Kuh Ledesma on love growing cold: There has to be another chance

Her voice has interpreted and told countless songs and stories. Every time Kuh Ledesma records and releases a new one like Ano Ba’ng Nangyari sa Atin, she is enveloped with that feeling of excitement and joy.

“I’m excited, yes, always,” said the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Pop Diva and icon in a recent virtual interview with The STAR. “I always, you know, look forward to people falling in love with the song.”

Ano Ba’ng Nangyari sa Atin, on the other hand, is her second collaboration with Marq Dollentes and Malo Cruz as writers. Their first was Titindig Ako, released during the campaign of then-presidentiable Vice President Leni Robredo, now Naga City mayor.

Prior to the latest single, Kuh released Sama Sama sa Pasko and I Love You, a Vehnee Saturno song, in 2019 and 2023, respectively.

Given her collection of songs and timeless music, the artist carries on “to generate millions of streams,” as her publicity team put it.

“A love song growing cold,” said Kuh about Ano Ba’ng Nangyari sa Atin, now available on Spotify and other digital streaming platforms, genre-and-theme-wise. It depicts a romantic affair or relationship that loses its spark and passion.

“Laging may chance dapat (but there has always to be another chance). You know, I teach Bible lessons, and what I’ve learned in all the years I have… I believe that, you know, in hindsight, dapat hindi tayo nakikipagsagutan, nakikipag-away (we should not be arguing and fighting). Mas maganda pa nga yung, ‘Silence is golden,’… and the best thing to do is just really pray about it.”

She also added that if one believes that “there is a Supreme Being, who is in charge of all things and in control, then we should surrender to Him the situation. And just, you know, ask for wisdom (and) guidance… If there’s misunderstanding, it’s best to always just answer it with a lot of humility and love.”

And exchanging hurtful words also means having hurt feelings.

“Words can really enter the heart, and then it’s difficult to forget them when, you know, you’ve said something hurtful. Ang hirap bawiin (you can’t easily take it back),” shared she.

But there’s still that glimmer of hope for two people to reconcile and restart their affair or marriage.

“Pwede pa rin (it’s still possible). Liligawan mo ulit (you win the person back),” said she, adding that a woman or a man has her or his own way of wooing a loved one.

Its success also depends on God’s plan. There’s a reason that a chapter of life has to conclude.

“If it’s (the person or the relationship) not making you grow spiritually or closer to God, then you should let it go. Don’t look back… We should let go of those things that are not good for us,” said she, recalling a lunch with a nun who gave her this piece of advice.

“The man you should marry should be good for you,” shared she. “What she meant (by) good for you is someone who will bring you closer to God.”

Essentially, Ano Ba’ng Nangyari sa Atin is a love song, but one may relate it to recent social events that call on public servants to be more concerned about the welfare and concerns of everyone.

Asked what makes a song classic, Kuh said, “Well, kailangan ang message malalim atsaka (it should have a deeper message and) it can relate to many people, and of course, the lyrics should really be done in such a way na perfect din para dun sa melody (that they perfectly fit the latter). Alam mo kung minsan walang namang saysay yung lyrics (sometimes the lyrics do not say much), pero kapag maganda yung melody (but when the melody is beautiful and pleasant), pasado (it works) atsaka ang areglo, ang arrangement lang nakakatulong na, malaking tulong ang areglo (the arrangement is also a big help).”

Kuh is also top-billing the post-Mother’s Day concert titled “Mama Mia… Here We Go Again” on May 30 at the A.R.T.E. Theatre, Hacienda Isabella. Daughter Isabella and A.R.T.E. artists Aja Albornoz, Zannah Peñaranda, Kellen Lee and Radhni Tiplan will grace the show. Dinner is at 6, while the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Aside from the solo and group segments, there will also be sing-along, karaoke style entertainment and dancing.

For details, please call 0960-8850288 or 0920-2868895.