"I'VE been a long-time fan," said globally-acclaimed singer and stage performer Lea Salonga when asked about her reaction when she was picked as the special guest in James Ingram’s concerts scheduled at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on February 17, and at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu on February 18.

"I feel excited and proud."

Lea, on her own, is a name to reckon with. The former child prodigy  gained international  renown when she played the role of Kim as part of the original cast of Ms. Saigon in 1989.

Throughout her illustrious career, she has received several prestigious citations, including the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Theatre World awards.

Lea was also named a Disney Legend in 2001 for her outstanding contributions to the Walt Disney Company. Her voice has been immortalized in the soundtracks of the Disney films Aladdin (1992), Mulan (1998) and Mulan II (2004).

Lea is expected to do two duets with the platinum artist. 

Meanwhile, though known more for his romantic ballads, such as ‘One Hundred Ways,’ ‘Just Once,’ ‘There’s No Easy Way’, ‘How Do You Keep The Music Playing?’… through most of his career spanning close to four decades, Ingram has forged a distinct crossover style that fuses his varied RnB, jazz, funk and Motown influences.

Prior to his tenure with acclaimed producer Quincy Jones, Ingram was a session ace who paid his dues doing backup vocals and playing organ for R&B icon Ray Charles, Dick Clark and Motown legend Marvin Gaye.

Aside from his Grammy-winning solo catalog, Ingram’s magical touch also rubbed off on his collaborations with other artists, including Patti Austin (‘How Do You Keep The Music Playing?,’ ‘Baby, Come To Me’), Michael McDonald (‘Yah Mo Be There’), Anita Baker (‘When You Love Someone’), Linda Rondstadt (‘Somewhere Out There’), David Pack (‘I Just Can’t Let Go’), Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes (‘What About Me?’), and El  de Barge and Barry White (‘The Secret Garden’). He also co-wrote ‘P.Y.T.’ (Pretty Young Thing) with Quincy Jones for Michael Jackson’s ‘Off The Wall’ album.

The blessings of success also have allowed Ingram to pursue two of his personal passions: humanitarian work and composition for live theater. In 1987, Ingram was hand-picked by Quincy Jones to perform in “We are the World,” the universal gift and legendary singing and fund-raising effort from the recording industry, which raised more than $100 million in aid for those suffering from famine in Africa.

Ingram also continues to work with long-time collaborator, choreographer/producer Debbie Allen on a number of musical projects. Most recently, they partnered on Stand (In the Light) and several musical theater works including “Brothers of the Night, “The Legend” and “Alex in Wonderland.”

For ticket inquiries and reservations, call Ticketnet at 911-5555 on the February 17, 2012 (for the Smart Araneta Coliseum show) and the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City at (+6332) 232-6888 on the February 18, 2012 (for the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug City, Cebu).

This Valentine event is presented by That’s Ntertainment Productions headed by former actor, Joed Serrano and businesswoman Cora Rodrigo with special participation of eRAse, The Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, The Black Fleet Limousine Bus, Glutathione, eRAse Placenta, Cyma Taverna, Cedrix, Fox Int’l Channels, ABS-CBN, Myx, ASAP 2012, Radio High 105.9FM, Mellow 94.7, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Crossover 105.1, Love Radio 90.7, YesFM 101.1, Easy Rock 96.3, Tambayan 101.9, Barangay LS 97.1, Business World, People’s Journal, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, People’s Tonight, People’s Journal, URLED Enterprise, StopOvers, Astro Plus, Ivory Music and Video, Sony Music and Airtime Marketing Phils. Inc.