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The essential Raymond Lauchengco playlist
Raymond Lauchengco looks back on the songs that defined a generation as he celebrates the music and memories of the ’80s in his upcoming concert, 'We Built This City: A Celebration of Generation X.'
The 1980s were the best years for Generation X. It was the season of growth spurts, pimples, facial and body hair, raging hormones, silly jokes, and that intoxicating first high school crush.
Cyndi Lauper declared that “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Eurythmics reminded us that “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” The Cure insisted that “Boys Don’t Cry.” Bruce Springsteen urged everyone to go “Dancing in the Dark.” And Madonna, riding on a gondola, made us believe someone could make you feel “like a virgin, touched for the very first time.”
On this side of Southeast Asia, Raymond Lauchengco was the balladeer whose songs dominated the airwaves, with his anthems becoming the soundtrack of the restless youth of the ’80s.
Essential Lauchengco
Topping the essential Raymond Lauchengco playlist is Odette Quesada’s “Farewell.” The unofficial graduation song from Bagets eventually became the anthem of countless graduation ceremonies. Its bittersweet lyrics continue to evoke the emotions of saying goodbye.
Coming in second is Cecille Azarcon’s “So It’s You,” a song that perfectly captures first love and youthful kilig. Lauchengco’s tender rendition gives the song all the sweetness and innocence of love at first sight.
Quesada’s “I Need You Back” is a breakup song filled with longing and a heartfelt plea for a lost love to return. Mushy, perhaps, but Lauchengco’s sincerity makes every word believable, especially when he sings, “You’re the only one who ever loved me.”
Louie Ocampo’s “Shadow of Time,” from the only film directed by Jeric Soriano, father of director Paul Soriano, was beautifully showcased in a memorable scene featuring Lauchengco and Jobelle Salvador. The song evokes nostalgia, reflection and quiet devotion, particularly through the lines, “I’m standing on the shadow of time, not growing older because I’m preoccupied. I’m standing in the shadow of time knowing if I wake you will be mine.”
George Canseco’s “Saan Darating ang Umaga” holds the distinction of being the first original Filipino song interpreted by Lauchengco. Its themes of loss, loneliness and longing, combined with Lauchengco’s heartfelt delivery and Canseco’s soaring melody, have made it a lasting pop classic.
Two other songs deserve a place on the essential playlist: Willy Cruz’s “Kapag ang Puso’y Sinugatan,” another memorable movie theme, and Jose M. Lavina’s “Falling in Love Again,” Lauchengco’s duet with Iwi Laurel.
Generation X celebration
Directed by his sister, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, with musical direction by Marvin Querido, We Built This City takes its title from Starship’s 1985 hit.
During the press conference held at East Ocean Restaurant, Lauchengco described the concert as a tribute to Generation X.
“The concert is a tribute to everyone who is part of Generation X. Those of us who had rotating black phones and experienced party lines, afternoon disco parties, cassette tapes and their evolution, Walkmans, MTV and more, up to how we raised families, forged and sustained relationships, and how our careers became professions and, for some, even vocations,” he said.
The concert will feature ’80s anthems, heartfelt ballads, Broadway classics, new wave favorites, one-hit wonders and American Top 40 hits.
Special guests include Gary Valenciano, Lauchengco’s Hotshots co-star and on-screen rival for Jobelle Salvador; Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, whom Lauchengco recalled having dinner with alongside her father, Mang Gerry, before watching Evita, in which Menchu starred for Repertory Philippines, Ogie Alcasid and Mitch Valdes.
We Built This City: A Celebration of Generation X is set for 21 November at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.