Basil Valdez and Zsa Zsa Padilla stand the test of time

Courtesy of Elmer Jalea (Flipmode Confidential)

I have to say it.  The Basil Valdez and Zsa zsa Padilla’s concert at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in July was one of my favorites, if not the best Filipino concert experience I had in recent years.

To start with, it was strip bared and simple.  In its lack of frills and trimmings, the real essence of the two artists came through.  It was the simpleness of the production that carried it across.    The artistes’ mere appearances illuminate the stage and heighten the aura of their performances, the spotlight although glaring, added ample yet subtle drama in contrast.

Basil, foremost Philippine balladeer of the 80’s, proved that he has that definitive edge when he played his unforgettable and most acclaimed and celebrated tunes of his illustrious 40-year career.

Every classic song still maintain that spark and timelessness that made them powerful and poignant in the first place.   Basil songs covered the aspect of life and living.  From songs of birth, re-birth and death, celebration of life, hope, sadness and happiness, he summed it all up in music. 

Ngayon at Kailanman – is still such a beautiful haunting expression of love and dedication.  The gospel type “Lift up your hand” and the duet version of “The Prayer” with Zsa zsa offered more than goosebumps.  “Nais ko” is relatable in it’s longing for hope and dream of Utopian proportions.   Decidedly, Basil bailed out “Hindi kita malilimutan”, a soulful undying eulogy, but instead filled us with ballads rife in sentiments and romance.

Zsa zsa on the other hand, measured up and held out her own.   She brought excitement and stirred the audience with her sheer presence.   At one point, she pointed out how she wished she had as much original classic as Basil.  But the truth was, despite fewer selections of original songs, her fiery handling and delivery of her repertoire oozed with such raw potency and passion worthy of high praises.    Zsa zsa’s materials did stand out strongly next to Basil almost undying tunes.    To top it all, her mystifying persona is something to be reckoned with.  Staying close to her moniker as the divine diva, she was gloriously glamorous in her red gown and resplendent in white.  The vision of her was almost divine.   The chanteuse can whiff and tug on your heart string and yet make you guffaw with laughter.  Her wit and comedic chops, one wonders, could have been presumably honed by long time partner, Philippine’s unrivalled king of comedy, Dolphy. 

Zsa zsa still enjoys household popularity in the Philippines crossing over the stage to the tube and the movies.  She has already achieved her rightful place next to the greats in Philippines’ entertainment.  She’s a rare gem, perhaps, on the same grand scale as Basil’s.   She proved her worth on song after song that night.  

Unbelievably so, doubting Thomas’s asked if both artists lip-synched through their songs.  The question succinctly debunked by production staff and both artists graciously willing to prove true to their art.  The years haven’t diminished their gifts and talent. The testimonies proven true by adoring fans.

I must admit it was impossible for me to walk out of the concert hall without gaining a renewed appreciation of Basil and Zsa zsa’s music.  It was indeed, one splendid summer night of memories and music.