OPM icon Leah Navarro has every reason to be grateful — decades into her career, she is still doing what she loves most: singing. Her voice gave life to some of the most beloved songs in Philippine music history, including "Ang Pag-Ibig Kong Ito," "Kailangan Kita," "Lagi Na Lang," "Isang Mundo, Isang Awit," "Buhay Ng Buhay Ko," among many others.

Leah Navarro

She credits much of her enduring passion to the wisdom passed on to her by fellow musicians and her grandmother alike — all of whom urged her never to lose her dedication to the craft.

Now, she is especially grateful to share the stage once more with friends — and to bring their music to a whole new generation of listeners. On March 27, Leah joins fellow OPM legends Celeste Legaspi, Mitch Valdez, Nanette Inventor, Pat Castillo, Pinky Marquez, Bo Cerrudo, and Ding Mercado for a lively, dance-filled concert, "The OPM Friends: Groovin' - The Greatest Hits," at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts.

In an exclusive interview, Leah opened up about what it means to sing for today’s generation, her life as an activist, and the prayers that keep her going.

Young people embrace her songs

"To be honest, I didn't see it coming. I am surprised that many young people are still listening to my songs from my era, the late 70s to the 80s. I am grateful for these songs that I am blessed to record, which are still being sung by a younger crowd. Wonderful! I am glad that the young people have decided to embrace what we call retro music. It is the basis for many of the songs coming out right now."

Protecting her singing voice

"Sleep. Mainly lots of sleep, and I have a fairly quiet life, being surrounded by family and friends, so you can just be yourself. Actually, constant singing keeps your voice supple and flexible. And so we may get tired of rehearsing for our show, but it helps our voice."

From left: Ding Mercado, Celeste Legaspi, Nanette Inventor, Leah Navarro, Mitch Valdez, Pinky Marquez, Pat Castillo, and Bo Cerrudo.

Her favorite song:

"I love all the songs I have been given. I hope that I did all of them justice. But my favorite song is 'Buhay ng Buhay Ko' by Nonong Pedero. It's a lovely song, with the melody working beautifully. In fact, it was written first in Japanese by Nonong Pedero. There was a time when he was enamoured of Japanese culture. Then he gave English lyrics. And then the final version was the one I recorded in Filipino."

Challenges in performing:

"I never thought of singing or performing as a challenge. For me, primarily, it's a gift and a blessing. So how do you keep the blessing going? Not all of us have had a constant career. I stopped singing about eight years ago, maybe. Apart from going to Canada, I also lived there. But when I returned in the early 2000s, I became very involved in our country's affairs. I found out that being an activist is important. People hardly asked me, 'Why did you become an activist?' Well, it's part of my way to pay back the fans who supported me all these years. But I wouldn't have all that if it weren't for Filipinos, whom I also love, and I want to say thank you. Being an artist and an activist are two facets of being a good citizen. And for me, that's important."

"I don't miss much about singing in the 1970s because I was busy doing shows abroad. And then there's a portion of your life when you think you are bigger than life, when, in fact, you are not. So you have to buy the humility bullet and understand that there's more to life than singing and doing shows. I miss being with other singers when we do ensembles. Those were very memorable for me. Not all the solo parts. That's why I still have that opportunity to perform with my friends, the same people I was performing with several years ago are still here, and I am grateful for that."

Best piece of advice

"My fellow musicians have shown me what dedication to their craft is all about. Singing and performing are part of the craft. It's a profession. It's not something you drop. This is an ongoing love affair with the arts and music. So for them to keep going, keep performing, and keep singing, that's important. But you can only do that if your audience sees you're doing well or in good vocal condition, and you take singing seriously but with a happy heart. But it was my grandmother who really gave me good advice: always be dedicated to your craft, because if you look over your shoulder, there's someone who wants to take your place. So if you want to be in the moment, be memorable, keep that in mind."

Her prayers now

"My prayer now is literally for world peace. We really need a return to normalcy, democracy, and to be rid of the demented people who are making life globally almost insufferable. We must excise all the demons who purport to be full of love and affection when it's really just about themselves. I really hope it has nothing to do with the arts, but please vote wisely. That's how we will help return our world, our country, to normalcy. Vote wisely and listen to the good things people want to share with your attention."