Zsa Zsa Padilla: Singing through the years

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 (As I said, what about me), do I have five more years, 10 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 (So that’s how it is).”

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 (When I was young, I don’t know, but if I could be like other artists who die still singing. That’s what we all dream of, that) 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 (Even when I have a hard time breathing, I think to myself I will see this through. That’s how it is when you are a performer).”

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 (you can make some people happy). That’s what matters as an artist.”

Night to remember

True to form, Zsa Zsa shows no signs of slowing down. On 17 May, 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).