In a concert where the performer is expected to sing in more than 30 production numbers, being in a healthy state is important. This is what Lani Misalucha has to deal with as she is scheduled to fill The Theatre at Solaire with her signature soaring vocals on August 21, 2025 for her concert “Still Lani”.
There is nothing to worry about, assures her musical director Toma Cayabyab, son of the National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. “Parang same lang naman, parang the original Lani Misalucha pa din naman ang nadidinig ko during our rehearsals,” Cayabyab remarked.
Lani and her husband were diagnosed with bacterial meningitis in October of 2020, and since then she has suffered hearing challenges as an effect of the disease. “Na-realize ko nga na talagang di nako nakakarinig. Even my speaking voice kapag nagsasalita ako, di ko na naririnig,” the Asia’s Nightingale shared during her concert’s press conference held at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas. “It’s weird and kinda hard to explain kasi masyado kami sensitive sa high frequency”, she added.
Her situation has improved ever since, although the challenge in her singing still remains at certain times. “I was re-training myself. I try to really learn how to sing again. Kailangan ko pagalingin muna lahat.” But like the stage force that she has been known for, Misalucha has accepted and worked on her situation. “Kailangan ko sabihin sa sarili ko na ito na ‘yung current mo na sitwasyon. You have to deal with it and you just have to work around it.”
However, once a singer, always a singer. Lani has learned to go back to performing along with some adjustments. “Bago ko kantahin ang isa nota, parang inaano ko (remember) na ganito ‘yung tono. Before, oh my goodness, ‘yung pag kanya ko, hinuhulaan ko. Lahat ng music na nadidinig ko ‘nun, hindi siya precise.”
“Still Lani” is a major test and also another big achievement for one of the biggest singers this singing country has ever produced. “I thought I would not have opportunity like this again. I never thought I could be in a concert again”, she said while showing gratitude to the producers of her show.
For her August 21 performance, she will be joined on stage by also one of popular bands of today, Ben & Ben, to whom she has major appreciation for. “Bumubulusok ang OPM ngayon. Ang lakas ng mga OPM songs ngayon. Kaya ang lake pa ng potential at tatakbo pa ng mahabang panahon ang OPM with talents like them.”
Pop duo Leanne and Naara, Shaira Opsemar and Paeng Sudayan will also join Misalucha on stage. This will open a mix of her musical repertoire that evening — that Lani will not only perform her timeless hits, but also put on her own rendition of today’s streaming favorites.
Watch the heartwarming sharing of Lani Misalucha on how she overcame her singing challenges in the video below.