O, Diva?

Zsa Zsa Padilla is not local entertainment’s "Divine Diva" for nothing. Since Martin Nievera gave her that tag seven years ago for their concert at the Ultra, Zsa Zsa has managed to live up to her enviable title.

"It takes so much to be a diva," Zsa Zsa admits. "The likes of Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Lopez and Cher did not become a diva overnight. They needed to constantly reinvent themselves."

At 40 and after 21 years in showbiz, Zsa Zsa has remained in top form. Physically, she has achieved her best shape, with a "new" body that can be the envy even of younger girls – thanks to mesotherapy, the non-surgical technique of body sculpting introduced in the country by Dr. Vicki Belo.

"It’s really important to repackage yourself, especially since you’re not getting any younger," Zsa Zsa explains. "Looks do count a lot. We’re in a business where looks really matter – the way you dress up, the way you talk, the way you present yourself. Madonna, who’s now in her early forties, has constantly repackaged herself. You see her with a different look every time. She’s never boring."

Professionally, Zsa Zsa is at her busiest. In fact, since she returned last July 30 from her month-long vacation in the United States with Dolphy. Zsa Zsa has devoted her time to her TV programs on ABS-CBN. She is seen every Sunday on the top-rating musical variety show ASAP Mania. She has just finished her hosting chores for the second season of Star in a Million, which ended last week, and has been preparing for the new reality-talent search program, Born Diva, which premieres tonight (taking over from the timeslot of Star in a Million).

No wonder Zsa Zsa is on tenterhooks lately, as she has been having mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement over Born Diva. "The show’s predecessor, Star in a Million, was very successful, so we have to do good with Born Diva," Zsa Zsa says.

She herself is amazed at her energy to work these days. "Twelve years ago, when I gave birth to my daughter Zia, I lost my desire to return to the business," Zsa Zsa admits. "But I’ve been so blessed through the years. For someone who never dreamed of becoming a professional singer but who always loved to sing, I’ve achieved so many things in my career.

"I have to thank all the people who honed me since I started my career. Hotdog gave me the break to sing professionally. Johnny Manahan introduced me to Bad Bananas. Then there are the talent managers who have helped me, Ronnie Henares and Sandra Chavez. And, of course, ABS-CBN, which gives me TV projects up to this day. Born Diva is my first solo show, that’s why there’s pressure to make it really good."

Zsa Zsa will be every contestant’s inspiration in Born Diva, which will feature 16 young hopefuls vying for the chance to be the next concert queen or pop diva. The breakthrough show, inspired by the widely-followed American reality TV series The Swan, gives each of the contestants a chance to become a singing star – the supreme diva who is exceptional in talent and looks.

Candidates take a giant leap by going through training to improve their talent and physical enhancements to attain the ultimate "star" look. Every week will see a duel of divas as two contestants, who will each undergo a complete makeover, vie for the title.

"When someone auditions for the contest, she is already told that she has to undergo a makeover," Zsa Zsa informs. "One contestant had her eye bags removed and had a rhinoplasty for her nose. Another had micro-peel, teeth cleaning and mesotherapy. We are looking for singers who have done regular performances in music lounges and auditions are still ongoing."

After eight weeks, the weekly winners will return to compete again as the contest moves on to its second phase. When the roster of eight finalists is complete, one contestant will be eliminated every week until the divas are trimmed down to three for the finals. At stake for the grand prize winner are house and lot, brand-new car, a jewelry set and a recording contract under Star Records.

Judges include beauty experts (cosmetic surgeons, orthodontists), fitness instructors, medical specialists, vocal trainers and music masters led by noted musical director and composer Louie Ocampo. On the first week, talent manager Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano and fashion designer Renee Salud will sit on the panel.

Zsa Zsa hopes that Born Diva will be equally successful, if not surpass, the popularity of Star in a Million, as ABS-CBN continues its search for promising talents and future stars.