PRESENTING THE LADIES OF DIVA2DIVALENTINES !

As solo performers, Kuh Ledesma and Zsa Zsa Padilla are so good at what they do. That’s why they are still active in the music industry long long after they started their careers. On February 13, 2020, Kuh (known as the Pop Diva) and Zsa Zsa (the Divine Diva) will join forces once again for Diva2DiValentines at the Manila Hotel’s Tent City.

“It’s truly a blessing that even after forty years I’m still doing concerts, and other things I’ve always done. But I will not credit everything coming my way to the talent God has given me. I got to where I am now because of my faith in Him,” Kuh says. “Meanwhile, I think it’s fun to be called a diva. Being a diva means you are larger than life.”

“I feel so blessed to still be here, because I feel that longevity is a gift that’s not given to all performers. Sometimes, no matter how hard they work, not even the most talented are able to stay long in this industry,” Zsa Zsa adds. “When it comes to the ‘Divine Diva’ title, Martin Nievera called me that when we did a Valentine show at the Araneta Coliseum. It caught on. I don’t mind it, and again, I feel lucky that it was given to me.”

These divas are good individually, but when you put them together, they become more than that. Their tandem is phenomenal, which is why their concert series Diva2Diva has been hugely successful in the Philippines, and all over the world as well. When asked why audiences embraced their tandem, Kuh explains it’s because they complement each other.

“My voice blends very well with Zsa Zsa’s, and we both like giving people an excellent show. We choose songs that people would like to hear. What I really admire about her is that she’s very professional. She represents herself well and she’s always on time. Talo niya ako doon,” she laughs.

The very first Diva2Diva show was held at the Philippine International Convention C hienter (PICC) in November of 2002. That marked the first time Kuh and Zsa Zsa shared a stage since they started their respective careers. It proved to be such a hit that they decided to go on the road together. Since then, Kuh and Zsa Zsa have taken Diva2Diva to Australia, Canada, and the United States. What’s more, they always performed to a sold-out crowd wherever they go.

Zsa Zsa says it’s because she and Kuh have very similar styles.

“Kuh is really artistic and has a lot of great ideas. She’s an independent woman, and her strength comes from her faith which is unwavering. Our singing styles are also influenced by Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross, both of whom we idolize. We also basically cater to the same crowd here and abroad,” says Zsa Zsa.

For Diva2DiValentines, they will be joined by Mitch Valdes and Nanette Inventor. Like Kuh and Zsa Zsa, Mitch and Nanette have enjoyed long, successful careers. Nanette, who prefers to be called the “Funny Lady of Songs,” is excited to share the stage with them again.

“A diva is one that shines. I let the light that God gave me shine through darkness. Beyond the behavior and talent, a diva lights up the stage and generates her own spotlight. So it's time for the diva in me to emerge,” she enthuses.

Mitch is equally excited to treat people to her unique brand of comedy, as well as her vocal stylings. She agrees that it’s tough to be a comedian these days because audiences have become more sensitive. But she’s still optimistic about the future of comedy here and abroad.

“It’s hard because of social media. But what’s very sad is the viciousness with which some attack what they don’t agree with. They destroy anyone who dares to think differently. Hopefully there will come a time when all forms of comedy can bloom again. I say this for music also.”

These divas’ repertoire includes a medley of their own hits, much-loved Broadway songs, and classic duets with fresh twists. Diva2DiValentines is set to be breathtaking, musically and visually.

Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM, and the show will start at 8:30 PM. For ticket inquiries and reservations, call 09202868895 or 09178139065. It will also go to Pampanga on Feb. 14 at the Clark Marriott Grand Ballroom. For more details on the Pampanga show, kindly call 0917-5197680, 0922-8226917 or +63 45 5985000 (Clark Marriott).

Long live the divas !