A night of reminiscing

Beauty, talent, wit and the magical X-factor are qualities Kuh Ledesma and Zsa Zsa Padilla possess. It’s been years since I heard about the Diva 2 Diva concert which kicked off at PICC in November 2002 and has moved on to tours here and abroad.

Last Friday, I had the privilege of watching the concert for the first time at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and can only describe the show in one word – exquisite! First of all, who would think that one day, we would see two top competing artists, who, mind you, have made names on their own, perform in one show? The mere thought of it was enough to keep me hanging onto the edge of my seat.

A crazy idea entered my mind just before the show started. I couldn’t help but think if Kuh will try to outdo Zsa Zsa and vice versa. Well, that crazy idea can now be put to rest because it never came to pass. Chemistry, rapport, harmony, name it, they had it. It was so pleasing to the eyes and ears to watch two artists once tagged as top rivals just blending into one great performance mainly because of talent, respect and relationship.

The show opened with Kuh and Zsa Zsa singing Madonna’s Vogue , which kept the audience breathless not only because of their vocal prowess but their mere presence on stage. It was enough reason to give those Vogue magazine cover girls a run for their money. Who would think that after all these years, these two talented women would look the way they do today? Amazing!

The repertoire was carefully chosen, and enhanced by the superb arrangements of Louie Ocampo, Homer Flores and Rey Cristobal (the musical director of the show). Their duets were outstanding because their voices were equally matched, which made the blending so soothing to the ears.

Both divas had their moments to shine in their solo numbers. It was a treat to see Zsa Zsa, the Divine Diva, let her hair down in an upbeat number Ain’t That A Kick In The Head, while Kuh, the Pop Diva, bared her personal side as she rendered a very touching Because Of You.

Both artists’ spiels were very natural and spontaneous and the audience enjoyed their humorous side. The show lasted for two hours or so, but there never was a dull moment because we were all having a great time reminiscing, laughing and enjoying with the two divas. No wonder the show lasted three years. There’s no doubt in my mind it will endure for many years to come.

Today, so many talented artists, some of them with names I can’t even recall, have sprouted like mushrooms. Sadly, most of them did not last. Kuh and Zsa Zsa have obviously evolved from their Alibi Bar and Tavern On The Square days to the divas they are now. Little did they know that one day, they will be the country’s top performers and do us proud.

Talent, attitude and professionalism are the secrets of their success, and it shows just by watching them on stage.

To Kuh and Zsa Zsa, here’s to more success ahead of you. May you continue to serve as role model performers to our future generations of artists.