MANILA, Philippines—It seemed like a joke at first —the country’s foremost “divas” on one stage.

But Kuh Ledesma was not laughing. And it took her three and a half years to realize this “dream concert,” but at last, she will be performing with Zsazsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez and Regine Velasquez in “Divas 4 Divas,” set Dec. 6 at the Big Dome. (Next year, the show goes to North America.)

Kuh tells Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview: “Life has gotten more difficult. We need to excite people with something much bigger, something new.”

What are the milestones in your careers that made you who you are today?

Kuh: I remember two shows at the CCP. The first was something of a risk because it was the first concert that featured all-Filipino songs. But it was there that “Ako Ay Pilipino” was appreciated by Filipinos. Gusto naman pala ng mga kababayan natin ang Pinoy songs. Then I did “Inspired Madness” and the recent one, which was a tribute to George Canseco.

Regine: Siguro ’yung when I won the Asia Pacific singing contest. Parang nagsimula ako ulit . Before that, parang nobody really knew me. Also, “Narito Ako,” my very first concert at the Folk Arts Theater, and my first movie with Christopher de Leon (Viva Films’ “Wanted: Perfect Mother”). And when I revealed my relationship with Ogie.

Zsazsa: I have to say the awards that I received, especially the earliest ones, “Most Promising Entertainer” and a Best Supporting Actress award. My Best Actress awards in TV and movies, being recognized as Best Female Host for “ASAP” in 2004 and, in recording, my gold and multiplatinum awards have all been tremendous boosts. Major concerts in a span of 25 years in venues big and small have all been meaningful, too. Even the simple two-night concert that marked my 25th year in show biz early this February, was quite unforgettable.

How did success affect your lives?

Kuh: In the beginning, I didn’t have much wisdom about relationships. I’m a very hard person to please, especially when I was young. Hindi ako graciosa. Now I make sure I make friends with everyone.

Regine: I was able to help my family. Kasi ’yun ang nasa isip ko noon eh. We were very poor. So nung kumakanta na ako, it made life easier for us.

What else do you want to achieve?

Zsazsa: Have my own record label and go back to the studio to record.

Pops: There’s always room for learning and improving yourself. I believe in reinvention.

What made you accept the offer to do this concert?

Regine: To be able to work with the three of them. Kasi when I started, superstars na silang lahat eh.

Pops: They are such giving performers whom I can still learn from. Each one has her own trademark and style.

What are your impressions of each other as performers?

Pops: I have so much respect for Kuh, Zsa and Regine. They are all dedicated and professional, achievers who know exactly what they want—artists who strive for perfection.

Regine: Idol ko talaga si Kuh. Kinikilabutan ako ‘pag kumakanta siya. Parang iba kasi ‘yung boses niya eh. Ang lamig. Si Pops, performer talaga siya. Tinagurian siyang “Concert Queen” pero hindi siya natatakot mag-learn from me or whoever. Hindi siya insecure. Si Zsazsa, not a lot of people know she’s funny. Iba talaga yung hirit niya, nakakatawa. Pero pagdating sa stage, nag-iiba rin siya. Parang nasasaniban.

Kuh: When I perform with Regine, I know the show is going to come out well. First of all, professional siya. Memorized na niya ang mga kanta, lahat. Hindi rin siya insecure. Si Zsazsa naman ‘pag nasa stage na, actress yun. She’s one of those singers na makakapag-patindig ng balahibo mo. Si Pops, talagang iba ang tindig. She’s a very attractive performer at saka she gives everything. ‘Yun ang strength niya.

Zsazsa: Everyone in the group is hardworking. No divas in this divas show!

Anything new the audience can look forward to?

Kuh: Definitely there are new things, production numbers. It’s a production-filled show. But basically, we’ll stay where we are strong, and that will be singing. There will be dancing and choreography but that’s not going be our focus. The focus will be on the treatment of the songs we’ve chosen.

Zsazsa: The costume changes. Kuh is in charge and promises to make it worthwhile. And she nags me to lose weight. The music and the arrangements will be excellent, too.

Pops: The camaraderie, the fabulous costumes, all four of us blending and harmonizing in almost every song.

Regine: Puro tsismisan.

Kuh: Ako ang referee.