Iconic OPM balladeer Basil Valdez will have a concert in New York on Sept. 18. CONTRIBUTED
NEW YORK CITY—In the golden years of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) — the ’70s and early ’80s — balladeer Basil Valdez became one of the most enduring music icons.
Valdez, now 64, will hold a rare concert appearance in New York City on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. at Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel (135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing, N.Y.). His concert is aptly billed as “Basil Valdez: Ngayon at Kailanman.”
“I enjoy what I do and I continue to be challenged by it. Watching the audience sing along with me invigorates me and makes me happy,” said Valdez, whose endearing songs such as “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Kastilyong Buhangin,” and “Sana ay Ikaw na Nga” were sung in an unparalleled style that evoked old-school soul, coupled with deep-rooted emotions.
Valdez began his singing career by performing folk songs until he became one of the vocalists of the defunct Circus Band, one of the legendary show bands that dominated the Philippine entertainment scene in the ’70s.
While preparing for the tracks of his first solo album, “Ngayon at Kailanman,” he asked composer Ryan Cayabyab, who became his musical director for nearly three decades, to help him write a few songs. They’ve been working together since, which brought to fruition the classic pop songs “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka,” “Sometime, Somewhere,” and “Nais Ko,” among others.
When the ’80s rolled in, Valdez became even more popular because of this interpretation of Philippine movie theme songs, mostly penned by composer George Canseco, such as “Paano Ba Ang Mangarap,” “Muling Buksan Ang Puso,” and “Kastilyong Buhangin,” among others.
He has dazzled international audiences at the Cow Palace in Daly City, Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. He’s also the voice behind famous inspirational songs “Lead Me Lord,” “Lift Up Your Hands,” and “Hindi Kita Malilimutan.”
In his N.Y. concert, guest artists will include Alyssa Shoemaker, Angel Ram, Bobby Ramiro, Cutuy Herrero, Desiree Wisotsky, Geo Ed Rebucas, Jared Martin, Jason Cruz, Jerome Genolia, Maureen Javier, and Louanne Cuenco. Emcee is Erno John Hormillosa.
Queens Asian Fest presents “Basil Valdez: Ngayon at Kailanman,” together with Philippine Airlines, exclusive media partners GMA LifeTV, GMA PinoyTV, and GMA NewsTV, RNExpress, Manhattan Employment Services Inc., Joyce Penas Pilarsky, Western Union, Promdi Kitchen Bar, Miss Republic of the Philippines, Tito Rod’s Grill, Grill 21, and Payag Restaurant.
For tickets ($65, 85, 125), call Vida 1-516-859-7038, Margie 1-201-273-2081, or Myrna 1-917-502-9887. You may also visit EventBrite.com: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/basil-valdez-ngayon-at-kailanman-tickets-26853609870