Looking back on her illustrious career in the industry, multi-awarded singer and actress Celeste Legaspi was nothing but honest about how she really did not expect that even after more than four decades, she would still be as active as she is onstage and onscreen. Although she had been singing since she was five years old, it was only when she was in her 20s when Celeste started singing professionally.
“I just thought it would be wonderful to sing like my mother. Namana ko yun sa mother ko. And it amazed me na a lot of people wanted to hear me sing also. And then I was very blessed na nabigyan ako ng mga songs. Kasi maraming may mga magagandang boses pero wala silang signature songs. So that’s a blessing. And the Filipinos liked my songs, like ‘Mamang Sorbetero’ and ‘Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal’. So nagpapasalamat ako for all that. I’m very grateful,” she told PUSH ABS-CBN in an exclusive interview.
The 76-year-old artist, who is a founding member and first-ever president of Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), continues her legacy this year, as one of the stars of Theater Group Asia’s The Notebook: The Musical where she takes on the role of "Older Allie.” The musical follows the love story of Allie and Noah, and is portrayed by across multiple stages of their lives. The Notebook: The Musical explores what it means to love someone deeply, to grow alongside them, and to hold on to the stories that make us who we are.
“The offer to do this came out of the blue but I had already seen the movie and I loved it. I thought it was the most romantic film I’ve ever seen. And there is a very special role for an older woman. Fan na fan ako ni Gena Rowlands, siya yung nasa pelikula (in the same role). So the moment they called me, I said, ‘Oh my goodness! You’re going to ask me to do the role of Gena Rowlands. I’d love to do that.’ But I didn’t even know about the music yet. I didn’t know that there was a musical. It was a very pleasant surprise when I was learning the music. Kasi the music is very special. It’s modern and exact. Hindi siya yung usual musicals. The scoring is very interesting and the instrumentation is very different. It’s very well arranged,” she shared.
Aside from being a known acting and singing, Celeste is also busy with her own company, Culturtain Musical Theater Productions, which she co-founded in 1987 with Girlie Rodis. Celeste admits that this was also a time when she had considered stepping away from the limelight. But The Notebook: The Musical actress admitted she could not help but enjoy having a busy schedule.
“Oh yes, definitely. Number one, because I was raising my family. So I had three children and now I have one apo. I also have a theater company so that’s a lot of work. We’re going to put up Katy! The Musical in CCP in 2027. Well, that’s the way I like to live my life. Yung maraming ginagawa. Which is good for the mental health of anyone. Because my mother had Alzheimers. That’s how she died. And I always make sure that I do a lot of things. Kaya kahit I’m older na, I still keep myself busy,” she shared.
Celeste is also active in helping fellow OPM artists through the work that she does with fellow OPM artists.
“I’m with a group called OPM Friends. We are all friends from the OPM time: Mitch Valdes, Nanette Inventor, Leah Navarro, Pat Castillo, Ding Mercado, Pinky Marquez, Bo Cerrudo. We always put up shows because we’re always raising funds to help those from the OPM era who cannot work anymore. We’re going to be in Sydney, Australia in November,” she added.
Celeste looked back at the opportunities that came her way at the beginning of her career.
“When I was starting out, ang gusto ko lang was to do my very best in whatever it was I was doing. And somehow I was very blessed kasi aside from those songs that was given to me, I was able to work with great, great directors like Rolando Tinio, Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka, and Father James B. Reuter. I don’t know why I have that experience of being able to work with all of them na it’s so special. Somehow ako ang nabiyayaan ng ganun so I’m very, very grateful for that,” she said.
With a lot of younger performers aspiring to have an enduring and successful career like hers, Celeste shares her words of wisdom, based on her own unique experience in showbiz.
“For people who are just starting out, recognize kung sino yung kasabay mo, ka-edad mo, who are good, who are excellent, who have high standards. And work with them. Kasi yun yung nangyari sa akin eh. I just found myself working with Willy Cruz, with Ryan Cayabyab, Jose Mari Chan from the very beginning. So I guess it’s maybe because I was dedicating myself to excellence because that’s something I learned from my parents. So I was just being true to myself na I just wanted to do the very best that I could. Yun lang ang ma-a-advice ko. Always aim for the very best that you can give and everything will fall into place. But also, recognize kung sino yung mga around you who will most probably be creating just like you and for all you know, sila yung makakapagbigay sa iyo ng songs or roles, roles that you will always treasure,” she explained.
Watch Celeste Legaspi perform in The Notebook: The Musical, which is based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel and the beloved 2004 film. The musical will run from September 3–20, 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. The musical features music and lyrics by acclaimed singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter. Tickets are available through TicketWorld, with prices ranging from ₱900 to ₱5,500.