From playing the same role of Kim in various productions of "Miss Saigon" to starring in their own musicals, Joan Almedilla, Jennifer Paz, and Jenni Selma are the talented Pilipina Divas who draw us in on their journey on the “Road to Saigon”. Although they share the same ethnicity and have similar experiences in their careers, these three ladies display extreme individuality in their voices.
Joan Almedilla, who grew up religious, explained that if she had not chosen Broadway as a career, she would have “pursued a religious life. I wanted it so bad.” Luckily for us, she didn’t have to hide her talents. Her breathtaking performance of “New York State of Mind” tells us of her experience living in the Big Apple, independent from her parents. She made a few appearances on “Showtime at the Apollo” and her voice, so soulful and very angelic, ultimately led her to “Les Miserables” and “Miss Saigon”.
Jennifer Paz’s voice reminds us of the legendary Lea Solanga. She captivates the audience with her long range and animated songs. Her story is the most relatable to Pilipino Americans in that her mother was over-protective of her and who didn’t believe in singing as a solid career. Throughout her journey she overcomes her shyness and gets her heartbroken, and dedicates a perfectly sang “In Short I hope you Die” from the musical "Edges" to an ex-boyfriend. When asked what would happen if her ex came to the show, she tells the Philippine Daily Inquirer, “I think he would absolutely get a kick out if. If you can’t laugh at yourself and your past mistakes, then you’re dead, right? Pun intended. We’ve been in touch over the years and wish each other well.”
Jenni Selma, who grew up gracing the stage of “Star Search” and is a self-proclaimed belter and ‘non-dancer,’ said that she had the typical “stage mother”. One memory she recalls was a time on Star Search where she wanted to sing, “New York, New York” but was out-numbered by her mom and her coach. She didn’t win that night, but that didn’t keep Selma’s voice from being heard. Although she was pregnant during the musical, the ‘non-dancer’ kept up with her fellow cast mates. Her rendition of “Through the Fire” and “Beautiful Disaster” had us all holding our collective breathes. When asked what her most memorable moment on her journey was, she responded “when I received the call that I got the ‘Miss Saigon’ job.”
These three ladies have definitely enchanted us with their performances on the “Road to Saigon”. Through sweet tributes to Lea Solanga with songs like “From a Distance” and “Tomorrow”, they not only took us on their personal journey but also gave acknowledgments to those who have impacted their lives. We hope that their road continues on, and more people get touched by their voices.
They have certainly inspired us to pursue our dreams, whatever that may be.
