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Kuh Ledesma

ABS-CBN News

<p>For more than four decades, Kuh Ledesma has remained one of the most recognizable and enduring voices in Original Pilipino Music, captivating generations of Filipinos with timeless hits such as &quot;Till I Met You&quot; and the patriotic anthem &quot;Ako Ay Pilipino.&quot;</p><p>Beyond the sold-out concerts, standing ovations, and musical milestones, however, Ledesma said the greatest transformation in her life happened away from the spotlight.</p><p>During her recent guest appearance at Garth Garcia’s concert in Arizona, the veteran singer reflected on the deeper purpose that has sustained her through decades in the entertainment industry — one rooted not in fame, but in faith.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778555838845Photo 1.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">OPM Diva Kuh Ledesma during a one-on-one interview with ABS-CBN U.S. correspondent John Saavedra following her guest appearance in Arizona. </span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Faith as foundation</strong></div><p>“When you have purpose, it’s very important that you go on because there’s a calling,” Ledesma said. “There’s a calling of God.”</p><p>Known for her elegance and commanding stage presence, Ledesma said her faith has remained central to both her personal life and professional journey.</p><p>“The Lord, first and foremost,” she said when asked about her secret to longevity. “I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I try to sleep as early as possible. And I speak life words.”</p><p>She shared her belief in the power of positive speech, choosing to reject negativity and replace it with hope. “Hindi ko sinasabi ang mga negatibo. Binabaliktad ko iyon into something positive.”</p><p>Ledesma said this perspective has shaped not only her personal outlook, but also the way she connects with audiences during performances.</p><p>“I connect the meaning of my songs to what God has done in my life,” she said. “If it’s just about singing well without meaning, parang mababaw lang. I want to share the good things God has done.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778555867848Photo 2.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"> Kuh Ledesma performs one of her iconic hits, “Dito Ba,” during her guest appearance at Garth Garcia’s concert in Arizona. </span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Beyond fame and accolades</strong></div><p>Despite a career filled with achievements, Ledesma said her greatest milestone was not a concert, award, or chart-topping hit.</p><p>“That real milestone for me was overcoming life without Jesus,” she said. “That became the starting point of real life.”</p><p>She reflected on how success alone does not always bring fulfillment.</p><p>“Sometimes we think we are alive because we are accomplishing things, but we can still feel dissatisfied, incomplete, always searching for something to make us happy,” she said. “That void can only be filled by God.”</p><p>When asked what Bible verse she would want others to remember, Ledesma pointed to one she often shares. “Psalm 37:4 — Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”</p><div><strong>Songs that shaped generations</strong></div><p>Among the songs most requested by audiences worldwide, Ledesma said &quot;Till I Met You&quot; continues to resonate strongly with fans.</p><p>“&#x27;Till I Met You&#x27; is always requested,” she said. “And, of course, &#x27;Ako Ay Pilipino.&#x27;”</p><p>For many Filipinos, the latter remains one of the most recognizable patriotic songs, often sung in schools, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings, becoming deeply woven into the country’s shared memory.</p><p>Her music has transcended generations, with songs that have become the soundtrack of countless Filipino households, milestones, and moments of nostalgia.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778555944487Photo 3.jpeg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">OPM Diva Kuh Ledesma poses for a photo with ABS-CBN U.S. correspondent John Saavedra following their interview in Arizona. </span></span></span><strong>Legacy beyond music</strong></div><p>Asked how she hopes to be remembered, Ledesma offered a simple but deeply personal answer: “Very simply, as a servant of the Lord.”</p><p>While her concerts continue to draw audiences around the world, Ledesma said her true purpose extends far beyond entertainment.</p><p>“Those concerts are just icing on the cake,” she said. “The real cake is what I know about God and His word.”</p><p>After more than 40 years in the music industry, Ledesma’s voice remains timeless, but perhaps her most enduring legacy lies not only in the songs that made her an icon, but in the faith, hope, and purpose she continues to share with audiences across generations. </p>

<p>For OPM diva Kuh Ledesma, the greatest transformation in her life happened away from the spotlight.</p>

For OPM diva Kuh Ledesma, the greatest transformation in her life happened away from the spotlight.

Kuh Ledesma reflects on faith, purpose, and life beyond the spotlight

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Kuh Ledesma reflects on faith, purpose, and life beyond the spotlight

ABS-CBN News,

John Saavedra

Published May 12, 2026 11:44 AM PHT

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