Kuh Ledesma The "Pop Diva" 

Kuh Ledesma is one of the most fascinating Diva in the Philippine music industry.

She usually performs pop and jazz forms of music. For 25 years in the music industry, Kuh is a recipient of several awards local and international awards already. Because of her distinct and exceptionally performances she was recognized and dubbed as the "pop diva" of the Philippines. She was the first Filipino singer who received the Salem Award in London. 
 
Maria Socorro or Kuh Ledesma was born on March 16, 1955 in the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. Kuh was married to an ex-Philippine President Elpidio Quirino's grandson named Luisito Gonzalez. As the fruit of their endless love for one another was their daughter named Isabella Gonzalez. 
 
She started her career in the music industry when she joined the Lastiko Band in Bacolod. While she was still a nursing student she discovered her love for singing and she had found a way to enter the music industry.

Kuh Ledesma and members of the band Jet Montelibano and Toto Gentica went to Manila. They later formed a new band which was known as "Music and Magic". While she was with the band, Kuh was able to render her very first solo hit, the song "Dito ba?" 

The Solo Career Years

> In 1980's Kuh Ledesma was also able to perform her first solo concerts at the Araneta Coliseum, PICC and cultural center of the Philippines.

> In spite hectic performances she was able to lunch an all-Filipino concert dubbed "Ako ay Filipino" in 1982. This featured some of the pop songs, ethnic sounds and kundimans. This show made a mark to many Filipinos locally as well as abroad.

> Because of the success of "Ako ay Filipino" another production followed which was called the "Inspired Madness" in 1983. This was created in collaboration with the then budding musical director Ryan Cayabyab and the Philippine film director Peque Gallaga as well.

> During the 1980's Kuh sang at the CCP to pay a tribute to Ninoy Aquino, one of the country's political heroes. The show dramatically ended by her singing the Acappella version of "You'll never walk alone" and the "Impossible Dream".

> In 1990's, Kuh was able to perform with some of the foreign artists such as Kenny Rankin, Michael Legrand, The Platters and Noel Pointer.

> She released several albums like "The Voice and The Violin".

Kuh served as an inspiration for many Filipino singers like Pops Fernandez, Regine Velasquez and Jaya who are all now also acclaimed and famous singers in the country.
 
Kuh had another side other than being an artist she is also a business woman. With dedication and hard work she was able to put up the Bravo Records, a recording studio that is now producing budding Filipino singers.

Kuh Ledesma Awards and achievements 

1979
Aliw Award's Most Promising Group - Music and magic

1980 
"Dito Ba" became both a Gold Record and Platinum Record
Aliw Award's Best Female Concert and Roadshow Performer 

1982 
Entertainer of the year
Miss Popular Singer-Entertainer of the Philippines 
Philippine Press Club's Singer Of The Year 

1983 
Tinig Award's 10 Most Outstanding Singers of the Philippines 

1984 
"Ako ay Pilipino" became Double Platinum 

1986 
Most Popular Contemporary Singer 

1987
Catholic Mass Media's Best Musical Television Program - Kuh

1988
Awit Award's Best Female Performer 
 
1989 
Salem Music Award (London) Most Popular Female Performer 

1993 
Virgo Award's Entertainer of the Year 

1999 
National Centennial Commission Most Outstanding Filipino and Natatanging Gawad Sentenaryo 

2001 
Philippine Jayees' Natatanging Pilipino Award  

2003 
National Press Club and Tinig Awards -  One of the Most Outstanding Singers in the Philippines  

2004 
Aliw Awards' Best Performance in Collaboration 

2006 
Lifetime Achievement Award 
 
Aside from the number of awards, Kuh also received movie credits such as the "Oro, Plata Mata" and "Tinimbang Ko Ang Langit". Because she was not contented with just being a performer, Kuh Ledesma also built some of the alternative concert venues such as the Republic of Malate and the Music Museum where fellow artists perform. Aside from singing she also was able to publish and wrote articles. Until now, her voice remained in the hearts of many Filipinos and her songs continue to owe many. Notably, playing some of her memorable songs, Filipinos can really appreciate the essence of being a Filipino.