Why Kuh Ledesma loves the Queen City of the South

 Filipinos’ enthusiasm to sing and knack for it are undeniable. Thus, foreigners think that there must be something in the water that we drink that makes us easily and naturally carry a tune.

In the country, Cebu, the Queen City of the South, is a place where some of the known Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists hail from. And Pop Diva, Kuh Ledesma, can attest to it.

“Cebu has produced some of the finest talents in the Philippine entertainment industry, like Pilita Corrales, Dulce, Vina Morales, Morissette, and Manilyn Reynes,” said Kuh in an e-mail chat with The STAR. “It’s amazing to see so many talented Cebuanos making a mark not just locally but internationally as well.”

Cebu has indeed made its contributions to Pinoy music talent- and genre-wise. It also has its own folk songs, classics, and the contemporary BisRock and VisPop.

Besides this, Kuh loves Cebu for such reasons as “the warmth of the people, the amazing food, and the vibrant culture,” adding that “(They) always make every visit memorable. There’s so much to explore, from beautiful scenic spots to unique local shops.”

A couple of months ago, Kuh was there to attend a friend’s birthday and checked out a lovely new place in the hills. “It was so nice. We need to encourage businesses by supporting them. It creates and improves the local economy,” recalled she. “Cebu has so much to offer in terms of tourism. It has breathtaking beaches, historical landmarks, lively festivals, and a rich culinary scene. Each visit feels like a discovery of something new and exciting.”

However, tomorrow, Nov. 9, Kuh is in Cebu for the fourth staging of “I Love OPM,” a benefit concert for Kalipay Negrense. The venue is the grand ballroom of NuStar Resort Cebu, while showtime is at 8 p.m.

“I’ve performed in Cebu countless times, from private gatherings to grand events at large venues, and I absolutely love going back,” shared she. “My most recent performance was in 2023 at the Waterfront. Over the years, I’ve built wonderful friendships and strong bonds with the people I’ve met, making every visit feel like a homecoming.”

Asked what she looks forward to performing before our kababayan in the regions, Kuh had this to say: “It’s always exciting for me to perform outside Manila and bring a show to our kababayan in the regions. It’s a special opportunity to deliver my brand of performance for audiences I don’t often get to see. I love knowing that I can connect with new friends, reunite with familiar faces, and even share my knowledge about God and messages of truth from the Bible. It makes each show feel like much more than just a performance — it’s a chance to connect on a deeper level and bring the message of God’s love.”

For this edition of “I Love OPM,” Kuh said that there will be some exciting changes. It has an entirely new lineup of special guests. She will be joined by The APO Hiking Society, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuñiga and Vina Morales.

“At the same time, we’re keeping the audience’s favorite numbers from previous shows so that OPM fans can still enjoy those well-loved hits we did in Manila. You can also look forward to some interesting new duets that we’re sure will be a hit!” added she.

Audiences will get a treat of performances from OPM icons.

“Our featured guests are truly some of the most iconic and talented artists in the industry. They have timeless hits,” shared Kuh. “The APO is the epitome of Pinoy Sound, and they have a gazillion of OPM hits. Vina Morales is a powerhouse performer, singer, dancer, total package, and a very good actress. Marco Sison, with his soulful voice and classic songs, always connects deeply with the audience. And Nonoy Zuñiga’s rich and deep emotive singing adds a layer of depth and passion.”

“We chose artists who are veterans in the industry. All of them have great hits that are still well-loved until today. Each of them brings something special to the stage, making this lineup truly unforgettable.”

With the show’s title, Kuh was also inquired to give her two cents’ worth on OPM as a music genre and movement.

“From when I first became part of OPM to now, I’ve seen such incredible growth and evolution in the genre and movement,” said she. “OPM has always had a strong emotional core and connection to Filipino culture, and over the years, it has embraced new sounds, genres, and global influences while still honoring its roots.”

“I’m thrilled to see so many young artists bringing fresh perspectives and taking OPM to international audiences, proving how powerful and versatile Filipino music truly is. It’s an exciting time to be part of this journey, and I feel blessed to contribute to a movement that keeps inspiring and evolving, while hopefully preserving our unique identity,” concluded she.

(For ticket inquiries, call 0917-1777469 and 0999-1084162.)