Fil-Aussie Broadway Star Rocks Manila!

May 31, 2012 Filed under Lifestyle, News Photos, People Posted by Violi Calvert

MiG Ayesa (front row, leaning) with Rock of Ages in Manila cast

I marvel at how even fleeting encounters make a lasting impression! Filipino-Australian Broadway star MiG Ayesa did just that when I watched him play Stacee Jaxx in the musical Rock of Ages during my visit to New York last year.

I was inspired to write about his amazing performance and asked him to respond to a few questions by email.

Despite his huge success, MiG impressed me as a down-to-earth and approachable person. He gladly obliged so I was able to share an insight into this dynamic and talented performer through his responses which I included in the article Fil-Australian Ayesa rocking Broadway published in The Filipino Australian in August 2011.

MiG in London

MiG and I agreed then that we will do a follow-up sometime in the future to keep his fans updated.

In January 2012, I became part of ALFA (Artists & Linked Friends) team which produced a charity CD titled ~One~ to raise funds for the survivors of Washi/Sendong typhoon in the southern part of the Philippines.

Part of the marketing of the CD was to ask people who are successful in their field to endorse the CD. I was half expecting that MiG would not remember me or decline as he is busy, but I was so happy that he readily agreed and promptly sent a video clip declaring his endorsement of the CD.

Love begets love. Well, at least a good deed deserves another.

His kind response once more inspired me to do this follow up interview by email.

VC: Since I last watched you at ROA in Broadway in July 2011, what major events, achievements, highlights can you share with the readers?

MiG in Broadway's Rock of Ages

MA: Well, a lot has changed since then. I finished ROCK OF AGES on Broadway in September 2011, and was helping my wife with her new business for a while. I hosted the Outstanding Fil-Am Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York. I performed with Martin Nievera in Atlantic City. I released my new album, MORE THAN EVER on iTunes, Amazon, through my website (mig-music.com), and wherever good music is found. I had a record launch at the HIGHLINE BALLROOM in NYC and a farewell NY concert because I lived in London, performing in the Michael Jackson Musical, THRILLER LIVE on the West End. Wow. Many things to pack in a few months!

VC: In a previous conversation, you mentioned that you would be doing ROA in Manila. Would you still be doing it? If yes, what dates/period? Who will be in that musical with you? For those who may consider watching it, what is the story about?

MA: Of course I am still doing ROCK OF AGES in Manila! I wouldn’t miss it for anything! The chance to play Stacee Jaxx again, and in my home country for the first time…amazing! What’s not to love? I am now in rehearsals with the cast; I think we start previews June 11, but we open for a limited 14 performances at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Makati, June 15 thru July 8, 2012. It is presented by Atlantis Productions, under the direction of Chari Arespacochaga. The story is about the hair-band love story of a small town girl who meets a big city rocker on LA’s Sunset Strip most famous dive bar. They fall in love to the greatest songs of the ’80′s as the story is told through the mind-blowing, face melting hits of Journey, STYX, Bon Jovi, Poison, Whitesnake, and more.

The Cast comprised of: MiG Ayesa – Stacee Jaxx; Nyoy Volante – Drew; Vina Morales – Sherrie; Jett Pangan – Lonny; Jamie Wilson – Dennis; Calvin Millado – Hertz; Bibo Reyes – Franz; Aiza Sequerra – Regina; Jinky Llamanzares – Justice.

As well as: Apple Chiu, Japs Treopaldo, Mikkie Bradshaw, Berl William Angeles, Altaire Alonso I am so thrilled to be working with these talented people. It is going to be an awesome production.

VC: What are other projects on the boil/planned for you for the rest of 2012? 2013 and beyond?

MA: I plan to release and promote my album around the Philippines and Asia, as well as write and record more material. I try to keep my options open and not plan to far ahead. One way to make God laugh…tell Him your plans.

VC: When are you likely to visit Australia?

MA: I am so homesick right now. I miss my family and friends there and need to touch base with reality so I plan to visit Australia for Christmas 2012.

It is heartening to see another indication of MiG’s humility or being unaffected with his success. In response to my question regarding achievements since we were in touch, he did not even mention that he won the Broadwayworld.com Featured Artist Award.

He has also agreed to be involved in a concert to be arranged by us next time he is in town. Watch this space for details and for more updates on this star whose brilliance lights up many lives.

Thanks MiG! Keep rocking!

7 Responses to Fil-Aussie Broadway Star Rocks Manila!

Toni

May 31, 2012 - 11:59 pm

Lovely article, thanks for keeping the fans updated on MiG Ayesa, an amazing performer and person.

Violi

June 1, 2012 - 12:36 am

Thanks too Toni. It is lovely to celebrate achievers who remain unaffected by their success. Cheers.

Michelle

June 1, 2012 - 12:45 am

What a great article on MiG – it’s always fantastic to hear what’s going on in his world. You’ve captured his spirit perfectly, too – the most amazing and down-to-earth person in show business. Can’t wait to read your next follow-up with MiG!

Bless Salonga

June 1, 2012 - 10:17 am

What a lovely soul he is especially when he agreed to be a part of the ONE Charity Album to help the Sendong victims. Can’t wait to see him on stage in December. Thanks for sharing the news!

Violi

June 5, 2012 - 6:19 pm

Thanks Michelle and Bless. It is really heartwarming to see a big achiever to be so down-to-earth and so giving.

Gee

June 6, 2012 - 10:06 am

Excellent article and interview Violi! MiG is truly a star and will amaze you in the show!!!! He is too modest to say but he, too, wrote a song called ‘United As One’ – a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Philippine Red Cross in support of his kababayan who have endured not one but two major and catastrophic typhoons in recent years. I encourage everyone to go to his website to view the video and if you can, support the cause. Thank you! hugs gee

- Violi
  
  June 9, 2012 - 2:59 am
  
  Hi Gee,
  Thanks for highlighting that info on MiG’s original composition ‘United as One’, dedicating portion of the proceeds for such a noble cause.
  Hugs back.
  Violi