosario) that I was going to record a song by George Canseco, and if you know theater people, we want months to prepare.”
His panic intensified on recording day, when he went to the studio early to learn the song. “I go into the studio and I see this giant of a man. I introduced myself as the guy who was going to sing his song, and he said, ‘Ganoon ba? Sige, umupo ka muna, sinusulat ko pa.” Half an hour later, he handed me a sheet of paper and taught me the song, note for note, word for word.”
“At the time I panicked, but looking back, I’m so grateful that I got to witness firsthand the genius of George Canseco,” Lauchengco said. “The song was perfect, but 20 years later, I asked to rerecord it because I felt I finally had what it took to understand the song and do it justice.”
When asked if his creative detours ever detracted from his singing career, Lauchengco said, “Anything that enriches you as a person enriches you as an artist. It’s made me a better storyteller, made me better at connecting and communicating with people about our shared experiences.”
And despite the wisdom, sophistication and knowledge brought on by those experiences, Lauchengco doesn’t consider himself too far removed from his ‘80s self. “In my heart, I’m still a bumbling 18-year old trying to make sense of life, and in truth, I don’t want to lose that guy. He keeps me fresh. I have learned, however, to appreciate the journey as much as the destination. Relish the journey, enjoy it, smell the flowers. We’ll all get there, some slower, some faster, but the point is, the journey is the treasure.”
And lucky Raymond Lauchengco is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Raymond Lauchengco: Just Got Lucky will be held on November 23, 2024, at 8 pm at The Theatre at Solaire. Joining Lauchengco on stage is Bituin Escalante. Tickets are now available at TicketWorld and at the Solaire box office.
