To say that show business is a cutthroat industry is an understatement, especially now that anyone can rise to stardom with the help of social media. One viral post could open doors to endless opportunities. But gaining visibility and maintaining a lasting career are two different challenges. Only a select few remain relevant for years—let alone decades—and among them is the multi-faceted artist Raymond Lauchengco.

Raymond Lauchengco became a household name in the early ’80s thanks to his box-office hit films. He starred in the youth-oriented comedy film Bagets (1983) alongside some of his generation’s most popular actors, including Aga Muhlach, William Martinez, and Herbert Bautista. The following year, he appeared in the drama Bukas Luluhod Ang Mga Tala with Sharon Cuneta, as well as the comedy-drama Hotshots with Monette Rivera and Gary Valenciano.

With a creative soul, his talents extend beyond acting to music. His song Farewell once became a staple at graduation ceremonies, and his ballads, such as I Need You Back and Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You, remain karaoke favorites.

More than 40 years since his career began, Lauchengco remains a pillar in the entertainment industry. To thank his fans and supporters, he is holding a one-night-only concert, Raymond Lauchengco, Just Got Lucky, at The Theater at Solaire on Nov. 23, 2024. In a conversation with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, he reflected on his artistic journey and shared his secrets to staying relevant in show business.

Aside from singing and acting, you’re also a visual artist with interests in photography and the Japanese art of Kintsugi. How do you manage to explore all these avenues?

The problem with life is that it's too short for all of one's dreams. I've had many, many dreams. Unfortunately, sometimes that would mean having people singing in the backseat because I wanted to become a professional photographer. My dream was doing exhibits and having a studio, so I gave myself time to explore that creative restlessness. Then all of a sudden, I wanted to become a director. Why? Because all my mentors were directors. I wanted to experience what it would be like stepping into their shoes. Lo and behold, for 20 years, I directed over 500 projects, including a film, theater shows, and many concerns. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, everything stopped. Who would have thought I could become a sculptor? I didn't know that. That certainly wasn't in the scheme of things, but I tried it. I photographed so many celebrities. I did their album covers, I did magazine covers. I’ve directed so many events. I never thought I would have the privilege of doing all those things. But now, I think it's time to go back to my first love again, which is singing. 

Many don’t know you didn’t complete your college degree due to schedule conflicts. What’s your advice for young people who are studying while pursuing show business?

Due to my busy schedule, that was not a sustainable life for me. Unfortunately, I have to give up that dream of having a degree, I would never advise that to anybody. If you want to be a doctor, a lawyer, or a teacher, go to school. But where would you go if you want to be a Lea Salonga? What school is going to teach you that? That’s the thing, school is fantastic. I want my children to finish their education and do the things I wasn’t able to. But I have accepted the fact that you can not learn everything in school. But don’t take shortcuts. Put in the work. Shortcuts are solutions for now, but are they going to last? 

I think artists should learn to appreciate the journey just as much as the destination. You know, these days, everything is fast. People want things fast and resolve everything fast. I advise the opposite. I believe that the journey is just as important as the destination. That way, you relish it, you enjoy it. You have time to smell the flowers along the way. I mean, you may get there. Some of us are faster than others, and some of us are slower than others. We’re all different people. You’ve got to treasure the journey. 

What can people expect from your upcoming concert?

Just Got Lucky, for me, is really about saying thank you to people. It’s my way of giving thanks because these people have been listening to me for the last 40 years and continue to listen to me. So I just want to express my gratitude, and I feel I can achieve that by taking my audiences back to the time where it all started, the fabulously fun of the ’80s. The show is going to be an ’80s show where I will be singing not just my hits, but some of the more beloved ballads from the era. To make it really fun, I will be doing fast songs with dancers, something I am not known for, so I will need your prayers. I want it to be fun. I want people to walk out of the theater thinking, “Oh my gosh, it's really good to be alive, even if we are older now.”

Joining Raymond on stage at Just Got Lucky is fellow multi-talented performer Bituin Escalante. The concert is directed by Waya Gallardo, with Marvin Querido as musical director. Tickets are available at TicketWorld and the Solaire box office.