Basil Valdez's album on Pinoy classics launched

"Filipino Classics," an album featuring great Filipino songs interpreted by Basil Valdez with the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra, and with music arranged and conducted by Ryan Cayabyab, was launched Wednesday, November 15, at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza.

The event featured a live performance of cuts from the album, done by Basil together with the SMPO and Cayabyab at the podium. The release of this monumental production is with assistance of the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts and media partners MYX, Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, 105.1 Crossover and the Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

The release of the Filipino Classics is one of the highlights of the 25th anniversary of Viva Entertainment. Basil started his recording career and made over 10 albums with Blackgold Records, which was then owned by Vic del Rosario, Jr. Basil later joined Del Rosario at Viva Records where he recorded the timeless inspirational albums "Sundin ang Loob Mo" and "Salmo," plus his most memorable theme songs for Viva movies like Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, Paano Ba Ang Mangarap and Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan.

"Filipino Classics" marks the first time that Basil has recorded some of the oldest and most loved songs from the Filipino musical heritage.

Included in the album are songs that date back to the 1920's like Bayan Ko, Madaling Araw, excerpts from zarzuelas like Bituing Marikit and movie theme songs like Sapagka't Kami Ay Tao Lamang and Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak.

Other songs included Diyos Lamang ang Nakakaalam, Babalik Ka Rin, Kung Nagsasayaw Kita, Ugoy ng Duyan, Bakas ng Lumipas, Lagi Kitang Naaalala and Mahiwaga.

Viva Records reportedly spent P4 million for "Filipino Classics," as the songs were very costly.