In an industry where the “generation gap” often shows up as whispered complaints and on-set tension, a group of OPM legends just flipped the script—showering today’s young stars with wholehearted praise.
And these aren’t just any veterans handing out compliments. Celeste Legaspi, Mitch Valdes, Nanette Inventor, and Leah Navarro aren’t merely icons—they’re institutions. They’ve gifted us some of OPM’s most enduring hits after all.
Celeste gave us “Mamang Sorbetero” and “Gaano Kita Kamahal.” Leah’s voice defined classics like “Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito” and “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit.” Mitch helped found OPM as an organization in 1986. And Nanette? A powerhouse in both music and comedy—no introduction needed.
With résumés like that, they could easily dismiss today’s stars as mere upstarts. Instead, they’re leading the cheer squad.
Case in point: SB19 and BINI. “I am so proud that they are putting Filipino music on the map,” Leah beamed. “They get my wholehearted support.”
Asked who she’d like to collaborate with, Celeste didn’t even blink: “Lahat!”
Mitch, who also acts, took it a step further, calling the new generation “awe-inspiring,” and fondly recalled working with actors Shaina Magdayao and JM de Guzman.
But it was Coco Martin who truly left her astonished: “Nagdidirek, nag-i-stunt… siya yung first to arrive and last to go home… he deserves all the success.”
Celeste, meanwhile, had her own “wow” moment working with Belle Mariano in “Can’t Buy Me Love.” “All those days, umiiyak siya… ‘Talagang umiiyak ka na naman?’” she shared, half-amused, half-amazed. Beyond the tears, she underscored the professionalism: “Alam niya lahat ng lines… eksakto.”
Nanette—forever iconic as Doña Buding—agreed, praising the discipline of younger artists she worked with in “Ang Mutya ng Section E”: “Dumarating sa tamang oras… talagang biyaya ng Panginoon.”
No diva drama. Just legends giving love where it’s due—and proving that great artistry, much like respect, knows no generation.
Now, Celeste, Mitch, Nanette, and Leah are bringing their signature warmth and wit to the stage as OPM Friends in “Groovin’ The Greatest Hits,” happening March 27 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Joining them are Pinky Marquez, who ruled the theater stage in “The Sound of Music” and “Katy!,” among many others, Pat Castillo of Circus Band fame (“Aso’t Pusa”), Bo Cerrudo, Ding Mercado, and special guest Nonoy Zuñiga (“Doon Lang,” “Kumusta Ka,” “Never Ever Say Goodbye”).
Tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets and the Newport World Resorts Box Office.
