Kakai Bautista took to Instagram to reminisce on days from the past when she used to work as Lea Salonga’s wardrobe assistant at the AFP Theater of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
She shared an old photo of her with Lea which she said was taken almost 20 years ago.
View this post on Instagram
“It’s been almost 20 years ago since I had the [privilege] to serve the one and only Lea Salonga. This was [the] year 2000 in ‘They’re Playing our Song,'” she began in her post.
She explained the hardships and challenges she had to face back then working backstage in a theater.
“I was her wardrobe assistant. I iron, laundry, carry her costumes and wash her inner garments 6 days a week for almost a year. I dress her on quick changes,” she continued.
“Life was very hard back then. I need to walk from [EDSA] to AFP Theater. I had to skip meals to save for everyday fare to Laguna. My friends and I — naghahati-hati kame sa isang cup ng Yakisoba ganun lang. Pero MASAYA KAME. (My friends and I had to share one Yakisoba cup, just that. But we were happy.) I needed to find ‘Cubao shoe expo’ without Google or Waze. Last to sleep, first to rise.”
(ALSO READ: Kakai Bautista Reminds Pinoys that People Can Be Single But Not Miserable)
However, no matter how difficult her days were, Kakai said that it was all worth it because she got to spend it with Lea.
“There were times I wanted to give up kase sobrang pagod pero pag [naririnig] ko [siyang] kumanta, nagigising ang diwa ko (because I was so tired, but when I hear her sing, my spirit is lifted) because I see her everyday. I got to sing and dance off stage with her during shows. I got to hug and greet her ‘volunteer song lady’ everyday,” she said.
She then expressed how grateful she was for that experience which she can only describe now as “hard but fulfilling” and “happy.”
View this post on Instagram
“God is truly amazing! HE KNOWS [what’s] best for you. One [of] my best best memories that I will treasure forever. I LOVE YOU MANANG @msleasalonga,” she gushed.
(ALSO READ: Lea Salonga: ‘I am not always the nicest person’ and ‘I have my limits’)
“AND LOOK AT YOU NOW. You deserve it all,” actor-director Topper Fabregas told Kakai in the comments.
“Hardwork will bring you to your dreams. Did a great job, Kakai! Looking forward to be successful as you are right now,” a fan added.
“Kaya ka madami blessings di nakakalimot at hindi nahihiya ishare ang pinagmulan. (The reason why you have so many blessings is that you don’t forget and aren’t embarrassed to share where you came from.) Thank you for sharing this,” another shared.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Get the latest news about the Philippine Entertainment industry and join the WIM Showbiz Facebook group!
