Sponsored by:

STARDOM IS HARD WORK!

These familiar faces show up on our TV screens, movie houses, and thousands of magazine covers. In the pantheon of modern-day gods, they’ve been idolized, immortalized, and become sources of inspiration to thousands of devoted fans.

But celebrity status did not come overnight. A life that sparkles with the glitz and glam was frequently earned by blood, sweat, and tears. Like the non-showbiz career people, the stars have paid their dues and keep on sharpening their skills. That’s how they can burn even brighter.

Once in a while, JobsDB.com will chat up-close and personal with these celebrities. Though not all of us have been bitten by the acting and concert bug, the values and lessons in their success story are pretty universal and can prove to be inspirational.

Kuh Ledesma: “Success is when people still want to see you sing”

Interview by Tinna S. Bonifacio

She is local music’s Pop Diva. Classy, elegant and talented in a way that no other local artist is, Kuh Ledesma is in a class of her own. Her name has become synonymous with excellence in everything she does—and she just keeps on doing. The producer, recording star, concert artist and singer behind such pop classics as Bulaklak, Ako Ay Pilipino and Dito Ba has just come out with a new album. Titled K: Para Sa Bayan Kong Mahal, the album extols traditional Filipino values like katalinuhan and kagandahan, values that Kuh has exemplified throughout her career, which has lasted more than 25 years.
         
And after all this time, Kuh is still in the midst of things. In fact, as this is being written, the Pop Diva is currently on tour in the US. Upon her return, she will rejoin her colleagues in ASAP ’07, the top-rating ABS-CBN Sunday noontime variety show.         

What is the best thing about being Kuh Ledesma?

The best thing about being Kuh Ledesma is that I am able to minister and share about God easily to most people.  God has given me a huge platform to share my life's experiences through songs and stories.  The many years of hard work have paid off and I certainly enjoy many blessings because people know me.

You’ve always been known as the Pop Diva. How do you find that title? Don’t you think it gets confining at times?

Yes, Pop Diva sometimes can be confining but when people say it with respect ok na rin.  Sa akin, what is important is that people still want to hear me sing.  Yan ang gift and talent ko.  That is where I want to be.

You’ve been in the business for more than 25 years. Do you ever think about retiring?

Right now quitting is farthest from my mind.  Becoming a Bible-believing Christian has given me a clear sense of purpose and I have not seen in the Bible the word “retire”.  Only a day of rest and to give time for worship which for me is a Sunday.  I want to be the first Filipino artist or the first artist in the world to still be very interesting even when I am 80.  Siyempre tomorrow is another day.  Today is all that matters and tomorrow, I pray and hope I will still have the passion to be excited about all that I desire to do.

You got your start singing in lounges and with bands like Ensalada and Music and Magic. How did those days help make you the performer you are today?

I am thankful for all my Music and Magic days and the pwesto I did in El Camarote, Alibi Bar, etc.  It taught me to interact and most of all hone my talent. In other words, "nahasa".  It provided a means for me also to be as creative because even in the lounges there is hard core competition.  The Music & Magic members also were very creative and had great passion to succeed and be great at what they did.

What would you consider the three major highlights of your career?

I can't single out only three major highlights, but becoming a follower of Jesus has given me a clearer understanding and purpose. That is why I look at my "K" album as a major highlight because the songs I chose have a deeper meaning about our lives as Filipinos.  I hope to inspire our country through these songs

Who would you say inspired you in your career as a performer?

Streisand, Diana Ross, Sade, Sarah Vaughn, Seal, Prince, Madonna and many others have influenced me to be great at what I do. Streisand has fine tones that I love.  Sarah Vaughn and Sade have low tones that are soothing. Seal has a cool way of delivering a message and that to me is very interesting and attractive.  I like the “no effort but comes on strong” kind of artist. But more than their singing style, they inspired me to be a concept artist.

What has been the most lasting lesson you’ve learned?

To work hard and to stay focused and most of all to enjoy what you do or else there is no point.

If you could give aspiring singers some advice, what would you tell them?

Find something that makes you come alive and do it passionately with all your heart and soul.

What is the secret of your success?

I make sure that I make choices that give me the joy in all the work I do.  Ayoko nang trabahong di ako happy. It becomes "hard labor".