Basil Valdez marks 75th birthday with 2 special concerts

Basil Valdez. Handout

MANILA — OPM legend Basil Valdez will celebrate his 75th birthday with “Salamin ng Buhay: Basil S. Valdez @ 75,” a two-part concert featuring performances with the Ryan Cayabyab Singers and the Ateneo Chamber Singers.

The concerts will be held November 14 and 21 at 7 p.m. at the Globe Auditorium of the Maybank Performing Arts Theater at BGC Arts Center in Taguig City.

The production will feature the Ryan Cayabyab Singers on November 14 and the Ateneo Chamber Singers on November 21.

The concert will look back on Valdez’s more than five-decade career, featuring songs that have become part of the Filipino music repertoire, including “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Nais Ko,” “You,” “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan” and “Kastilyong Buhangin.”

Valdez’s musical career began with an unexpected performance during his freshman year in college. In 1972, he joined the Circus Band, and five years later released his debut solo album, “Ngayon at Kailanman,” whose title track became one of his best-known recordings.

Over the years, Valdez became known for his interpretations of songs by prominent Filipino composers, including George Canseco, Willy Cruz and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. His recordings, concerts and numerous awards have established him as one of the country’s respected singers.

Through “Salamin ng Buhay,” Valdez hopes to revisit the music and people who shaped his career, while reflecting on the experiences behind the songs he has performed throughout his life.