Kuh, Bobby Soul concert

staged once more tonight


The music of the legendary soul/R&B group The Platters definitely ranks as among the most unforgettable in the world of music. Songs like "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," "Twilight Time" and "Only You (And You Alone)" — along with the other memorable tunes of the 50s and 60s—will long be remembered by lovers of great music.

Recently, Kuh Ledesma brought back the music of The Platters when she staged "The Music of The Platters and More" at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. But Kuh wasn’t just content to perform the songs herself—to give the show an authentic feel, she brought in The Platters’ vocalist Bobby Soul to sing with her.

Originally, they were only supposed to do two shows, but both were so successful that Kuh scheduled a repeat on April 22, again at the Captain’s Bar, to give in to the request of a lot of people.

"The Music of The Platters and More" is a production of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the Music Museum. And as expected, people will get the chance to hear once again the memorable hits of The Platters, along with other romantic ballads.

Among the songs in the repertoire are a selection of solos for both Kuh and Bobby, as well as some much-awaited duets that include "Unforgettable," "Endless Love," "You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine," "What Now My Love" and "The Last Night of The World" from the musical "Miss Saigon."

Of course, Kuh and Bobby will also reprise their hit numbers from their earlier show. Kuh will be performing her much-loved standards: "Too Marvelous" (originally performed by Ella Fitzgerald, with a version by Frank Sinatra), "As Time Goes By" from the movie "Casablanca;" "Moon River" from "Sabrina;" "Can’t Help Fallin’ In Love;" "Unchained Melody;" "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" and "It Must Be You."

Bobby, in turn, will delight the audience with his rendition of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," "Twilight Time," "I’m Sorry," "Remember When" and "Love Boat" from the 70s hit series of the same title.

"The Music of The Platters and More" will be a night of musical nostalgia for both the young and old.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006042161898.html

Up for Kuh!

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The best of moments with Mom

By SHIRLEY MATIAS PIZARRO

Tomorrow is Mothers’ Day.

Read on:

"I will never forget that it was my mother who encouraged me to sing. She always told me I had the talent and she helped me with the song ‘Bulung-bulungan’ which was a winning piece I had in high school." — Kuh Ledesma

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006051363870.html

Mothers & daughters
By Peachy Vibal-Guioguio
The Philippine Star 05/14/2006

Experts agree that parenting is one of life’s great challenges and what more when the glare of spotlight is on you 24/7. Mother-daughter relationship, in particular, is a complex arena on its own. For celebrity mothers, the whole experience could be quite overwhelming, or maybe even frustrating.

So rather than remind our showbiz mothers about the trials and tears they went through in raising their daughters, this writer went to the other side of the parenting equation and asked four daughters, who are themselves, celebrities, to talk about their relationships with their moms and what are the lessons they’ve learned from them.

Isabella on mother Kuh Ledesma

Isabella admits that when she was younger, she didn’t know her mom, Kuh, very well. It was because she spent most of her time with her dad and obviously, was a daddy’s girl. When her parents separated, got back together only to break up again, Isabella consciously made an effort to be more open to her mom. "Once, when we were together in the car and she was driving, I just looked at her and realized that I don’t really know the person sitting behind the wheel and driving for me," Isabella recalls. What turned to be the turning point in their relationship was when at age 14, she started opening up to her mom and confiding her innermost secrets; and to her surprise, "my mom took it really cool."

It also helped that her mom was instrumental in bringing her closer to her faith but she also acknowledges that it was her father who introduced her to the Bible since he would always read to her Bible stories during bedtime. "It was actually a team effort on their part," enthuses Isabella. And for Isabella, to make God first in her life is one of the most valuable lessons she has learned from her mom.

If there’s one thing that Isabella will never forget about her mom, it will be about the time when she was 11 years old and was very sick to the point of hallucinating. "I remember she was by my side even if she was tired from all her showbiz commitments – she made me feel very safe." On Mother’s Day, Isabella only wishes that her mom be able to use God’s given talent in the time frame she has allotted to herself. "To fulfill her dreams to the maximum in this lifetime."

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200605141703.htm

up up up...

bakit kaya wala na si Kuh sa ASAP? can someone answer this question?

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Seeing stars in HK

Speaking of globe-trotting stars. For First Pacific’s 25th anniversary, businessman Manny Pangilinan flew a slew of singing stars—Kuh Ledesma, Zsazsa Padilla, Lani Misalucha, Martin Nievera, Christian Bautista and Sharon Cuneta—to Hong Kong for a special concert on Thursday, with Louie Ocampo as musical director and Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino as hosts.

http://news.inq7.net/entertainment/index.p...&story_id=77203

KUH LEDESMA "KUH 25 YEARS" with special guests CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA, BASILVALDEZ, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON and Kuh's daughter ISABELLA FRANCESCA • Chicago Saturday June 10, 2006 at Pickwick Theater • June 18 Orlando FL • San Francisco July 2 at Palace of Fine Arts Theatre • LOS ANGELES SHOW SATURDAY, JULY 8, 8:30PM at The Grove of Anaheim, 2200 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim CA 92806. For tickets and info pls. call KATZ Entertainment at (562) 787-9030 or Red Fox Entertainment at (909) 438-6877 • San Diego July 9 at Pala Casino

kapamilya pa ba siya?

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KAPAMILYA pa nga ba sya? nakita ko sya sa MASTER SHOWMAN last Sat. kumanta, ininterview at nag promote pa ng mga shows nya...yun lng

CD Cover

Title: Till I Met You
Artist: Kuh Ledesma
Label: Vicor Records
Released: 2006
Number of Tracks: 18

Track Listing
1. Dito Ba
2. Bulaklak
3. Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan
4. One More Try
5. Help Me Forget
6. Let's Stay
7. Nagbalik Ka Na Mahal
8. Mayroong Sa 'Yo'y Nagmamahal
9. Lumakad Ka
10. Hamon Ng Damdamin
11. Laruan
12. Flor De Liza
13. Part Of Me
14. Where You Could Be
15. A Long, Long Time Ago
16. Hello
17. I Think I'm In Love
18. Till I Met You

KUH LEDESMA "KUH 25 YEARS" with special guests CHRISTIAN BAUTISTA, BASILVALDEZ, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON and Kuh's daughter ISABELLA FRANCESCA • San Francisco July 2 at Palace of Fine Arts Theatre

kung sa Master Showman okay lang yun kasi even before nagpromote din si Rico Yan at Claudine Barretto nagpromote ng Got 2 Believe... I really want her on TV coz she's so pretty and her voice is good

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Kuh Ledesma 25 Years
A Celebration of 25 Years in Showbusiness
Jul 08, 2006 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm


Venue: The Grove Of Anaheim
Location: 2200 East Katella Avenue,
Anaheim, CA 92806, US

Directions to The Grove Of Anaheim
Performer(s): Kuh Ledesma with special guests Christian Bautista, Basil Valdez, Christopher de Leon and Kuh's daughter Isabella


Ticket Details: $55 / $75
For more information please contact Tel: 562-529-8680

Divinely Inspired


Fervently dedicated to the development of her craft for the last 25 years, This PASSIONATE singer with the famous SMOLDER rediscovers a relationship with a higher POWER, enhancing not only her work, but her relationships as well

“Frankly, I really didn't know in the beginning if I was even going to make it,” admits Kuh Ledesma. Yes, the Kuh Ledesma, she who can command crowds of thousands during her concerts; whose naturally alluring eyes and full lips give her the look and appeal of a sophisticated diva; and whose new-found faith and inner joys is blazing a trail she's all-too-willing to follow.

It wasn't always the case for her, though. “I thought one needed a padrino in this business,” she explains. “It helped that I always love to sing, ever since I was [in the second grade]. If I had pursued my nursing degree, I could be earning US$40 an hour in the US now.” Her next words color her statements for the rest of the interview.” But God plucked me out of that and orchestrated a way for me to audition. I've been blessed so many times over since.”

There is the Kuh Ledesma most people are familiar with—her early days as a member of Music & Magic on the live band circuit, to solo stardom selling out shows at venues that seat thousands. She managed to make herself a presence on stage (Rama Hari, Kapinangan) and in the silver screen (Oro, Plata, Mata, Tinimbang Ang Hari and most notably, Peter Weir's The Year Of Living Dangerously with Mel Gibson). She has never been afraid to take risks: incorporating indigenous sounds in her concerts, collaborating with foreign artists, heading her own production company and recording studio and even developing concert venues like the Music Museum and Republic of Malate .

Along the way, however, were times when her greatest blessings masqueraded as trials. Case in point: her eventual separation from husband Louie Quirino Gonzales, when her daughter Isabella was only 14. “I went to many counselors—psychologists and priests,” it was a Christian counselor who taught her to surrender to a higher power, to “accept Jesus as my savior and to read the bible. I felt that I had found the solution that worked for me.”

Being a Christian performer in the glitzy and often shallow world of showbiz has brought its own peculiar joys and trials. “I've been called ‘Jesus Freak' and other nasty things. I guess some people find what I have to say about my faith disturbing to hear,” she muses. “On my part, I am so thankful for the opportunities God has given me. I feel compelled to share the spiritual experiences that have made me more joyful, more thoughtful, and more peaceful. It's no longer a straight concert-then-pick-up-the-check affair for me. I want my audience to go home divinely instead.”

Kuh's unique approach to concerts allowed that true talent to come through over the years, the concepts behind them usually becoming trends to be followed by the rest of the industry. Ako Ay Pilipino in 1982 featured a repertoire of ethnic sounds, collaborating with film director Peque Gallaga in Inspired Madness and superstar pairings in Power Of Two with other powerhouse performers like Regine Velasquez and Jaya. “In Diva 2 Diva with Zsa Zsa Padilla, our musical director was Louie Ocampo,” she recounts. “The Greatest Hits Of George Canseco, I worked with Rey Cristobal. The duet concerts [alternately with Regine, Jaya, Pops Fernandez, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Nora Aunor] required a lot of harmonizing.” The system that worked out for the duet series heloed Kuh put together a compilation of her work that she will use for her 25th anniversary celebration in the industry. Apart from a two-month US tour, a music video, techno album, inspirational album and photo book chronicling her career as a vocal artist, actress, producer, and owner-manager of Music Museum and Republic of Malate are in the pipeline.

Blessed as she is, Kuh is driven to give back. She is part of the original musicians' union Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and long advocated Original Pinoy Music (the other OPM).

With that mind, Kuh's pet project is the establishment of small Christian churches in barangays, most recent of which is in Cavite . She sees the churches as nurturing the people in the community spiritually and materially as well, by exploring and establishing livelihood opportunities. The projects are funded through tithing 10% of income, a Christian practice she believes people will support once they see that the money is invested back into the community.

This original Philippine diva has certainly achieved success in her craft this last quarter of a century in showbiz, but “I know now that we cannot be disconnected from the God who created us, the source of all our talents and blessings,” Kuh reflects. “I'd say that I was successful as an artist before I rediscovered my faith, but since I became a born-again Christian, I can say I feel not just mere happiness, but complete joy!”

- mega

‘Paano Kita Pasasalamatan’ wraps up Kuh’s 25th year in showbiz

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 24, 2006


ANAHEIM—Kuh Ledesma, the grand dame of first-rate entertainment, still elicits the profuse oohs-and-aahs every time she steps up to the limelight to open any of her shows. Quite a fete for a budding nurse who left the healthcare field 25 years ago to become one of the Philippines’ most bankable performers.

On a recent Saturday evening, kababayan concert enthusiasts trooped to the gigantic Grove of Anaheim to partake a three-hour celebration of mostly George Canseco compositions, songs for the Lord, some segments of a popular Broadway musical, and other hits that went well with the audience.

Guest performers included the suave Christopher “Boyet” de Leon, one of Philippine filmdom’s most respected thespians; Basil Valdez, a 70s pop icon who is still in the scene and well loved at that; and Christian Bautista, a matinee idol whose legions of fans have fanned out to some of the Philippines’ neighboring countries.

The event also marked the coming out performance of Kuh’s 17-year-old daughter Isabella (Isabella Maria Francesca Ledesma Gonzales), a lovely lady in bloom with stage confidence borne out of musical tutelage in London, Manila, and Los Angeles.

The “Paano Kita Pasasalamatan” concert was the culmination of 25 years in showbiz of the former Music & Magic mainstay that included more than 300 concerts, 18 albums in the local recording industry, and numerous awards. It was brought to the local audience by KATZ Entertainment and Red Fox Entertainment. (DIONESIO C. GRAVA)

http://www.balita.com/xshell.php?id=891

Kuh celebrates 25 years as singer

The country’s pop diva, Kuh Ledesma, has just ended the first leg of her very successful US tour.

The tour, which featured Basil Valdez, Christopher de Leon, Christian Bautista, and Isabella were all well received in Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco, Ohio, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego. It was Kuh’s way of celebrating her 25th anniversary as a solo performer.

Audiences were treated not only to her hit songs, but also to the ones that became her signature songs back when she was with Music and Magic. Kuh proved to be in to form after all these years, showing to them she still had that splendid voice Filipinos have come to love. The voice was of course complemented by an amazing figure and her awesome rapport with the audience.

The concert showcased duets between Kuh and her guests that many described as showstoppers, the most applauded of which were Kuh and Christian’s “Ikaw” and “Kailangan Kita,” Kuh and Isabella’s “Anak,” and Kuh and Basil’s “The Prayer.”

Also proving they were well worth the trip were guest performers. Basil Valdez’s “You,” “Lift Up Your Hands” and his medley of George Canseco songs had everyone in rapt attention. Christian Bautista also proved that he is one of today’s major male Filipino artists by performing two of his hits, which made the audience sing along while others screamed in excitement.

Kuh’s daughter Isabella also had her chance to shine by singing a very upbeat and powerful version of “W.O.M.A.N” and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from the Phantom of the Opera. Both songs showcased her versatility as a performer and also allowed her to present herself as an artist with a style different from that of her mother’s.

Showing everyone why he’s worthy of an album was movie actor Christopher de Leon who surprised everyone with a duet with Kuh via the song “All I Ask Of You.”

Audiences happily report that the most striking about the concert was its unpredictability. The repertoire of songs was well thought of proving Kuh has truly evolved as an artist. All concerts lasted for more than two-and-a-half hours, during the span of which Kuh had multiple costume changes that proved to enthrall audiences.

By the time Kuh would sing “Ako Ay Pilipino” wearing a royal ethnic-inspired outfit topped with a crown (designed by Edwin Uy), the audiences could only show their appreciation with a standing ovation in every city.

Countless agree that Kuh’s 25th anniversary US tour only proved why she has stayed in the business for so long. Her ability to put together lavish concept shows and her fearlessness in constantly reinventing her music and elevating Filipino artistry has made her an artist that, even after all these years, still has the drawing power to fill huge venues not only in the Philippines but also abroad.

Those who failed to catch the magic should be happy to know that Kuh will be back in the US in September to fulfill her promise of a second leg of her 25th year tour. Her stops include Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg in Canada and Los Angeles, Cache Creek, Dallas, Seattle, Las Vegas, Lakeland in the United States. Please watch out for further announcement of the performance dates.

For more info on Kuh Ledesma, log on to her Web site at www.kuhledesma.net

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=g...e05_july29_2006

Kuh’s US tour a big hit
BLACK & WHITE
by : Eugene A. Asis

WE were invited to attend the presscon for Kuh Ledesma’s 25th anniversary concert two days before the performance at Kalesa Restaurant in Anaheim last month. The show, produced by good friend, Jackie Regala (of Katz Entertainment) was a huge success, but that’s another story.

We arrived at the presscon venue with all the other representatives from other Filipino newspapers based in LA already busy with the question and answer portion. We don’t know that our arrival at the venue would cut it short unexpectedly, when Christopher de Leon (one of Kuh’s guests in the concert) stood up to meet us halfway from the door. “Ano’ng ginagawa mo dito?” he asked surprised. “Dito ka na ba?”

Eyes were trained at our direction, with the other reporters/photographers silently asking: “Sino ‘yan?”

Save for one (Tony Vizmonte) who knows us, the others were complete strangers who were perhaps wondering what bugged them. Well, we had a good chat with Boyet, and later with Kuh, daughter Isabella, guests Christian Bautista and Basil Valdez.

Semi-retired manager Wyngard Tracy (who accompanied Basil) was also delighted to see us, and advised us: Ikaw kaya ang mag-umpisa ng PR practice dito sa LA na Manila-style?

We were thinking about it, and maybe, someday, we might heed his advice. Wyngard, after all, knows the business so well that his words could make up a bibliography for showbiz practitioners.

Now here’s the story about the concert.

There were talks that Vina Morales’ show with Jay R at The Grove of Anaheim wasn’t well attended, but the producer wasn’t complaining, either. Kuh’s show was a different story altogether. But why the comparison? Well, it was also held at The Grove of Anaheim and gauging from the filled up seats (up to the last at the back), it was really spelled h-i-t. Showtime was 8 p.m., and people started queuing up as early as 6 p.m. The line even crawled down at the parking lot, but instead of joining them, we decided to take a quick dinner at Panda restaurant just across the venue first. It was a good decision as the show was long, albeit not tiring. Kuh was a hit with her songs and her usual antics (refusing to be regarded ‘old,’ especially when Christian Bautista sprinkled his words with po and opo, in their mock repartee), and Boyet was a revelation in his Lou Rawls songs.

The biggest surprise that evening was Basil Valdez. He was supposed to do a song or two in between, but his medley of his own songs has what brought the house down. The consensus? The crowd that night was composed mostly of those who grew up with his undying ballads, that they were singing with him, reminiscing old days gone. After the show, a show producer asked us if it would be wise to bring Basil back in the US on his own concert. Affirmative, I said. Perhaps, he can team up with Lani Misalucha who has broken up with the Society of Seven and now on her own again. Heard she’s going back to Manila to do a concert or two or resume her career here. (Another story again.)

In her spiels, Kuh kept on thanking the “gracious people of LA,” and even if the crowd kept on correcting her, “this is not LA, this is Orange County,” she would again mention “the people of LA” (and the crowd would again shout, ‘this is Orange County, Orange County’). Who cares about specific names of locations? Eh sa atin, basta malapit sa LA, kahit San Diego na, LA pa rin ang tawag ng hindi tagaroon.

To sum it up, Kuh’s show was nothing less unforgettable for both the crowd and the performers. Isabella displayed her best (although she still suffers comparison from her still very regal mom) and Christian thrilled the younger Filipinos in the audience. They surprisingly know his songs.

After the show, fans milled at the back entrance of the venue to have a closer glimpse of the performers, get autographs and have pictures taken with them .

The next night, the group did another show at Pala Hotel and Casino between Temecula and Escondido going to San Diego.

Meanwhile, back home, Kuh is doing a special two-night show, Come Rain, Come Shine with London International Jazz Festival grand winner Mon David at the Captain’s Bar of Mandarin Oriental Hotel on August 18 and 25 at 8 p.m.

Then she goes on the second leg of her US concert tour in September. She will again be in Los Angeles, Cache Creek, Dallas, Seattle, Las Vegas and Lakeland. Kuh also has shows scheduled in Canada—Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?page=n...date=2006-08-04

Kuh launches 25th anniversary with 1st leg of US Concert Tour

Crispina Martinez Belen

Back in town is the county’s pop diva, Kuh Ledesma, who has just ended the first leg of her very successful US tour.

The tour, which featured Basil Valdez, Christopher de Leon, Christian Bautista, and Isabella, were all well–received in Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco, Ohio, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego, is Kuh’s way of celebrating her 25th anniversary as a solo performer.

Audiences were treated not only to her hit songs, but also to the ones that became her signature songs back when she was with Music & Magic. Kuh proved to be in top form after all these years, showing to them she still had that splendid voice Filipinos have come to love her for. The voice was of course complemented by an amazing figure and her awesome rapport with the audience.

The concert showcased duets between Kuh and her guests that many described as showstoppers, the most applauded of which were Kuh and Christian’s "Ikaw" and "Kailangan Kita," Kuh and Isabella’s "Anak," and Kuh and Basil’s "The Prayer."

Also proving they were well worth the trip were guest performers. Basil Valdez’ "You," "Lift Up Your Hands" and his medley of George Canseco songs had everyone in rapt attention. Christian Bautista also proved that he is one of today’s major male Filipino artists by performing two of his hits which made the audience go singing along and screaming.

Kuh’s daughter Isabella also had her chance to shine by singing a very upbeat and powerful version of "W.O.M.A.N" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" from the "Phantom of the Opera." Both songs showcased her versatility as a performer and also allowed her to present herself as an artist with a style different from that of her mother’s.

Showing everyone why he’s worthy of an album was movie actor Christopher de Leon who surprised everyone with a duet with Kuh via the song "All I Ask Of You."

Audiences happily reported that the most striking about the concert was its unpredictability. The repertoire of songs was well-thought of, proving Kuh has truly evolved as an artist. All concerts lasted for more than two and a half hours, during which Kuh had multiple costume changes that also enthralled audiences.

By the time Kuh would sing "Ako Ay Pilipino" wearing a royal ethnic-inspired outfit topped with a crown (designed by Edwin Uy), the audiences could only show their appreciation with a standing ovation.

Many agree that Kuh’s 25th anniversary US tour only proved why she has stayed in the business for so long. Her ability to put together lavish concept shows and her fearlessness in constantly reinventing her music and elevating Filipino artistry has made her an artist that, even after all these years, still has the drawing power to fill huge venues not only in the Philippines but also abroad.

Those who failed to catch the magic should be happy to know that Kuh will be back in the US come September to fulfill her promise of a second leg of her 25th year tour. Her stops include Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg in Canada and Los Angeles, Cache Creek, Dallas, Seattle, Las Vegas, Lakeland in the US.

For more info on Kuh Ledesma, log on to her website at www.kuhledesma.net.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR2006081371610.html