Singer / Artist BIOGRAPHY

1. Sharon Cuneta

She is also known as The Mega Star of Philippine Showbiz having been a grandslam awardee, and a box office queen hall of famer and a recipient of several lifetime achievement awards at a relatively young age.

Her mother (Elaine Gamboa-Cuneta) hails from Santa Ana, Pampanga while her father (Pablo Cuneta; 1910-2000) was the mayor of Pasay City for decades. She is half-Tagalog in paternal side and fourth-Kapampangan and fourth-Spanish both in maternal side.

Sharon first appeared on Philippine pop charts in 1978 as a 12 year old, singing the tune "Mr. D.J." The tune became wildly popular and earned her the title of "D.J.`s Pet" (which was also the name of her first album). Other hit albums followed, and Cuneta was asked to sing many movie soundtracks of the time - becoming the first "movie soundtrack star" in the country. In 1988, Sharon did a lux soap comercial, where she took a bubble bath and said before they touch her skin, her skin belongs to Lux. She earned money for that comercial.

She was given films from Viva Films. At age 15, she starred in her first feature film, 1981 Dear Heart paired with fellow teeny-bopper Gabby Concepcion. After Dear Heart`s success, she appeared in more than 50 feature films, and earned the title of "Box Office Queen" in the country from 1985 through 1993.

Her early movie roles launched her as a "poor little rich girl". On the other hand, producers decided to make her roles as a "rags to riches" type. Although raised in an influential rich political family, she appealed to the sosyal (socially rich) and masa (mass) crowd of Philippine society, with her intelligence, humor and down-to-earth personality.

Her musical-variety show, T.S.C.S. (The Sharon Cuneta Show) was one of the longest running television shows in Philippine Showbiz from 1986 through 1997.

She started her hosting abilities with other teenage prodigies with shows like GMA Supershow, later called Germspesyal, with German Moreno and C.U.T.E. (Call Us Two For Entertainment) with her aunt from Pampanga, former actress Helen Gamboa, via GMA 7.

2. Freddie Aguilar

Freddie Aguilar is a famous Folk musician from the Philippines. He is best known for the hit "Bayan Ko", which became the anthem for the opposition to the Marcos regime during the 1986 People Power Revolution.

He is well known internationally, and within the Philippines and Asia-Pacific region, claiming fame as one of the best musician-songwriters of the Philippines.

Freddie studied Electrical Engineering at De Guzman Institute of Technology but did not finish the course. In 1973, he married Josephine Quiepo. One of their children, Maegan & Jericho Aguilar, also a musician.

Freddie Aguilar left family and school unfinished at the age of 18. His father, who had wanted him to be a lawyer, was disappointed. Freddie traveled to far-away places carrying with him only his guitar. With no one to guide and discipline him, he got into gambling. Realizing and regretting his mistakes five years later, Freddie composed "Anak", a remorseful song expressing apology to his parents. He went back home and asked for forgiveness from his parents who welcomed him with open arms. After his father read the lyrics of "Anak", the two became closer to each other. The homecoming proved timely as his father died soon afterwards.

3. Sampaguita

Sampaguita is a continuing saga, always unfolding. Born in Java, Indonesia on the 17th day of 7th month, seventh child in a brood of seven, she comes to these shore when she was six. She grew up in the tumultuous 60`s and 70`s, a time when the world saw the dawning of a generation where experimentation, especially in lifestyle and music, was the ideal.

Like anyone from her generation, music touched the various keys in the tunes of her life. However, she proved special. Her exotic good looks and individualism unwittingly led her into circles that enhanced her natural artistics tendencies. She was a regular talent in the popular dance show "Dance Time with Chito" and one of the lead dancers in another show called the "Nineteeners." As a model she had donned outfits for the then first lady Imelda Marcos` Bagong Anyo project and various other local designers. As an actress, she had appeared onstage as one of the leads for the first Pinoy rock opera titled "Mahal."

The magnetic personality and inimitable talent of the prodigious youth, amazed Maverick producer Nilo N. Santos of Nilson Productions who thought it interesting to have her record an album. It took considerable time and tenacity to convince the reluctant young woman, but as fate would have it, Sampaguita, "the Rocker" was destined to bloom.

By this time the pioneering efforts of rock station DZRJ FM to rev up the local rock scene was climbing to an imminent realization. Sampaguita of course, led the fray, earning the critics` nod in her first ever performance -- an opening slot in a concert titled, "New Moon Rock Concert." This led to the eventual pairing with talented guitarist-songwriter Gary Perez of the rock band Anak Bayan. Their first hit, the celebratory "Bonggahan", became her signature piece. Soon the partnership bore more hits like "Tao", "Laguna", "Sayawan", "Sa Diyos Lamang"... all of which became anthems for thier generation.

Her colorful attire, which blended psychedelic aesthetics with "rock and roll" theatrics, brought glamour to the Pinoy rockers scene. In fact, it remains one of the more vivid images of 70`s Pinoy pop culture. As her fame grew, the demand to see her perform was amplified. She was the choice opener for international artists who came to visit the country. These include, to name a few, Chuck Berry, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Paul Williams, Eric Clapton and Canned Heat. Her arduous three-year stint at the legendary 100% rock club in Subic Naval Base, Olongapo, performing for American service men, further fortified her rock queen persona that, after three decades still remains.

After a self-imposed hibernation, Sampaguita came out strongly again in 1989 with an expected hit "Nosi Ba Lasi." Once she was was asked why there was such a long gap between her albums, and Sam`s reply was simple; "To do an album just to remain in the scene is not my style. It is an art form and inspirations don`t come easy. For me a song without a message is just "sound", just like a flower with no scent." Currently she is quite content being a mother to her three beautiful children: Dolly, Cowboy, and Jacinta. She is also into pottery, painting and a lot of other hobbies and crafts. At the moment, her musical legacy is now carried on through her son Cowboy, a gutarist of interest who is wowing audiences on the currently Pinoy rock scene.

Sampaguita`s contribution to Filipino music industry`s lavish tapestry and Pinoy rock in particular is one to be cherished. She is an icon and a veritable pillar that the curent breed of musicians continues to look up to. And rightly so, for Pinoy will not be what we know and enjoy it to be, had Sampaguita not taken her birthright as the one and only "Queen of Pinoy Rock and Roll.This biography is from pinoyclassicfolkrock.blogspot.com.

4.Fred Panopio

Fred Panopio is a popular Filipino singer with his song "Pitong Gatang" and "Kawawang Cowboy."

5.Juan Dela Cruz Band composed of Wally Gonzalez, Sandy Tagarro, Edmund Fortuno, Bing Labrador, Alex Cruz and Clifford Ho

The original Juan Dela Cruz Band, consisting of Wally Gonzalez (guitar), Sandy Tagarro (bass guitar), Edmund Fortuno (drums), Bing Labrador (organ), and Alex Cruz (saxophones & flute), was formed in 1968.  They performed that year at the Antipolo Rock Festival (patterned after the legendary Woodstock Rock Festival of 1969) and was subsequently tapped as the featured rock band in tandem with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Redentor Romero) for the Philippine production of the rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Consequent to his dramatic part as the Judas character in the rock opera production, Sandy Tagarro vacated his instrumentalist role in the group and was replaced by Clifford Ho as bass guitarist.

Upon the conclusion of the Jesus Christ Superstar production, Edmund Fortuno (aka "Bosyo"), Bing Labrador and Alex Cruz (with guitarist Vic Naldo and bassist Marlon Ilagan) formed a splinter group, Anakbayan which, together with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, performed for another major production run at the Cultural Center, the rock opera, Tommy by The Who.

The versatile Sandy Tagarro returned to the Juan Dela Cruz Band, occupying the drummer's seat as Fortuno's replacement, and also as the band's lead vocalist; while Clifford Ho retained the bass chores. A musician from the Manila Symphony Orchestra (whom they had befriended in the Jesus Christ Superstar production), Romy Santos (flute/sax/clarinet), replaced Alex Cruz. Rene Segueco (organ/piano/vocal) was also recruited to replace Bing Labrador. In the wake of this major revamp, the Juan Dela Cruz Band recorded its first album in 1971, entitled Up in Arms, which was released by the Vicor Music Corporation under its Sunshine Records imprint. However, complications in the band caused Sandy Tagarro to leave abruptly barely after concluding the Up In Arms recording sessions; not even to pose for the album's photography. Consequently, the group picture for the LP's album cover showed a different drummer (Bobot Guerrero), with Tagarro's name stricken off the personnel credits, with exception to a parenthetical credit of him as composer of one song ("Lady in White Satin"). Bobot Guerrero's entry as the new drummer of Juan Dela Cruz continued through the promotional run of the album and into concerts and club stints.

6.Hajji Alejandro

Angelito Toledo "Hajji" Alejandro (born December 26, 1954) is a Filipino singer and actor, who was a major pop star in the 1970s and 1980s. He is the father of singer Rachel Alejandro. The original Kilabot ng Kolehiyala (College Girls` Heartthrob), Alejandro is best remembered for such songs as Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, and Nakapagtataka.

He started his professional career in 1973, as part of the Circus Band.

7. Apo Hiking Society

The group is originally composed of 13 members: Lito de Joya, Sonny Santiago, Gus Cosio, Renato Garcia, Chito Kintanar, Kenny Barton, Bruce Brown, Butch Dans, Kinjo Sawada, Ric Segreto, Goff Macaraeg, Doden Besa, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo, all students from the Ateneo de Manila high school. Danny Javier joined the group when they were in college. After they graduated in college, the other group members eventually left the group to pursue their own careers. Only three members, made up of Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier, remain and continued performing

During the span of their career, the group has been one of the primary adherents to the Original Pilipino Music or OPM music movement and have made several contributions for the said movement. The Apo is also involved in record production, talent management and even organizing artists under the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM). The group is also instrumental in establishing careers of new artists in the Philippines.

Apo Hiking Society have made 22 record albums in the first three decades of their career in the Philippine music industry, and have made a few more through the years. Two tribute albums have also been made, honoring their contribution to OPM music in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

They regularly use the "Apo" in their name as a Tagalog pun for their albums, shows, and marketing materials - most commonly as nA PO, which means "already" (polite/formal), but also as apo (grandchild) and other possible applications in English (APOcalyptic).

The APO Hiking Society first gained recognition in 1973 when they gave a farewell concert at the Meralco Auditorium (now Meralco Theater) in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Just out of college, the group was the talk of the Ateneo de Manila University and adjoining campuses for their music and humor.

It was only when two of its four members were about to retire from the field of amateur music, however, that the APO, then known as the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, finally had a city-wide audience. One of them was scheduled to leave for Turkey as an exchange student. The other had a position waiting for him in his father`s advertising firm.

Why a talented young man of 21 would want to go to Turkey, every young man in the early seventies would probably understand. But what the APO could not understand was their fourth member`s decision to leave the irresponsibility of being unemployed to join the ranks of the corporate world.

The trip to Turkey did not materialize and the APO, now a tentative trio, pushed on steadily towards fame and fortune.

Looking back, the APO members Danny Javier, Boboy Garrovillo, and Jim Paredes do not regret never having been regular wage earners. Their farewell concert, which had SRO audiences for two stormy nights, not unexpectedly became a hit record the following year.

8.Coritha

Coritha is best known for the song "ORAS NA," which became one of the anthems of the anti-Marcos movements in the 70s and the two EDSA revolutions

9.Didith Reyes

Her Signature songs include: "Bakit Ako Mahihiya", "Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi," "Nananabik", "Hatiin Natin ang Gabi," and "Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw". The songs are very popular in the 70's and gave Didth the tag as one of the Jukebox Queens in the Philippines.

10.Dulce

Dulce`s (Ma. Teresa Magdalena A. Llamedo-Cruz) singing career started with her winning the Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1975. Since then, there was no turning back for this Cebuana songstress. She was the Philippine official representative to the Asian Singing Competition held in Hong Kong in 1979. Her winning entry was a composition of George Canseco entitled Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi. That same year she received the Most Promising Entertainer of the Year from the Aliw Award. She also showcased her acting prowess in theater via Ewagan (1984) and Cats (1985). She is dubbed as the Asia`s Singing Champion.

11.Nora Aunor

Nora Aunor is a multi-awarded Filipino actress, singer and producer. Aunor has also topbilled several stage plays, television shows, and concerts. She is regarded as the "Superstar in Philippine Entertainment Industry". A number of film critics and movie industry players consider her as Philippine Cinema's greatest thespian and major icon. She is the only movie actress to receive the Centennial Honor for the Arts awarded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1999.

Dubbed as the Lady with the Golden Voice, she is the artist with the most singles in Philippine recording history (with more than 260 singles). Over-all she has recorded more than 500 songs. She has notched more than 30 gold singles, a record in the local music industry and has recorded some 46 hit long-playing albums, and several extended plays. She has received gold and platinum record awards, and music industry recognitions. She holds the record for both the most gold singles and most recorded singles in Philippine music history.

In 1991, Aunor held her first major concert entitled Handog at the Araneta Colisseum (with around 17,000 capacity). On her 50th birthday, Nora had a major concert "Gold" which served as a reunion for all of her fans. From 2004 to the present, Nora has been doing a series of hit concerts in major American cities.

12.Cinderella

Cinderella: Snaffu Rigor-drums, Quito Colayco, Yolly Samson-vocal, Bob Guzman-lead guitar, Guy Ilacad-bass guitar, Chuck Llarina-rhythm guitar & Sunny Ilacad-keyboards

13.Rey Valera

Valera learned how to play the guitar from his older sister. While in high school, he and his brother formed a band called The Electric Hair and performed in snack houses and music lounges. He quit college at the Far Eastern University and accepted work in Japan. When he returned he joined the parish choir and composed songs for the group. Valera's break came when a song he composed for Rico Puno, "Ako Si Superman," caught the attention of Chito Ilacad, then Vicor executive for production. "Ako Si Superman" (1977) was his first hit single, followed by sure-fire hits like "Naaalala Ka" (1978), "Ayoko na sa 'Yo," "Sorry Na, Pwede Ba?," and "Mr. DJ." Valera became known as Mr. Hitmaker; apart from recordings, he also represented the country in international song festivals and performed in shows abroad with other Filipino artists. In 1984, after several gold and platinum records and at the peak of his career, Valera decided to quit his job and recharge. When he returned to music in 1987, he chose to go into film scoring. He worked as musical scorer in more than 50 movies, also doing the theme songs for many of them. However, the continuing decline of original Pilipino music pushed him once again to compose songs. Upon the request of singer Sharon Cuneta, he wrote "Kahit Wala Ka Na." It was adopted as the title of the movie she was making then and started the trend of using Rey Valera's hits as movie titles and theme songs. His comeback album, "Sa Kabila Ng Lahat," turned platinum in just two weeks' time.

14.Rico J. Puno

Rico J. Puno is a popular Filipino pop singing artist who is credited as a pioneer-promoter of original Filipino music. He started the trend of incorporating Tagalog lyrics in his rendition of the American song The Way We Were and other foreign songs. Also known as Rico J. and as The Total Entertainer, Puno is a singer who regularly infused his on-stage performance with comedy and jokes.

Puno introduced himself and his talent to the entertainment business by performing at folk houses and small clubs in Metro Manila. In 1975, while singing at the Palazzi, Puno met and performed with the American Motown group, The Temptations. Puno"s talent was later noticed by the executive producers from Vicor Records. His first record was Love Won't Let Me Wait, while his first big hit was the Tagalog-infused The Way We Were.

In 1976, Puno won the Aliw Award for Most Promising Entertainer. Two years later, he became Aliw's Entertainer of the Year. His Rico in Concert show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines launched him as one of the foremost Philippine pop stars. In 1978, Puno"s popularity and his regular concerts at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and his performance tours in the United States broke records in terms of audience attendance. His fame also made him into a sought-after product endorser including advertisements for San Miguel Beer Corporation in the 1970s.

In 1979, Puno represented the Philippines at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1979, with Lupa, a song that imparted messages on how an individual could strive to change for the better, on how to gain humility and other human values, on how not to judge others, and on how to struggle against one"s own weaknesses.

15.Dennis Garcia, Rene Garcia

The Hotdog Band is credited with overhauling and changing the musical landscape of the Philippines in a stunning, exciting and unexpected manner.

The songs of Hotdog (written and produced by Dennis and Rene) heralded the beginning of Original Pilipino Music or OPM, which saw for the first time local songs dominating the Philippine music scene, and in the process, establishing the identity of mainstream Filipino music. Crafting hit after hit after hit, Hotdog has etched an indelible mark in Philippine music history with generation/age-neutral chart toppers like Manila, Annie Batungbakal, Bongga Ka Day, Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, Pers Lab, Langit na Naman, and Behhh, Buti Nga, among others.

The songs of Hotdog (written and produced by Dennis and Rene) heralded the beginning of Original Pilipino Music or OPM, which saw for the first time local songs dominating the Philippine music scene, and in the process, establishing the identity of mainstream Filipino music.

16.Yoyoy Villame

Yoyoy Villame (November 18, 1932 - May 18, 2007) born Roman Tesorio Villame, was a Filipino singer, composer, lyricist, and comedian. Villame was a native of Calape, Bohol and was the father of singer Hannah Villame. He died of cardiac arrest at the Las Pinas Medical Center in Metro Manila on May 18, 2007.

17.Asin

Pendong Aban, Lolita Carbon, Saro Bañares, Mike Pillora

After fronting rock and roll bands during her teens, Lolita Carbon met Cesar "Saro" Bañares, Mike Pillora, and Pendong Aban in Kola House, a folk rock club, and then decided to form their own musical group, naming it Salt of the Earth.

Asin (sometimes spelled ASIN, in all capital letters) is a Pinoy rock and folk rock band from the Philippines. They were formed during the 1970s and originally known as Salt of the Earth from the song of Joan Baez, but later Filipinized their name into "Asin", which means salt in Filipino language.

They had signed a major record label and renamed their band to Asin after a record producer was searching for a "female" Freddie Aguilar, taking advantage of the Filipino folk rock boom during the late 1970s. Their eponymous 1978 debut album includes a cover of Freddie Aguilar's "Anak" and the rest are all original works.

Some of their popular songs include the environmental song "Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran" (Observe the Environment), "Ang Bayan Kong Sinilangan" (The Land Where I Was Born), "Pagbabalik" (Return) and "Balita" (News). According to Pendong Aban who grew up in Agusan del Norte, most of their songs were based on the experiences in Mindanao. Because of too much illegal logging and violence in their homeland, they wrote lyrics that hoped for peace and a better environment in Mindanao. They sometimes use kulintang and other traditional instruments of the southern Philippines to give their music a more indigenous spirit.

In 1993, Saro Bañares was murdered in a bar brawl in South Cotabato because he refused to sing for a lawyer, causing the group's members to part ways. Aban had his band Ang Grupong Pendong, while Carbon went solo.

One July evening in 1999, at a concert in Bahay ng Alumni at U.P. Diliman, while waiting for their respective turns to perform in a concert for press freedom, Pendong and Lolita sat together to share about their experiences as each carved a career of his/her own. One of the most common experiences they had in their concert tours is the audience"s reaction when they sing songs of ASIN as part of their repertoire. From children to teenagers to old folks, the same reaction would be observed. It is both of reminiscence and amazement at hearing the songs again and watching an ASIN member performing live.

Later in 2000, they decided to reunite but Pillora backed out later, although Pillora gave his blessings to the new album that Carbon and Aban would release. The record album Pag-ibig, Pagbabago, Pagpapatuloy, the first Asin album after 12 years, features unreleased materials of the late Bañares.

Pendong and Lolita both acknowledged the fact that their songs have transcended three decades and yet the message that each song carries (from the seven albums that ASIN recorded) is still as relevant and as meaningful to the present times. Both recognized the fact that there is hunger for the music that relates to the present situation that Filipinos are in, whether they are in the country of their birth or in some other adopted land across the seven seas; music that tells of every Filipino"s dream, aspiration, desires, even heartbreaks or social commentaries that reflect the true Filipino culture.

Asin were the first group to incorporate Filipino indigenous instruments into pop/rock music. They also studied Filipino tribal music and did what they could to be true to the origins of the music. Instead of plagiarising the indigenous music they set about educating people about respecting the origins of the music and representing it with agreement from the tribal sources.

Asin were also important in the political world and although they did not set out to be a political band they reflected the political message needed for the times. This should be seen against the backdrop of martial law during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos. Occasionally their recordings were confiscated as subversive yet on the other hand they were invited to play at the Presidential Palace.

18.Donna Cruz

Cruz has been, if not the most popular, one of the most popular Filipino female celebrity in 1990s, proved by strings of no.1 radio hits, multi-platinum albums, box-office movies, top-rated and award winning TV shows, and multi-million endorsement deals. Just like earlier artists like Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, and Pops Fernandez, this "triple threat" status will most likely continue in the late 90`s and in the new millennium, paving way for more artists to do the same. According to the Philippine Showbiz Industry, Cruz had the most appearances in Philippine TV during 1990s, from her beginnings in 1991 up to her hiatus and marriage in 1998. Also, the Cruz clan would be known as the top earning Philippine showbiz clan in the same decade.

In 1994, she starred in two drama movies, Kadenang Bulaklak and Pangako Ng Kahapon, which gave her a Best Supporting Actress nomination. She also starred in a soap opera called Villa Quintana opposite actor Keempee de Leon. The year after, she starred in the critically-acclaimed movie Muling Umawit Ang Puso, alongside Ian de Leon and multi-awarded actress Nora Aunor. In this movie, she won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

In 1995, she launched her biggest-selling album ever, Habang May Buhay, an album composed of selected movie theme songs. This album garnered a quadruple platinum award. The single "Only Me And You" won her the Best Ballad Recording by a Female Artist. Also, a movie was made as a tie-in with the release of the movie Habang May Buhay in which she starred alongside Ian de Leon. The year after, she starred in the biggest movie of 1996, DoReMi, in which she shared the spotlight with Regine Velasquez and Mikee Cojuangco.

In 1996, Cruz released a Christmas album entitled, Merry Christmas Donna, which included the single "Muling Sumapit Ang Pasko," written by legendary songwriter Vehnee Saturno, who wrote Cruz`s biggest hit, "Only Me And You."

In 1997, she recorded a duet with American singer Jason Everly, called "Wish", son of Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers and made a local film with him entitled "Isang Tanong Isang Sagot." She also recorded an Alan Menken song entitled "The Story of My Life" which is included in the Philippine release of The Best of Disney Love Songs album. Her album Pure Donna was also released and garnered platinum status in just a week after it was issued in record outlets.

Also that same year, she joined Eat!...Bulaga as a co-host, eventually performing every now and then during her stay. During her short stay in the variety show, she was able to showcase her hosting skills, which led to her to guest often as co-host during the early years of SOP. Due to her ability to host, Cruz also starred and hosted her musical special Pure Donna, which was broadcasted in GMA7 on her 20th birthday. The special won the Best Musical Special in the 1997 Aliw Awards.

Cruz was also a known figure for popular brands such as Jollibee, Camay Soap, Whisper Napkins, Lux Super Rich Shampoo, U2 clothing, Cinderella, and Sari-Sari Store.

19.Basil Valdez

Basil Valdez is a Filipino balladeer. Though he wasn`t formally "retired," he had conspicuously kept a low profile in recent years for a number of personal reasons. That hasn't diminished the stature held by such popular tunes as "Ngayon At Kailanman (Now and Forever in Filipino)," "You," "Kahit Ika`y Panaginip Lang(Even if you are just a Dream)," "Sometime, Somewhere," and "Nais Ko." With 10 albums, 20 certified platinum songs, and numerous concerts worldwide to his credit, what he is most proud of his "being able to record songs which are considered classic songs."

Starting in 1970, Basil embarked on a solo career as, of all things, a folk singer. He mostly performed cover versions of songs by the likes of Joan Baez and Simon and Garfunkel.

In 1972, he joined the Circus Band, which greatly contributed to increasing his profile. After several years, he and the other band members felt it was time to separate and pursue solo careers.

Soon after, Basil released Ngayon at Kailanman , his first solo album which subsequently catapulted his career to new heights. The memorable title song is one of more than 20 George Canseco compositions that made Basil a pop radio mainstay. He credits Canseco and another popular composer with propelling and solidifying his career.

While in the Circus Band, he encountered a pianist named Ryan Cayabyab, who was then part of another band. When Basil was preparing tracks for Ngayon , he contacted Cayabyab to donate a few songs, which the composer did. That was the start of a fruitful collaboration which extends up to this day; Cayabyab has been Basil`s musical director for the past 27 years. In the 80`s, Basil re-invented himself as the undisputed King of Movie Theme Songs.

Among the most memorable were "Paano Ba Ang Mangarap," "Muling Buksan Ang Puso" and "Paraisong Parisukat." In 1985, at the height of his career, when the songs "You" and "Lift Up Your Hands" were blazing the airwaves, a near tragedy stuck, as he was operated on in his kidney, which halted his career.

Having sung for more than 15 years - since the 70`s - he felt he wanted to do something else. He began painting and, in a most peculiar move for a popular singer, started teaching. He taught philosophy at the Ateneo de Manila University and Religion at Xavier School.

Another circumstance which sidelined his singing career occurred in 1990, when he found himself with an extraordinary, some would say unbelievable, "gift." It started when a friend of his was stricken with whiplash, and was feeling ill for six months. He asked Basil to take a look at his ailment. Basil, with his right hand, held onto the part that was swollen, and after a few moments, his friend was healed.

Confused with this inexplicable predicament, Basil sought the help of Jesuit friends. They explained to him that what he had was the gift of healing, and people will naturally come to him for help. In a span of 11 years, more than 3,000 patients visited him at his home, in all hours, with an assortment of ailments for him to cure.

20. VST and Company

Monet Gaskell, Celso Llarina, Jum Medina, Male Rigor, Roger Rigor, Spanky Rigor, Marvic Sotto, Val Sotto

VST and Company is a Filipino pop band famous in the 1970s. Being pioneer and icon of the Manila sound, VST and Company performed disco fever songs such as "Swing it, Baby", "Magsayawan", "Ipagpatawad mo", "Awitin mo, Isasayaw Ko" and "Disco Fever". The band rose to fame with other bands such as The Hotdogs, Cinderella and The Boyfriends which are also Manila Sound icons. The band faded with the Manila sound when the genre OPM rose to popularity in the 1980s.

21. Regine Velasquez

Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez a.k.a Regine Velasquez is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer, and TV host. She`s dubbed as the Asia`s Songbird widely known for possessing a wide vocal range.

Velasquez was the first Filipino to stage a solo concert at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall, part of Carnegie Hall`s centennial-year concert series. Her album Listen Without Prejudice achieved platinum certification in several countries. In 2000, she performed the country`s millennial theme, televised in 55 broadcast networks throughout the world to coincide with midnight in Manila. She has sold more than 5 million albums making her the best selling Filipino Artist in the Philippines.

"In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, reached MTV Asia and Channel V music charts. She has collaborated with artists such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz , Lea Salonga, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo and Billy Crawford.

She embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress Award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in Maalaala Mo Kaya. Velasquez also formed IndiMusic (iMusic), a record label partnered with the late Bella Tan`s Universal Records. She is currently managed by Aria Productions.