Lani Misalucha reflects on 40 years in music: Singing is storytelling

March 13 ------ Filipino music icon Lani Misalucha, known as Asia’s Nightingale, reflected on her four decades in the music industry, sharing how gratitude and perseverance have shaped her career as one of the Philippines’ most respected vocalists.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Misalucha spoke about reaching the milestone of 40 years in the entertainment industry. “Honestly, I’m very grateful. You know, somehow I’ve been in the business for 40 years now. I celebrated my 40th anniversary in the industry last year with a concert,” Misalucha said. “So all those years, you wouldn’t think, ‘Oh my gosh, I never knew I would last this long.’ And not to mention, there were a lot of trials.” “But life wouldn’t be colorful without those trials. So really, I am honestly grateful that I still get to do what I love to do which is singing, entertaining people, and giving joy to the audience.”

The singer also reflected on personal challenges she and her husband faced through the years. “Despite what happened to me and my husband, I never thought I’d be able to bounce back,” she said. For many Filipinos, Misalucha’s voice has long been associated with emotional ballads and powerful performances, particularly in songs such as “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin.”

Singing as storytelling

Asked how she delivers strong emotion in her performances, Misalucha said she approaches each song by first understanding its story. “First of all, when I sing a song, before I actually perform it, I really go through it and understand the story behind it,” she said. “Sometimes there’s a backstory behind the song. I try to feel it and absorb everything, and then I add my own little nuances to it.” Many listeners often feel that the emotion she expresses in her songs reflects personal experiences. “A lot of people ask me that,” Misalucha said. “They say, ‘My gosh, when you sing, it feels like the story actually happened to you.’”

But for Misalucha, performing a song is also about bringing a story to life. “But you know, singing also comes with acting. It’s storytelling,” she explained. “Just like when we tell stories to our grandchildren you really have to bring the story to life.” “It’s the same thing with singing.”

Musical challenges

Throughout her career, Misalucha has been known for performing across multiple genres, from pop and ballads to classical and opera. When asked about the most challenging song she has performed, she recalled a moment during her first major concert. “When I started in the industry, I did my first major concert in 2001 at the Araneta Coliseum. During that concert, I sang ‘Nessun Dorma.’ People were surprised because it was a pop concert, but suddenly there was classical and opera,” she recalled.

Misalucha said the piece later became a staple in her concerts for many years. “After that, I kept performing Nessun Dorma for many years.” She added that her husband later encouraged her to find another challenging piece. “Then my husband told me, ‘We need a replacement for Nessun Dorma.’ He’s actually my researcher. And then he found ‘Magic Flute,” she said. “That became a challenge for me because I’m not formally trained as a classical singer. But eventually I learned it.” “Now he’s giving me another song to study and I’m not even sure I can do it!” Despite her wide vocal range, Misalucha admitted there are still certain styles she tends to avoid. “Those R&B songs with so many vocal runs those are the ones I avoid,” she said.

Message to aspiring singers

With many young singers looking up to her career, Misalucha encouraged aspiring artists to stay true to their passion and continue developing their craft. “Just follow your path and follow your heart,” she said. “Be true to your craft. Continue honing it.” “And whenever you perform, give a piece of your heart to the audience as if they are part of your life. Make them feel special.”

Reflecting on her younger self when she was just starting her career, Misalucha acknowledged that the journey would not always be easy. “I would tell her that things can be difficult,” she said. “Life will throw tough moments. But you will get through them.”

Gratitude to fans

Misalucha also expressed her appreciation for the fans who have supported her through the years. “I just want to say thank you. Until now, you are still there supporting me. Whenever I go out to perform, you come out to watch me,” she said. “Maraming maraming salamat. I am truly grateful for all your love and support.”

When asked how she hopes people will remember her, Misalucha shared a simple but heartfelt answer: "I would like to be remembered as a singer who sings with all her heart.” For four decades, Misalucha’s voice has remained one of the most recognizable in Filipino music. For fans who have followed her journey through the years, Asia’s Nightingale continues to prove that singing with sincerity and heart is what makes a performance truly timeless.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com