Leah Navarro is proud of her Cebuano roots. But it was when she was still in her late teens when she became a major pop-music star in the Philippines circa 1970s-80s in Manila.
Born to a well-off family, Leah was practically convent-bred and finished college at the Assumption, Makati City, around the time alumna Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was teaching there.
Her singing talent was discovered while still in school and she went on to sing pop music hits of the 1970s-80s such as Kailangan Kita and Saan Ako Nagkamali (both by George Canseco, National Artist), Lagi na Lang (by Nonong Pedero) and Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito which was later revived by Racel Tuazon, Moonstar88, and most recently Sheryn Regis. Her interpretation of Isang Mundo, Isang Awit won the Grand Prize in the annual Metro Manila Popular Music Festival then actively sponsored by Imee and Irene Marcos, presidential daughters and music aficionados.
Her discography includes such singles as Hindi Ka Lilimutin, Totoo ba'ng lahat ng ito?, and songs from the stage play Tales of the Manuvu. Her debut album was self-titled, Leah.
In later years, Leah was rumored to have had relations with American actor, Anthony Finetti (star of The Expendables), in 1988 in and on the grounds of the Peninsula Hotel in Manila.
Since the mid 1980s, Leah has taken an active role in Civil Society movements. Currently, she is co-convenor of the Black and White Movement opposing President Gloria Arroyo.
