BASIL VALDEZ

Basil Salvador Valdez was born in Manila on November 8, 1951. His first appearances as a performer were as part of the Circus Band in the early 70’s along with Hajji Alejandro, Walter Calinawan, Pat Castillo, Pabs Dadivas, Paco Gamboa, Ceres Jacinto, Boy Katindig, Rudy Lozano, Jacqui Magno, Tillie Moreno, and Gerry Paraiso. His first album as a solo performer in 1977, Ngayon at Kailanman, was a major hit and an award-winner; eight albums followed, all of them successful. These albums contain songs that etched forever in the public memory, such as Ngayon at Kailanman, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan, Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo, Paraisong Parisukat, Kastilyong Buhangin, Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka, Iduyan Mo, Ngayon, You, Lift Up Your Hands, Paano Ba ang Mangarap, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, Say That You Love Me, and Corner of the Sky. Valdez has performed in many venues here and abroad. He was also part of the rock opera ballet Rama, Hari (1980) where he sang the part of Rama. From 1977 to 1980, he was chosen as one of the 10 most outstanding performers in the Philippines at the Tinig Awards. You (1983), Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (1984) and Hindi Kita Malilimutan (1985), earned Record of the Year awards, in addition to a string of other awards. In 1991 Valdez was conferred the Tanglaw ng Lahi Award by the Ateneo de Manila University.