‘He’s said he feels lucky … but for his fans, Raymond is actually the greater blessing.’
For the past four decades, singer and Renaissance man Raymond Lauchengco has kept his career all about good vibes. From his songs to his movies, to his directing work, to his art – they all speak of life as a celebration.
For the guy who shot to stardom through the 1984 youth film “Bagets,” he simply feels fortunate. In the interviews Raymond has given to promote his concert, “Just Got Lucky,” he’s said, “I feel that I just got lucky that people are still singing my songs even after 40 years. The more appropriate term is I have been immensely blessed.”
There were years when performing took a backseat. During this time, Raymond took on other creative pursuits such as photography, directing and sculpting. After the Covid-19 pandemic, he returned to the concert scene.
Writer Geraldine Verzo described the Raymond Lauchengco appeal this way, “He was that handsome, neat-looking guy whose songs I loved to listen to in high school. To this day, he still has that charm and beautiful voice that make me swoon.”
Interestingly, it was during the pandemic – the period of Raymond the visual artist – when the star gained more admirers.
One of them is literature advocate Beverly “Bebang” Wico Siy who was amazed with Raymond’s works made of wood, metal and glass. “Mula noon ay lagi kong binibisita ang kanyang FB,” she recounted. “Ang dami palang kayang gawin ng ating mga singer celebrities! Babad na babad din kasi siya sa showbiz and creative industries,” Bebang added.
Yet another “renewed” Raymond supporter is Candy Caluya, owner of C&E Pizza Pasta restaurant in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Candy has watched almost every show Raymond has done in recent years (whether the singer was the major performer or a guest). Moreover, she expresses her admiration by having merchandise especially made: standees, pillows, life-sized tarpaulins, neon signs (powered by a motorcycle battery!).
For the “Just Got Lucky” concert on November 23 at The Theatre at Solaire, the entrepreneur is bringing her entire restaurant team to watch Raymond perform. Candy declared proudly, “I grew up in the ’80s…and yes, ‘Bagets’ was so much a part of my life. I admired him back then. But the Raymond Lauchengco pandemic version is what really stole my heart.
“Following him on social media allowed me to see a different side of him – his resilience, ‘creative restlessness,’ his beautiful way with words, his humility, his frailties and how he beautifully put the pieces back…I liked even his silver hair…And I began to admire him again with a different degree of sincerity and intensity, because this time, it was not just his beautiful voice that inspired me, his beautiful heart and beautiful life moved me to be a better version of myself as well.”
Whether he’s singing a song or creating a piece of art, his sincerity always shines through. By sharing his multiple talents, Raymond brings joy, awe and inspiration. He’s said he feels lucky and immensely blessed, but for his fans, Raymond is actually the greater blessing.
