Still Lani

 Asia's Nightingale sings again

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Asia's Nightingale, Lani Misalucha, performed again on stage in time for her 40th year anniversary in the music industry. Simply dubbed "Still Lani," the comeback concert was her first major concert after she, and husband Noli, contacted a severe case of bacterial meningitis during the height of the pandemic in 2020.

The bacterial meningitis caused hearing loss to the couple for a year. Lani's state of deafness has affected her singing. In fact, she had to relearn and retrain herself to be a singer again. 

"I was deaf on my right ear. All I could hear were either muffled/distorted or high-pitched grating sounds. What worsened my condition was my vestibular system, that was responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Aside from deafness, I had to contend with vertigo and body imbalance that was causing nausea," shared Lani, on their ordeal.

The Nightingale still has it. Hers is a voice that refuses to quit. That's resilience and there's emotional depth and sincerity.

"This is a new take on Lani's music. For this show, spectators expected the unexpected," intimated show director Calvin Neria.

While Lani worked with National Artist Ryan Cayabyab in most of her shows in the past, she now works with his son, Toma Cayabyab, as his musical director, and who found the show concept very exciting. He worked with the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

"This comeback concert is a vision with a purpose. It is my first solo concert after several years. Even in my current medical situation, I can still do it. If I won't do it, how will I know I can still sing. This is also the perfect time to reach out to the Gen Zs and millennials; bridging the gap between generations. This is a celebration of very meaningful connections," continued the Nightingale.

Lani's special guests included Leanne & Naara, Shaira Opsimar, Paeng Sudayan, and Ben&Ben.

"Still Lani" unfolded last August 21 in The Theater at Solaire in Parañaque City.