June 16, 2007, Pasadena: Basil Valdez's concert at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium was a huge success. He was joined on stage by guests Zsa Zsa Padilla who flew in to Los Angeles from the Philippines Friday, as well as by the Philippine bossa nova queen, the beautiful Agot Isidro. Joined by multitudes of fans, the concert started a little past 8 pm to the beautiful front act repertoire of Derek Santos. Under the direction of Kuh Ledesma's own legendary pianist Ray Cristobal, Basil crooned the audience over timeless songs of his original compositions as well as compositions by one of the most sentimental man of his time, the late songwriter George Canseco, who gave birth to songs that allowed hearts to heal over cathartic bliss in the hundreds of songs he wrote. He left behind a pop-culture legacy unmatched by many of his peers. From Canseco's pen came eternal Original Pilipino Music, most of which were interpreted by the country's ace balladeer himself, Basil Valdez. Joined by the sultry Agot Isidro in a duet and later by Zsa Zsa Padilla and her awesome audience connection, it was indeed a beautiful and memorable concert. More so because it was concert Producer (Katz Entertainment) & celebrity columnist Jackie Regala's birthday too !!. Basil rendered a lovely original just for her, one of my favorites too, the song "You." Enjoying the show were legendary photographer (Asian Journal) Andy Tecson & friends, Mr. Manny Martinez (President-Honda Pasadena) with his lovely wife, the young crowd on front row composed of Angelica Patolot, Britney and Mae Samson, two of 3 daughters of show producer, the lovely and always glowing Malou Samson(Red Fox Entertainment). Working the media coverage were Noli Yu & friend, Ted Talag, Jojo Marden of Balita Media and Balita's Photographer, Dr. Manny Ortega of PPCI and his better half, the charming Ruby Paguinto (Phil-Am Asian Journal), and the energetic Alex Pascual (AP media) and myself. Looking back,it was not work for me. It was a lovely evening of images and people and music. Basil culminated the show in the so uplifting rendition of Stephen Schwartz's songs from the Broadway stage musical "Pippin"; the classic songs "Magic To Do" and "Corner of the Sky." ....Awesome.....Certainly, Basil, Zsa Zsa & Agot brought out the best for a memorable evening of beautiful and timeless melodies. Reviewing my notes the day after, indeed, it was not just another concert. It was another brand new start for all who were there, reminding us all that there is still a lot of good yet to be. Music is indeed the universal language of the heart.
(Jay Fermin ppp-usa)