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WATCH: This fresh arrangement of Lea Salonga’s ‘The Journey’ will warm your heart

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/11/24/20201124-the-journey.jpg"/><figcaption>Joed Balsamo and Lea Salonga perform ‘The Journey’ with a fresh arrangement from the composer. <em>Facebook: Joed Balsamo</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA — A signature tune of Lea Salonga since its release in 1993, “The Journey” is a familiar tune to many Filipinos and even to fans of the Broadway star overseas.</p><p>Now, the tune about hope and resilience — fitting for these challenging times — sounds brand-new again, with a fresh arrangement by composer Joed Balsamo.</p><p>Its most notable change from the original, written by Julie Gold, is the time signature of 6/8.</p><p>Balsamo shared his arrangement of “The Journey,” with Salonga performing, through a Facebook video on Tuesday.</p><p>The rendition was first shown in October, during a virtual concert of singer Gerald Santos, where Salonga was among the guests. Balsamo was the musical director, arranger, and pianist for that event.</p><div><script src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&amp;version=v2.5" async="" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/100008882115320/videos/2487108641595182" data-width="auto"> </div><p>“I rearranged all songs so when the time came to do Lea’s number, at first I was hesitant on what to do before the idea of turning it to 6/8 came to mind,” Balsamo recalled in his Facebook post.</p><p>“Later, I was concerned if there was still enough time for her to sing it this way since she&#x27;s used to singing that song countless times.</p><p>“Good thing,” Balsamo said, “she was game and excited even if I added surprises in the bridge and ending.”</p><p>Over her countless concerts dating back to the ‘90s, Salonga would frequently include “The Journey” in her repertoire, making it her signature song alongside her Broadway and West End pieces.</p><p>For reference, here’s Salonga performing “The Journey” during her “Magandang Buhay” guesting in 2018:</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WbHrLMsLqwo?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>The new arrangement from Balsamo, as of writing, has fetched nearly 2,000 reactions, as it started making the rounds on Facebook.</p><p>Salonga’s brother and frequent collaborator, musical director Gerard Salonga, was among those who lauded the imaginative take on “The Journey.”</p><p>“Galing galing naman!” Gerard commented, with a heart emoji.</p><p>“I’m just glad to put a smile on everyone’s faces (and ears) with this work,” Balsamo said. “Salamat sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap at pagbati.”</p><div><strong>Related videos:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vPhV7eS9Iv8?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/by9TCdBOV6w?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DX8D4FRUnvY?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>Its most notable change from the original, written by Julie Gold, is the time signature of 6/8.</p>

Its most notable change from the original, written by Julie Gold, is the time signature of 6/8.