Leah Navarro
| Leah Navarro | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Leah Navarro |
| Origin | Manila, Philippines |
| Genres | Manila sound |
| Instruments | Vocals |
Leah Navarro was still in her late teens when she became a major pop-music star in the Philippines in the 1970s-1980s.
Born to a well-off family, Leah's mom is Nelda Navarro, a singer 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-1980s 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.