Basil Valdez

Basil Valdez
Born
Basil Salvador Valdez

(1951-11-08) November 8, 1951 (age 74)
Manila, Philippines
OccupationSinger
Years active1972–present

Basil Salvador Valdez (Tagalog pronunciation: [bɐlˈdɛs]; born November 8, 1951) is a Filipino singer. He has received several Tinig Awards and the 1991 Tanglaw ng Lahi Award from Ateneo de Manila University.

Biography

Valdez recalled in a 2024 interview that his impromptu performance in a Catholic retreat, which he attended while being a college freshman, marked the beginning of his journey. Despite he barely knew to play the guitar that time, he substituted for the designated guitarist who had fallen ill. He played and sang continuously until he "ran out of songs" and ended singing "The Fool on the Hill" by the Beatles and "Alfie" by Dionne Warwick.

Valdez became the leading balladeer as Original Pilipino Music (OPM) flourished in the 1970s. He was a member of the Circus Band, which also produced other soloists including Hajji Alejandro, Tillie Moreno, Jacqui Magno, Pat Castillo, Pabs Dadivas and Richard Tann. It was Valdez who recruited Alejandro to the band after the latter's performance in Ateneo de Manila University where the former and his fellow alumni, Apo Hiking Society, were among the guests. The band was to conduct for a nationwide campus tour.

After the breakup of the band, Valdez, Alejandro and Moreno, briefly formed another band Lovelife, until they became solo artists.

Valdez has been a recording artist since 1977 when he recorded "Ngayon at Kailanman", a wedding song, and the album containing it. He interpreted the works by composers, Ryan Cayabyab—his long-time musical director; and George Canseco—recording 25. He also have collaboration with Willy Cruz, a composer and conductor; as well as Louie Ocampo and composer Ernani Cuenco.

Valdez's other works include: "Let the Pain Remain," "Nais Ko," and "Salamin ng Buhay." Some of his songs became movie themes from the 1980s.

Valdez has praying first, every performance since the 1970s. By 2024, he is focusing on church performances and corporate shows.

Discography

Albums

Compilation albums

Singles

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Guiral, Angela Nicole (August 21, 2024). "How faith and soul shaped the voice of Filipino balladeer Basil Valdez". Tatler Asia. Tatler Asia Limited. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Asilo, Rito (April 28, 2017). "Treasure trove of lessons, revelations and trivia from Basil Valdez". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 26, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Ramos Balasbas–Gancayco, Dot (September 25, 2012). "Tillie shares her gift of song". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
  4. 1 2 "For Hajji Alejandro and Rico J. Puno, performing 'never gets old'". Interaksyon. Philstar.com. May 22, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 Martinez, Maridel (November 7, 2024). 'It isn't a job, it's something I love to do': Hajji Alejandro on his fifty-one years in the industry (Audio). SBS Filipino (Podcast) (in Tagalog). Crows Nest, New South Wales: Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Arceo–Dumlao, Tina (February 2, 2014). "Hajji… Now! Heartthrobs Never Die: They Just Get a Second Wind". Lifestyle Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 23, 2025.