It’s a quiet kind of joy — intimate, grounded and enduring — that OPM icon Kuh Ledesma feels whenever she carries a bag made from local materials.
Ledesma, the undisputed Pop Chanteuse of Original Pilipino Music, always embodied more than just her voice. She has been a cultural ambassador for four decades, performing on world stages such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and London’s Royal Albert Hall, always with the heart of a proud Filipina. She now literally carries that heart on her arm, in the form of a lovely Flores de Frida bag by BidiBidi.
Meeting of icons
It was more than a chance meeting when Ledesma first encountered the Flores de Frida piece, a vibrant creation inspired by the bold colors and spirit of Frida Kahlo. It was a moment of artistic alignment. Known for her commanding stage presence, expressive storytelling and timeless sense of style, Ledesma found in the bag a reflection of her artistry.
The Flores de Frida design bursts with floral exuberance, symbolic of life, culture and feminine power. It mirrors her performance of the song “Bulaklak” during Earth 90 in Tokyo, where she sang of flowers in three languages. That moment in history, like this piece of wearable art, celebrates the universality of Filipino creativity.
Symphony of style, soul
Draped in elegance and carrying the BidiBidi bag, Ledesma doesn’t just wear fashion; she embodies it. The harmony between her soulful music and the bag’s visual vibrancy is striking. “The moment I held it, it felt like it was made for me,” she shared, “I knew instantly that it wasn’t just beautiful — it had meaning.”
In photos on social media, Ledesma radiates strength and warmth, with the bag’s hand-painted blossoms echoing the same kind of flourish found in her every note. “It’s a collaboration between cultures, generations, and passions,” she said. “It reminds me of why I love being Filipino.”
Statement of support
For Ledesma, this is more than a fashionable endorsement; it is also a call to action. “If we truly want to see our country thrive, we must begin by supporting what is ours: our very own local artists,” she said.
Her collaboration with BidiBidi is a statement of solidarity with Filipino artisans, especially women in provinces who transform humble textiles into bold, narrative-driven designs.
Blooming with meaning
In the end, what Ledesma carries isn’t just a handcrafted bag but rather a piece of legacy. It’s about elevating Filipino identity and honoring the hands and stories that make every creation unique.
And, as she continues to grace stages with the same soul-stirring presence she’s known for, Ledesma reminds us that true artistry knows no boundaries. It sings, it blooms and yes, it can be carried with pride.