"I’ve always been a staunch supporter of OPM," says the pop diva, "But I also knew that I wanted to do something different. The kundiman, with their sentimental lyrics, their nobility of character, their declarations of love and loyalty seem to be very anachronistic in these times we live in. But when you really think of it, isn’t that how virtues and qualities like katatagan, katapatan and kadakilaan are born? Out of our own personal strifes and trials, we build our character. And that’s what the kundiman show us, how to build character in times of personal adversity."

That’s why Kuh had a tough time choosing the classics that would eventually go into the album. "I wanted to choose the ones that said something about the Filipino character. I knew I wanted Nicanor Abelardo’s "Nasan Ka, Irog?" because it embodied the loyalty and steadfastness of true love. I also knew I had to record Pakiusap because it spoke to me of great humility and tenderness. I had also wanted to record Lucio San Pedro’s "Ugoy ng Duyan" for the longest time because it is still the quintessential Pinoy lullaby, one that speaks of wanting to regain a former innocence, a former security and sense of safety. These are emotions and longings that speak to us today, that remind us of where we are and what we must hold dear." Kuh sums it up by saying, "These songs are timeless reminders of the inherent good that we Filipinos have in our souls."

Not that K is in any way, a traditional set of recordings. Kuh, together with Bob Aves, set out to make the masterpieces fresh and contemporary, while maintaining a respect for the character and melody of the song. "We knew that we didn’t want to sound like an old recording, but we also knew that we had to approach the songs with reverence and respect. The new arrangements that we’ve come up will still capture the essence of the originals. We’ve just tweaked them a little, refreshed them up, made them sound a bit contemporary. I don’t think the purists will be after me," she laughs. "But what I hope is that the kundiman is introduced to a whole new generation of listeners."

K isn’t all about kundiman though. In between the choice kundiman cuts, Kuh has even managed to revisit her old hit like "Sya Na Ba?" by George Canseco and the iconic "Bulaklak." But a first listening yields such gems like the old 70s standard "Silayan." The stand–out is still Constancio de Guzman’s "Bayan Ko." Kuh says, "That’s one song that will continue to speak for all generations of Filipinos. I feel proud to have recorded it."

Is K her legacy? An addition to her already important body of work? Kuh smiles and says humbly, "The writers of these songs are the real heroes. I am only the interpreter. It is my privilege."

US tour 2007 Kuh Ledesma and Pops Fernandez

April 19 at San Manuel Indiana Bingo & Casino Highland, April 21 West High School Auditorium Anchorage, AK, April 27 and 28 Dutch Harbor Alaska, May 11 Ameristar Hotel, St. Louis, May 12 Chicago, May 18 and 19 at Cache Creek Resort Casino, May 25 Honolulu, May 26 Maui, May 27 Las Vegas, June 3 Harrah’s Rincon Casino San Diego CA and June 8 at Adrian Phillips Ballroom Atlantic City.

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Last Saturday, an action-packed show entitled "Fantastic Man" started airing on GMA 7, after "Bitoy’s Funniest Videos." The new TV series is based on the Vic Sotto blockbuster movie "Fantastic Man." It tells of the adventures of a new crime-busting superhero.

Playing the role of the loveable young lad who has taken on the mission to become the people’s reliable crime-buster is Mark Herras. As Fredo, he kindhearted, law-abiding and loving; and his alter ego is "Fantastic Man," the crime buster.

As a young boy, Fredo lived happily in the province with his parents Danny (Ariel Rivera) and Linda (Beth Tamayo), together with his Lola Cedes (Gloria Sevilla), until his simple life was shattered when a group of armed bandits abducted his father and killed his mother. Fredo was raised alone by his Lola Cedes, who eventually turned senile and got lost when they moved to the city.

In search of his Lola Cedes in the cruel city, Fredo meets new friends but also has a close brush with death in the bands of a ruthless syndicate. Left almost lifeless from a deadly beating, Fredo is rescued by Prof. Manalo (Joey Marquez), a scientist who invented the healing machine called the Regenerator. Fredo becomes the first "guinea pig" of the breakthrough healing machine and surprisingly acquires super-human powers. This fateful experience transforms the once helpless Fredo into an invincible crimebuster with extraordinary abilities and power.

Fantastic Man faces the city’s plethora of cunning and cruel criminals, the most ruthless of whom is the mysterious and eerie Tadtad, the notorious syndicate leader whose face is heavily scarred and mutilated. Playing Fantastic Man's formidable villains are Paolo Contis as Madam Tisay; Benjie Paras as Gobo; Rez Cortez as Boss Elvis; Pen Medina as Singkit; and Keempee de Leon as Budol.

Playing Fantastic Man/Fredo’s love interests are Ryza Cennon (As Wena, the friend Fredo rescues from a syndicate), and Jackie Rice (as Helen, Prof. Manalo’s niece). "Fantastic Man" also stars Nicole Anderson, Ana Lea Javier and Miguel Tanfelix.

‘Fantastic Man’ is directed by Zoren Legaspi.

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The heat is definitely on (you can feel it in the air) and that means it’s time for summer’s biggest event to take center stage again.

Twenty-four contestants will battle it out in tonight’s finals of the "Mossimo Bikini Summit 2007: Take It Underground" to be held at the NBC Tent at 8 p.m..

Tonight’s prizes include P100,000 in cash, P50,000 shopping spree, a watch from Breil Watches, gym memberships, specially designed "bling" from Miladay, special gadgets and the chance to be photographed for the cover of some of the country’s top glossy magazines.

Winning would also put them in line for lucrative acting and modeling careers like past winners Brent Javier, Carlo Maceda, Einar Ingebrigtsen, Jordan Herrera, Denice Montecillo, April Tanjueco and Martin Jickain, husband of actress and Quezon City councilor Aiko Melendez.

Hosted by Asia Agcaoili, "Mossimo Bikini Summit 2007: Take It Underground Finals Night" is presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Mossimo and sponsored by Breil Watches (Time Depot), Level-Up Games, Gold’s Gym, Mossimo Vision, FHM, Studio 23, RX93.1, Atoy Body Kits, Concept One, H&R Springs, Xenon Bulbs and FHM; and in part by Netopia, Samsung MP3, Revicon ION, Zunic, Air Stockings, Lay Bare, Vivere Salon, TGI Fridays, Chef Donatello, Club O, Gloria Jeans, T3, Men’s Health and Top Gear magazines, RT99.3, Wave89.1, and Magic89.9.

The event will kick off with a street party and races featuring modified, or souped-up cars. At 10 p.m., invited guests will be escorted by a specially designed Mossimo Bikini Summit ‘07 car by Atoy Body Kit, Concept One, H&R and Xenon Bulbs car to the venue.

This is the sixth edition of the popular and prestigious summer event. It is the first time that it will adopt an "underground" theme and sway to the beat of reggaeton music.

"Mossimo Bikini Summit 2007: Take It Underground" is a production of The Village and staged by Livewire with direction by George Sales and fashion styling by Regi Cruz. The finals night will be aired at a later date on Studio 23.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 21, go to former Pangasinan Governor Rafael Colet; former QC Councilor Wilma A. Sarino, artist Marivic Rufino, Raffy Rufino, Kathleen Hermosa, Imelda Bermudez-Livioco; Lillian Lazaro, Hermie Hermano of Cabuyao, Laguna; Katrina "Katkat" Gonzalez, Marlon Dionela, Dr. Bon Malvar and Luis Manzano...