Leah Navarro on music, activism, and humility

OPM icon Leah Navarro has every reason to be grateful — decades into her career, she is still doing what she loves most: singing.

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LEAH NAVARRO The activist Leah Navarro is an activist who has returned to the stage. I am an activist who has returned to the stage.

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.

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 at Viva Cafe in Araneta City, 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.