After 34 years, Leo Tavarro Valdez and Kuh Ledesma will finally mark their reunion on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) via “The King and the Diva: Beyond Classic,” concert to be held at the Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT).
Leo and Kuh first worked together in the stage musical “Rama Hari” in 1980. “Kuh was very new then,” Leo remembered. “We went our separate ways after ‘Rama Hari.’ And now with her legendary accomplishments, it is a great privilege and an exciting experience to be sharing the stage with her again.”
“The King and the Diva,” is a most appropriate title for the show. Leo, after all, was The King in the acclaimed musical “The King and I,” which was staged at the NPAT in 2012, for which he received an Aliw Award for Best Actor in a Musical Production.
Leo has long cemented his name among the greats of Philippine performing arts. His stage credentials speak for itself with his long tenure as The Engineer in Cameron Mackintosh’s hit musical “Miss Saigon,” among his many career highlights.
Kuh, of course, is equally successful, having received numerous awards and recognitions in a singing and acting career that spans 35 years. She has performed in over 1,000 concerts and counting.
Among Kuh’s many citations are a Best Asian Performance Award and a Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Award.
The duo’s repertoire will be a mix of pop songs and ballads. Of course, they will also perform their respective signature songs. Leo shared: “We can’t go wrong with all-time hits, Tagalog and English songs, and we’ll do a lot of duets from the hit productions we appeared in like ‘Rama Hari,’ ‘Miss Saigon,’ ‘The King and I,’ and ‘Evita.’ In these musical productions, we played roles, but in ‘The King and the Diva,’ we play ourselves, as singers. Leo Valdez doing a Leo Valdez, and Kuh Ledesma doing a Kuh Ledesma. We are ourselves. So it’s really exciting!”
It will also be the first time that Leo will be working with playwright/director Floy Quintos. “When I was doing ‘Extravaganza’ for Tita Conching Sunico at Metropolitan Theater, Floy was the writer, and he did a one-on-one article on me that came out as a cover story in a magazine, Panorama yata. It was the best ever article written about me! And look at Floy now, isang magaling na director na rin siya.”
Musical director of “The King and the Diva” is Homer Flores. Tickets to “The King and the Diva” are available at all TicketWorld outlets and at the RWM Box-Office near the main casino entrance.
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‘Marble Wonderland’ Showcases Japanese Culture, Entertainment
The recent “Marble Wonderland” by Asia Kawaii Way, showcased Japanese pop culture, intertwined with cosplay and dance performances. The venue, Movie Stars Café at the SM Mall of Asia, was jam-packed with an enthusiastic audience, proof of the ongoing popularity of cosplay in the country.
Leading the featured artists and fashion models in “Marble Wonderland” was Alodia Gosiengfiao, dubbed the “Cosplay Goddess,” having been named the world’s No. 1 cosplayer.
Alodia, who is an artist, singer, recording artist, sought-after celebrity endorser and actress, travels around the world to attend international cosplay conventions and events. A cover girl of FHM magazine in 2013, Alodia was included twice in the magazine’s 100 Sexiest list. She has almost three million likes on her Facebook fan page.
The special guests in “Marble Wonderland” were 217 (Niina) and Miume, dancers from the Akibahara culture and members of a Japanese girl group, Guilty Hearts. Also joining them were Myrtle Sarrosa, who’s in the cast of ABS-CBN’s “Toda Max” and is Hero TV’s official VJ; and other Filipino cosplayers.
“Marble Wonderland,” directed by Japanese actor-dancer-director Junya Yamada, also served as a fund-raising event for victims of typhoon “Yolanda.” Also launched that night was the girl group, Alodia & Sisters.
“Marble Wonderland” has also been presented in Singapore, Indonesia and of course Japan.
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Beverly Hills 6750’s Statement On Cedric Lee
Here’s the official statement of Chito Ho, chairman of Beverly Hills 6750 (BH6750) on the issues involving Cedric Lee:
“Beverly Hills Cosmetic Center and Skin Institute, Inc. (BH6750), a premiere wellness and aesthetics establishment, has recently become subject of concerns with regard to its association with Cedric Lee.
“To our valued clients and friends, please be advised that Mr. Lee is no longer connected with BH6750 since he has divested his shares as early as the year 2011. We thank you for your support and continued patronage.”
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings, February 7, go to broadcast journalist Cheryl Cosim-Alvarez of TV5, Ian Veneracion, Dinah Dominguez, Liz Alindogan, Fr. Fernando M. Suarez, Mrs. Flor Salvador, Elpidio de Vera, Rianna Diego, Ramon Mauricio, Florindo Santos, Nanette R. Luciano, Gina San Buenaventura, Ricardo Javier, Charlie Mahinay of PCSO Public Relations Dept., Presidential Nephew Miguel Abellada, Joyce Ann Medina Caligan, Oliver Quiba, John del Gallego, Juliana Austria, Nelia David, Amarice Santos Banares, and Winnie Velasquez… Happy wedding anniversary today to Benito Natividad Jr., and Dr. Evelyn Lozano… Belated happy birthday, Manila Bulletin’s Asstistant Editor-in-chief Ed Bartilad, (Feb. 5)… According to Neilsen TV Audience Measurement, “Rhodora X’s” (GMA 7) pilot episode last Feb. 3 won over the pilot of “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles” (ABS-CBN 2) ratings-wise. In National Urban Phils, “Rhodora X” got 13.9% compared to “Biggest Loser’s” 12.8%. In urban Luzon, “Rhodora X” got 16.3% against “Biggest Loser’s” 12.9% and in Mega Manila, “Rhodora X” scored 17.6% while “Biggest Loser” scored 13%… Sa lahat po na may birthday, happy-happy blowout!
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