by Florence Pia G. Yu
Published: Sun Star Weekend
Cebu City, Philippines
January 14, 2001
Page 6
She doesn't let her position get to her head. She shuns corporate attires, and the word "Boss" Employees call her by her first name; students call her Ate Lougane. Clad in simple slacks and blouse (her usual getup) one could not readily tell that this lady actually runs the show at A. Salonga.
"Feel nako magpa-ubos. Dili ba it shows in my height? (I want to be on low profile. Doesn't it show with my height?)" she jokes. "Seriously now, I don't want my employees to feel intimidated because of my position, or because of the clothes. I want to be respected for being me."
Yet, even under low profile, she still shines.
Right after college three years ago, Lougane applied as secretary for the school, despite her vast experience in the stage (studying under a theater teacher who trained under Lino Brocka) and graduating as Magna Cum Laude in Business Administration.
Lougane divides her time running the school and organizing shows. She is currently working on organizing another show dubbed, Musika: Noon, Ngayon at sa Hinaharap. All of Salonga's best talents will be pooled for this show set to be launched sometime this year.
Why don't you like to be called "Boss"?
I don't want them to call me that because it seems to create distance. I want Ate (elder sister). I want them to treat me like an older sister. Besides, it makes me feel younger! (laughs)
How do you manage the people working for you?
I don't use my position to intimidate people. I don't go around saying, 'Oy, follow me, I'm the manager!'; Gusto nako I will be respected because I'm worthy to be respected.
How is this working?
My staff is very supportive. Walay away-away diri (We don't quarrel here). We have a very friendly and homey working environment because everyone is treated like family.
How tedious is your job?
I'm in-charge of everything. I take care of publicity, exposure for the kids, conceptualizing and choreographing shows, I'm the musical director, I look for the sponsors, I emcee, I pay the teachers, I hire the teachers, I screen the kids--one-man show ni ako--one-girl show diay! (MIne is a one-man show. Or should I say one-girl!) (Laughs)
Tell me about your shows.
When we have a show coming up, I always want everything laid out. I don't want last minute preparations because I get jitters. Iwant to be supervsing in every minute detail. Everything has to run smoothly. I want everything planned.
What do you look out for when screening talents?
I really don't have a certain standard. Talent can be developed. I believe it's all 99% guts. I always want to encourage those who are eager to learn kay kung maningkamot gyud ka, makuha gyud n� nimo imong gusto (because if you really try your best, you will get what you want).
Are you always a busybody?
Yes. I'm always on the go. I always want to be doing something. I clean the house, sing-along with the videoke, read--anything.
Do you always want to be in the thick of things?
I'm not the type of manager who will just sit there in my table and wait for customers. I roam around, I jam with the students. I coach the kids whenever I can.
Are you one of those people who follow their planners to a T?
I actually don't have a planner because I don't want my job to become routine.
Spontaneity appeals to you?
Yes. Routine is boring.
You're a very busy woman. Do you have time for love?
Of course. In fact, I have a lovelife!
Has music and work ever come between you and your lovelife?
Not really. I understand my boyfriend because of music (he's in a band). We understand each other because of music. Music is what we have in common.
What do you do to unwind?
Sleep! As much as possible, I want to get some decent sleep because when we have upcoming shows I don't get enough sleep! (Grins)