Last Tuesday, June 23, cosmetic brand Avon launched its newest product for the Filipina. It is called Anew Rejuvenate, a line of skin care products that deliver anti-aging results similar to a professional anti-aging facial. At the Sofitel Philippine Plaza press conference, Avon also revealed their Anew beauty ambassador in the person of multi-awarded singer-stage actress Lea Salonga.

"I'm honored for being chosen as a beauty ambassador of an international brand such as Avon," said Lea. "It has empowered women all over the globe not only through their products but also through the livelihood opportunities provided by their direct selling operations."

She added, "Not everyone knows this but I started using Avon products when I was just a seven-year-old budding stage actress at Repertory Philippines. It was my mom who introduced me to the brand and since then Avon has been a staple item in my kikay kit."

DAUGHTER NICOLE. After the press launch, the international stage actress most known for her roles in Annie, Les Miserables and Miss Saigon sat with YES! and PEP to discuss one of her favorite subjects: her daughter Nicole.

When asked if Nicole would also take the path to becoming a stage actress like her, Lea smiled and said, "Yeah, she seems to have a desire for it. Like in The West Side Story, she's seen the movie, but I don't know how many times though when she hears the music, she immediately knows what music it is. She immediately knows what scene it is, she immediately knows who the characters are, just what they are wearing. She doesn't know who the actors are, but just from the voice and from what they are singing she knows!"

Nicole seems to have a preference for theater, and for Lea, an expression of appreciation from her daughter is enough to make her smile. "For her to enjoy it," added Lea, "it makes me happy."

How old is Nicole right now? And will Lea also plan on having her daughter become a stage actress as well?

"She's three," beamed Lea. "She just turned three this May. I'll probably start putting her [in workshops] at four or five, but I also plan on putting her into dance, and piano lessons... everything I had to go through when I was a kid. So, I want her to experience all that."

What if she takes a liking to sports, just like her dad Robert Chien?

"I love it! You know I would love it!" laughed Lea. "Her father is kind of hoping. I hope she's interested in golf because he loves golf and he is a major golfer. I'm hoping that she'll take interest in whatever sport, like in basketball, soccer, gymnastics, martial art, golf... so we'll see what she'll end up liking."

FULLY BOOKED THIS YEAR. This year is definitely a busy year for Lea as concerts in Asia and the U.S. will take up much of her time, so there won't be any musicals for now.

"I'll definitely be having concerts," revealed Lea. "In September 12, I'll be having a concert with the Bangkok Symphony, so I'm heading to Bangkok. And then on September 18, I'm going to Canada and then I'll be going to different parts of the U.S., like Indiana, California, and definitely New York state. I've got stuff going on. I'll be going back this November in Hawaii."

Good news, though: Lea will be having a concert here in the Philippines by the end of the year, though things are hush-hush for now.

"That's going to be something special," promised Lea. "When it comes closer to the time I announce it because the fans will be a little involved with the concert, then I will be able to talk about it."

Lea is also interested in making movies but due to her work schedule this year, movie projects will have to wait.

"I definitely wanna work with Aga Muhlach again," said Lea. Then laughing, she added, "I don't mind playing a parent, I've done it before. We'll see. It definitely should reflect reality or something that would be age-appropriate."