Zsa Zsa Padilla sits down with press at Mango Tree Cafe to promote 'Through The Years.' Photo from Josh Mercado

Zsa Zsa Padilla's beauty, like her music, is timeless, and it continues to captivate young fans today.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News to promote her upcoming concert "Through The Years," Padilla admitted that she has already accepted the changes in her body as part of aging and that being "sexy" is no longer her goal. 

“Would you believe that I don’t like to be called sexy anymore? At 60, it’s weird already. Kasi ‘yung sexuality namin as seniors, iba na, e. When they say, ‘Ang sexy mo,’ I say, ‘Ang weird. Huwag mo na akong tawaging sexy.’ Hindi ko na aim ‘yun, e. That was my aim during my 40s,” Padilla told ABS-CBN News. 

Despite accepting who she is now, the Divine Diva said that she still fears and thinks about aging.

“My insecurity—if I talk about insecurity or what I’m afraid of—is getting too old. Kung buhay pa ako ng 100, ano kaya ang ginagawa ko? Tony Bennett was in his 90s, kumakanta pa rin, and he did not even quit and he was still performing bago namatay. I could be like him. That’s an insecurity,” she shared with ABS-CBN News. 

As she embraces turning 61, the singer-actress noted that living with a purpose is a life she wants now, adding, “I wanna wake up with a purpose. I’ve already raised my kids so parang what else? I’m concentrating on my career, health, and what I’m needed to do.”

'Through The Years'

Padilla will return to the stage on May 17 to celebrate her 42nd year in show business at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater at Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati City, joined by guests Zia Quizon, Karylle, Erik Santos, and Gary Valenciano.

Reflecting on her illustrious career, the singer acknowledged that there have been heartbreaks that have led her to believe that show business is a challenging industry.

“Sometimes you’re a promised a role. Mayroon na parang hindi mo naintindihan na nawala ka sa project. Ang pinakamahirap, ‘yung ma-discover mo na may gumaganoon sa ’yo (backstab). Why would somebody wanna do that? You’re always want meaning, e, so when somebody tries to do something na parang out of the ordinary or evil, parang, ‘what.’ That part of show business, I don’t like, and I’m still shocked when I hear about,” she told ABS-CBN News. 

“There’s just so much room for you to make it on your own without having to step on others,” she added. 

While there were heartbreaks, there were also triumphs, such as hit songs, sold-out shows, hit movies and television shows, and the tag "Divine Diva," which has established her as a woman with a legendary career.

When asked how she would describe the title "Divine Diva" now, she responded, “It’s a title that was given to me. You have to really step up. Hindi puwedeng ang taray-taray at palengkera pero divine ka. Hindi bagay. I think, at my age now, I’m really more comfortable. I know my limitations. I’m more accepting of what I can do. Senior na, e. Hindi mo dapat ikahiya. You have to be more accepting.”

"Through The Years," which will revisit the songs, moments, and stories, is directed by Rowell Santiago and musically directed by Homer Flores. Tickets are available through TicketWorld.

FROM THE ARCHIVES