Zsa Zsa Padilla: Voice for the ages

For over four decades, Zsa Zsa Padilla has graced the Philippine entertainment scene with her iconic voice, captivating performances, and an enduring charm that continues to inspire generations. Yet, after 42 years of making fans swoon, laugh, cry, and fall in love, does the Divine Diva think about hanging up her microphone?

“Sabi ko nga, ako kaya, do I have five more years, ten more years? I don’t know,” Zsa Zsa muses, candidly reflecting on her career.

“But as long as I can sing, I would want to. Ganun pala ‘yon."

She laughs at the thought of performing until her very last breath — a dramatic image, yes, but also a testament to her passion.

“Noong bata ako, hindi ko alam kung paano ba — kung puwede ba akong maging katulad ng ibang artist na hanggang sumakabilang-buhay, kumakanta pa rin. ‘Yan ang dream ng lahat, na until your last breath, you’re still singing.”

Even amid moments of physical strain, like bouts of asthma, Zsa Zsa’s instinct as a performer never wavers.

“Kapag hinihika ako, nawawalan ako ng hininga, pero maiisip ko, ilalaban ko pa rin. Ganun talaga pag performer ka.”

For Zsa Zsa, music has never just been about notes and melodies. It’s about touching lives.

“By way of song, meron kang napapasayang mga tao. That’s what matters as an artist.”

A night to remember

True to form, Zsa Zsa shows no signs of slowing down. On May 17, she will celebrate her illustrious career with a major concert, “Zsa Zsa: Through The Years,” at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Ayala Malls Circuit Grounds, Makati.

More than just a concert, Zsa Zsa calls it “a celebration of an incredible journey” — an evening filled with music, memories, and heartfelt moments. The timing is perfect too: the show doubles as a tribute to mothers (falling near Mother’s Day).