Vina Morales is happy to be home after her stint on ““Here Lies Love” in Broadway.
She said, “Iba pa rin kapag nasa Pilipinas ka.”
“I’m just so happy to be back, to be with my family and to finally get back to finishing several projects that was put on hold after I left for New York.”
Her Broadway debut was something she never expected.
“Totoo. It was something na hindi ko inakalang darating,” she said. “I’ve done lots of stuff, movies, albums, and I thought wala na akong mahihiling pa. Kaya nu’ng binigay sa akin itong opportunity na ito, I am so, so grateful. I never expected na meron pa palang gifts or blessing na ibibigay sa akin.”
So what did she learn there?
“The production was so nice and walang hierarchy, lahat kayo pantay-pantay,” Vina related. “And very meticulous sila sa positioning mo sa stage, sa mga lines, walang adlib. Kailangan alam mo ang gagawin mo talaga and I like that. As an actor, I appreciate that.”
“Here Lies Love’s” disco-infused production explored the life of Imelda Marcos.
Vina portrayed Aurora Aquino, mother of Ninoy Aquino, a role that was previously assigned to Lea Salonga.
“As the mother of Ninoy, si Aurora…naka-relate din ako bilang nanay na ‘yung mga pinagdaanan niya as a mother — yung grieving niya as a mother, yung emotions niya, nakak-relate talaga ako.”
A highlight is her performance of “Just Ask the Flowers.”
“Punong-puno ng emosyon ang kanta, tuloy-tuloy hanggang ending. Talagang punong-puno. And ‘Just Ask the Flowers’ is really the only song that I perform solo. And for me, ‘yun yung pinaka-highlight ko.”
Her portrayal showcased her unparalleled talent and versatility, resonating powerfully with the audience.
“Nakakatuwa kasi yung favorite part ko ‘yung after the show, i-mi-meet naming yung mga manonood and they would tell me how much they like the performance and it’s really heartwarming. Nakakataba ng puso.”
Vina has an array of exciting ventures on the horizon.
She is set to make a special guest appearance at David Pomeranz’s 40th anniversary concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on December 8.
She is also gearing up for an exciting movie project with Sunshine Dizon, Ana Roces, and Angelu de Leon titled “Sunny,” which is set for release early next year.
