Cover Basil Valdez allows himself to be used by the Lord and some of the country’s greatest composers to bring life to their songs, showcasing his unwavering faith that has only grown stronger over the years (Photo: NY Entourage Productions)
Basil Valdez allows himself to be used by the Lord and some of the country’s greatest composers to bring life to their songs, showcasing his unwavering faith that has only grown stronger over the years (Photo: NY Entourage Productions)
1 / 1
Despite decades of success, balladeer Basil Valdez remains grounded in humility, seeing his talent not as a personal achievement but as a divine gift to be shared with the world
It’s hard to imagine Filipino music without Basil Valdez. His voice has become synonymous with songs that speak to a person’s soul. But ask the man himself, and you’ll hear little about his fame or achievements. Instead, you’ll find a story of humility, faith, and the quiet but relentless pursuit of artistry.
Everything started by chance. “I was a freshman in college attending a retreat called Days with the Lord,” Valdez recalls. At the time, he barely knew how to play the guitar, but when the retreat’s designated guitarist fell ill, he stepped in.
He remembers the nervous energy of learning songs on the fly and the unexpected three-hour mass where he played and sang continuously. “I ran out of songs,” he laughs. “So, I just sang The Fool on the Hill by The Beatles and Alfie by Dionne Warwick. The priest smiled and said, ‘You’re doing good.’” That impromptu performance marked the beginning of his journey.
More from Tatler: On Centre Stage: Get to know some of the music icons in the Philippines
Above Official lyric video for “Lift Up Your Hands” as recorded by premiere balladeer, Basil S. Valdez (Video: YouTube/Viva Records)
Valdez’s career is defined as much by his talent as it is by the great Filipino composers who trusted him with their songs. “I’ve been blessed to be chosen by the likes of George Canseco, Ryan Cayabyab, and Ernani Cuenco to interpret their work.” For him, the privilege of bringing these compositions to life is a career highlight. “That in itself is an achievement both as a singer and performer.”
Ask anyone who’s watched him perform live, and they’ll tell you Basil Valdez’s concerts are spiritual experiences. Perhaps that’s because spirituality is at the core of his artistry. Since the 1970s, he has prayed before each performance, asking for guidance and strength. The connection he creates with his audience is palpable, almost sacred, turning every concert into a memorable shared journey.
As for what sets him apart from other artists, Valdez humbly deflects the question. “You should ask the audience,” he says. “But many of my friends say I have a unique voice—a gift from the Lord.” His voice is indeed distinctive, instantly recognisable in its warmth and richness. Over time, he has refined that gift, attributing every success to divine grace.
“It’s all His,” he says simply. “It’s a gift that I’ve been entrusted with.”
Read more: The Makings of a Megastar: How a simple ‘yes’ changed Sharon Cuneta’s life
Of his extensive catalogue, one song stands out as particularly meaningful: Ngayon at Kailanman, a wedding anthem that became a timeless classic. Valdez recorded it in 1977, but it wasn’t until forty years later, while battling health issues, that the song’s true significance revealed itself.
“I was hearing the song in my head,” he says, “and I realised it was the Lord singing it to me.” The realisation transformed the song into a personal prayer, a source of strength during difficult times. “I always cling to that song. I hope others find inspiration in it, too.”
Looking ahead, Valdez remains as busy as ever, with ten concerts scheduled this year. His focus is on church performances and corporate shows, but he’s also contemplating a new album. “I’m still collecting songs,” he says, ever the perfectionist. The coming years promise to be filled with music, both familiar and fresh.
When asked about advice, he recalls the guidance of his long-time musical director, Ryan Cayabyab. “Ryan always told me, ‘Don’t do anything on stage that you’ll regret.’” It’s advice the singer took to heart, studying each song before stepping onto the stage. Over the years, he also learned to power through challenges, especially health issues. “Ryan also told me, ‘I won’t perform with you if you’re sick all the time,’” he laughs. “Since then, I’ve pushed through whatever comes my way.”
Related: To our memories and future: In conversation with OPM icons Ryan Cayabyab and Moy Ortiz
As a veteran of the industry, Valdez holds a deep respect for OPM (Original Pilipino Music). He reminisces about his childhood when his mother would play kundiman songs by Ruben Tagalog and Armando Ramos. “It’s a different kind of discipline,” he reminisces. In the 1970s, OPM flourished, with an array of talented balladeers, rock artists, and folk musicians.
Valdez dreams of a resurgence of that golden age, where Filipino artists dominate not just local airwaves but also international ones. “We have so much talent here,” he says. “I just hope the world sees it, too.”
Above Basil Valdez allows himself to be used by the Lord and some of the country’s greatest composers to bring life to their songs, showcasing his unwavering faith that has only grown stronger over the years (Photo: NY Entourage Productions)
Basil Valdez allows himself to be used by the Lord and some of the country’s greatest composers to bring life to their songs, showcasing his unwavering faith that has only grown stronger over the years (Photo: NY Entourage Productions)
1 / 1
Basil Valdez may downplay his influence, but his legacy is undeniable. In his humility, he reflects the very values that his music embodies: sincerity, reverence, and an unwavering commitment to the craft. At every turn, he gives credit where he believes it is due—not to himself, but to the music, the composers, and above all, to a higher power. In doing so, Basil Valdez remains not just a music icon, but a guiding light for future generations of Filipino artists.
NOW READ
Perfect Harmony: OPM icons Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano
The Rise of P-pop: How today’s generation of artists pushed Filipino music forward
How Filipino boy band SB19 helps shape the future of local music
Topics
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
