Leah Navarro
Encyclopedia
Leah Navarro was still in her late teens when she became a major pop-music star in the Philippines
in 1970s-80s.
Born to a well-off family, Leah's mom is Nelda Navarro, a signer herself who used have her own TV program The Nelda Navarro show. Leah was practically convent-bred and finished college at Assumption College
in Makati City
, around the time alumna Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
was teaching there.
Her singing talent was discovered while still in school and she went on to sing pop music hits of the 1970s-80s such as Kailangan Kita and Saan Ako Nagkamali (both by George Canseco
, Lagi na Lang (by Nonong Pedero) and Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito which was later revived by Racel Tuazon, Moonstar88, Sheryn Regis
, and most recently Frencheska Farr
. Her interpretation of Isang Mundo, Isang Awit won the Grand Prize in the annual Metro Manila Popular Music Festival then actively sponsored by Imee and Irene Marcos, presidential daughters and music aficionados.
Her discography includes such singles as Hindi Ka Lilimutin, Totoo ba'ng lahat ng ito?, and songs from the stage play Tales of the Manuvu. Her debut album was self-titled, Leah.
In later years, Leah was rumored to have had relations with American actor, Anthony Finetti (star of The Expendables
), in 1988 in and on the grounds of the Peninsula Hotel in Manila
. It was rumored that things became quite serious between the two during filming until Finetti chose to return to the United States to pursue a career in professional mountaineering. Leah was purportedly heartbroken and she recently stated that Finetti was the love of her life, and that many of her ballads were secretly dedicated to him and his dashing looks.
Since the mid 1980s, Leah has taken an active role in Civil Society movements. Currently, she is co-convenor of the Black and White Movement opposing President Gloria Arroyo.
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
in 1970s-80s.
Born to a well-off family, Leah's mom is Nelda Navarro, a signer herself who used have her own TV program The Nelda Navarro show. Leah was practically convent-bred and finished college at Assumption College
Assumption College (Philippines)
The Assumption College is a private, Roman Catholic women's college in Makati City, Philippines established in 1959. It provides education from pre-school, elementary, secondary, tertiary, to graduate level...
in Makati City
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
, around the time alumna Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
was teaching there.
Her singing talent was discovered while still in school and she went on to sing pop music hits of the 1970s-80s such as Kailangan Kita and Saan Ako Nagkamali (both by George Canseco
George Canseco
George Masangkay Canseco was a Filipino song composer.Canseco studied liberal arts at University of the East...
, Lagi na Lang (by Nonong Pedero) and Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito which was later revived by Racel Tuazon, Moonstar88, Sheryn Regis
Sheryn Regis
Sheryn Mae Poncardas Regis , better known as simply Sheryn Regis, is a Filipina pop singer, composer, host and actress. Sheryn was a consistent top scorer of Star in a Million, where she eventually ended as runner-up to Erik Santos in January 2004...
, and most recently Frencheska Farr
Frencheska Farr
Marie Frencheska Mae Tobias Farr is a Filipina singer, model and actress. She was the Are You the Next Big Star? grand champion along with Geoff Taylor.-Early life and career:...
. Her interpretation of Isang Mundo, Isang Awit won the Grand Prize in the annual Metro Manila Popular Music Festival then actively sponsored by Imee and Irene Marcos, presidential daughters and music aficionados.
Her discography includes such singles as Hindi Ka Lilimutin, Totoo ba'ng lahat ng ito?, and songs from the stage play Tales of the Manuvu. Her debut album was self-titled, Leah.
In later years, Leah was rumored to have had relations with American actor, Anthony Finetti (star of The Expendables
The Expendables (1989 film)
The Expendables is a 1989 action film directed by Cirio H. Santiago. It stars Anthony Finetti, Peter Nelson, Loren Haynes and Kevin Duffis. It was written by Philip Alderton.Its running time is 89 minutes...
), in 1988 in and on the grounds of the Peninsula Hotel in Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
. It was rumored that things became quite serious between the two during filming until Finetti chose to return to the United States to pursue a career in professional mountaineering. Leah was purportedly heartbroken and she recently stated that Finetti was the love of her life, and that many of her ballads were secretly dedicated to him and his dashing looks.
Since the mid 1980s, Leah has taken an active role in Civil Society movements. Currently, she is co-convenor of the Black and White Movement opposing President Gloria Arroyo.