Life goes on for Lani Misalucha even after health setback

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

Who would have thought that Lani Misalucha — one of the Philippines' most distinguished singers — would one day face the possibility of never singing again?

Certainly not Misalucha herself, dubbed Asia's Nightingale, whose four-decade career has been defined by powerful vocals and commanding performances.

But in 2020, on top of a global pandemic, Misalucha and her husband found themselves in a fight for their lives after contracting bacterial meningitis. Her husband even fell into a coma.

"It's hard to say how it happened," she said. Doctors eventually traced the infection to Streptococcus suis, a rare swine-related bacteria likely from contaminated meat.

They both survived, but the illness left lasting damage. Misalucha remains partially deaf in her right ear, suffers from a vestibular disorder, and lives with constant tinnitus. Her husband lost 90 percent of hearing in one ear.

Lani Misalucha is one true survivor — surviving the tough entertainment industry and a life threatening condition. PHOTO FROM BACKSTAGE MANILA

"It was a difficult time for me as a singer," she recalled. "I'm not sure if it was depression, but I just didn't want to move or see anyone."

Movement triggered dizziness, while sound — especially voices — became painfully distorted. For months, she avoided speaking and singing altogether.

But in 2021, she slowly began retraining herself to sing in this new reality.

"I was under steroids for over a month. My voice felt thick, I couldn't hit notes, and I was off-key. It was like starting all over again."

Surviving the illness made her 40th anniversary in the industry even more meaningful — and worth celebrating.

As such, she has decided to return to stage for her first major concert since their recovery.

Titled "Still Lani," the concert, happening on August 21 at The The Theatre at Solaire, will showcase the enduring talent of Misalucha. It is her first major solo concert since her recovery.

The venue, she said, is ideal for a more intimate and stripped-down show. "No theatrics, no flash. Just music. That's what people loved about me in the first place."

Backed by a 40-piece orchestra under the direction of Toma Cayabyab — son of National Artist Ryan Cayabyab — Misalucha is preparing to once again share the voice that has captivated audiences for decades.

She admits that the fear of going off-key still lingers. But she finds confidence in the people around her. "I'm comforted knowing I have a competent team, a great sound system, an excellent sound engineer, and a very supportive musical director."

At 55, she remains committed to proving that she's still the same Lani Misalucha the industry has known and loved. She laughs at the thought of being "almost at the exit door" while young talents are just stepping in.

"It's a beautiful thing," she says. "I've worked with so many talented musical directors and musicians. It's fulfilling to now witness the artistry of a new generation."

Asked to describe her 40-year career in one word, she answers without hesitation: "Beautiful."

"There were many ups and downs, but it's been beautiful," she ended.

Indeed, there's no better word to sum up her journey — because despite the silence illness once forced on her, Lani Misalucha is singing again.