Two months before her one-year contract with “Miss Saigon” expires, Rachelle Ann Go is thinking of extending her stay in London.

However, it might no longer be for the famed West End musical where she’s been playing the role of Gigi Van Tranh since May last year.

“Yes, I am (extending in London) but not in ‘Miss Saigon’ anymore. I am moving on, trying another musical,” Rachelle said. “I have a lot in mind but I still don’t know what’s going to happen. Abangan na lang natin kung anong mangyayari. I’m very excited.”
If her plan to do another musical in London does not push through, Rachelle will return to Manila.

“Hopefully, pabalik-balik (sa Manila). Kapag may mga projects, balik lang din. Kung wala akong susunod na musical, I’ll come back here in Manila and do my job.”
Rachelle’s contract with “Miss Saigon” expires on May 9.

Fulfilled and happy

Rachelle has been earning recognition and positive feedback for her performance in the West End musical. She won two awards, including Best Featured Actress in a Musical from the 2014 Broadway World West End Awards and Best Supporting Actress in a Musical from the 15th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards.

“I’m very thankful. Hindi ko in-expect na mare-recognize ako. Sinusundan ko lang ang pangarap ko, na I love to perform. Bonus na lang na ma-recognize. Nakaka-amaze kasi napapansin ’yung mga talents ng mga Pinoy,” she said.

These awards and honor serve as Rachelle’s inspiration to do better and love her craft more.

“Noong nakuha ko iyon, may purpose din pala. Sabi nga ni Jonjon Briones (‘Miss Saigon’s’ The Engineer), nagpe-perform kami every night, may ma-touch lang kami na isang puso, malaking bagay na iyon as an actor,” she said.

With the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of performing in a West End musical at hand, Rachelle now considers herself an actress.

“I never really considered myself before as an actress. Singer lang talaga. Ngayon, ini-embrace ko na; I’m an actress,” she said.

Rachelle takes with her all lessons she acquired from the “Miss Saigon” experience. It has taught her to be more independent and disciplined as a person and as an artist.

“As an artist, nag-grow talaga ako. Siguro iyon din ang purpose bakit ako napunta sa London, to grow as a person and as an artist. Discipline-wise, iba din nagawa ng theatre sa buhay ko,” she said.

Still single

Rachelle has been chosen by Disney Channel Asia to sing and star in the music video of the song “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” for the launch and promotion of “Cinderella.”

Just like Cinderella, Rachelle hopes to have her own “Prince Charming” someday though right now, she’s not actively looking for love.

“I’m not searching, I’m just waiting. Like Cinderella, dumating lang sa buhay niya. It will come. I don’t want to search for it,” she said.

image: http://www.mb.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/rachelle-ann1-238x300.jpg

Rachelle Ann Go (Walt Disney Studios); Lily James plays the titular role in ‘Cinderella’ (main photo)
Rachelle Ann Go (Walt Disney Studios); Lily James plays the titular role in ‘Cinderella’ (main photo)
Late last year, Rachelle was rumored to be dating her “Miss Saigon” co-star Dale Evans because of their sweet exchanges on social media. Dale also called her ‘Mahal’ in one of his online posts.
Asked if she is seeing anyone in London, she said, “Puro beki kasi eh. Tawag kasi nila sa akin ‘mahal’; tinuturuan namin sila mag-Tagalog.”

It doesn’t matter to Rachelle if a guy comes from showbiz or not as long as he is God-fearing.
“I want someone who will lead me, God-fearing, family-oriented, ma-respeto. Number one, God-fearing, has the same faith,” she said.

It is a big honor for Rachelle to have been picked for “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes.” Disney Channel Asia even flew to London to record and produce her song and video.

“Full production ito sa Disney studio. I could not believe it, parang Hollywood. My mom surprised me (visited her in London) pa, regalo ng Disney sa akin,” she said.

Her close friend Sarah Geronimo was previously chosen by Disney Channel Asia to sing the song “The Glow.”

“I’m very happy kasi parang kapatid ko na iyon eh,” Rachelle said of her colleague. “We had dinner sa restaurant nila, kaming mga Champions. We’re very happy kasi pangarap namin iyon eh, noong bata pa lang kami na maging Disney princess. Tapos ngayon nagagawa namin,” she said.

Being a big dreamer like Cinderella, Rachelle can relate well to the song. She rose to fame after winning the singing competition “Search for a Star” in 2004. Amid life’s challenges, Rachelle never gave up on pursuing her dreams.

“’Yung song iyon talaga ang tumama sa akin noong bata pa ako. Noong narinig ko na iyon ang gusto ng Disney na kantahin ko, bumalik ’yung childhood memories ko. Dreamer din kasi ako. Like Cinderella, she’s very kind. Naka-relate ako sa story niya kasi ang dami kong pangarap sa buhay. Ang daming tao na nagsasabi na, ‘Hindi mo mararating iyan,’ lahat negative. Sabi ko, hindi ako nagpaapekto sa mga negative comments of other people. I kept on dreaming.”

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/whats-next-for-rachelle-ann-go/#R6QdEdJVrTMXfkP5.99