Kuh Ledesmh L
At Arte Theater, Kuh Ledesma turns George Canseco’s beloved songs into a theatrical celebration of love, loss, memories and second chances.
When you want someone to mount a tribute to a great Filipino songwriter, let Kuh Ledesma do it.
Why? Because Ledesma has done that before. More than 15 years ago, she mounted a tribute to George Canseco at the PICC and it was a resounding success and even had several repeats . That concert also helped open the way for more tributes for the great Filipino songwriters who gave us the soundtrack of our lives.
Now, years later, Ledesma has returned with another Canseco tribute, this time at her Arte Theater and once again, she has taken the concept beyond a simple concert.
This tribute was like a musical and a concert rolled into one . It was not the usual “in-and-out” format where singers simply come onstage, sing a song, and leave. The songs were woven into a storyline, with characters, relationships, humor, romance, heartbreak, and hope.
One of the most touching aspects of the show was seeing Ledesma give artists another opportunity to shine. Martin Magalona (brother of famous rapper the late Francis Magalona ) and Maegan Aguilar have both faced personal struggles. What was beautiful was that Kuh gave them a platform to do what they do best and they did not disappoint.
Magalona gave the Canseco songs a fresh and unexpected feel. He added rap as an intro to some of the songs, giving them a new energy.
Aguilar gave a heartfelt rendition of “Rain.” Perhaps it was her own struggles that brought a deeper emotion to the song. You could feel the pain behind every line.
Her duet with Ledesma in “Kahapon Lamang” was another touching moment. Their voices carried the regret, sadness, and longing in the song, making the performance especially moving.
The young performers brought a wonderful freshness to the production. Zannah Peñaranda's version of “Ikaw” and Kellen Alcantara’s “Sinasamba Kita” gave the songs a youthful charm. Radhni Tipla’s take on “Kapantay Ay Langit” was another standout. He performed it with such confidence and stage presence, bringing back a little of the charisma and flair associated with Rico J. Puno.
Nathan Randall gave an exceptional performance of “Paano Bang Mangarap,” while his rendition of “Nasaan Ka Man” was truly soul-stirring. He brought both emotion and sincerity to the songs.
The young performers also brought fun and energy to the show. Their playful chemistry, romantic storylines, and witty repartees made songs the Canseco songs come alive. Nathan and Zannah’s performance of “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi” was especially charming.
The Basil Valdez sound-alike Armand Mandapat, a product of Eat Bulaga’s contest, was another standout. His voice was remarkably close to Valdez’s, capturing that unmistakable voice that made those songs so memorable.
The resemblance was so striking that it felt as though it was Valdez who was actually singing. The audience was amazed. It was a real treat for anyone who grew up listening to OPM icon.
Seasoned balladeer Marco Sison was another crowd favorite. The audience’s clamor for more was so strong that he ended up adding another song even one that wasn’t a Canseco composition.
It was also wonderful to hear Isabella singing OPM. We often hear her in jazz, Broadway, or inspirational repertoire, so hearing her interpret Filipino songs was refreshing. Her rendition of Ngayon was particularly unforgettable the kind of performance that gives you goosebumps.
And, of course, there was Kuh Ledesma, the ever-perfectionist, whose voice, like fine wine, seems to become richer and finer with age. But she didn’t simply sing. She rapped, acted and interacted with the younger performers.
She was the driving force of the entire musical experience. With Ledesma, there is never a question about the quality of her performance. She always brings excellence, experience, and emotion to every song, making each moment unforgettable.
And to top everything off - the food! Simple Filipino food, but prepared with such care and flavor that it became another highlight. Comforting Filipino dishes cooked with so much love.
This kind of show deserves a repeat and perhaps an even bigger venue, where more people can experience the music, memories, and stories all over again.