Early years

The band was formed in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan,Philippines by Higgins Gomez in the late 80's. Then, composed of Higgins Gomez on vocals, Jolly Meris on Guitar, Ogs Quesada on drums and Dicky Mallare on bass. The band covered songs by REM, The Dawn and the Beatles among others. The name of the band was coined by Asin member Pendong Aban Jr. during one of the band's performance at the Pozorrubio town plaza. Pendong originally wanted to name his band Basta. In 1991, Mike Venezuela showed some of his lyrics to the band and soon the first original composition of Basta was made. A Song Just For You was recorded by the band using a poratble tape recorder. The song was played before relatives and friends and upon hearing the song, Jopet Gomez volunteered to be the band's manager and the second lyricist. The band was introduced to Romy Babao Jr., who own a garage recording studio in Dagupan City. Romy eventually became the band's keyboardist. Gilbert Abuan was recruited to be the lead guitarist and Delfin "Apen" Calma soon joined the band playing the flute, rhythm guitar and an ethnic musical instrument called the "kubing". Sonny Carpio was also doing some percussion work for tha band. Alaala ng Dalampasigan, Rebel's Lament, How Can I Teach My Heart? and Ryan's November were recorded soon after. On April 1, 1993, Basta performed its first major concert - "Balita Ni Saro", tribute to the late Asin member Saro Banares held at the Quezon City circle. June 25, 1993, Edru Abraham (with his "kubing") of Kontragapi jammed with the band. Basta opened for TheIntrovoys in Dagupan City with Baby Ordonia doing back-up vocals. Soon after, The band's "Alaala Ng Dalampasigan" was being played at DWLA 105 FM. In July 1993, "Fly Away debuted at NU 107 FM. The song also reached the top ten in LA 105's playlist. August 1, 1993, Basta was featured in Ramon Zialcita's column in The Manila Times. November of 1993, Basta performed back to back with The Dawn at the Lyceum-Northwestern Gymnasium in Dagupan City. One of the band's biggest moment was performing at Bistro sa Amoranto concert on December 17-18, 1993. In one of the biggest concerts held in the country, Basta rocked alongside Joey Ayala, Banyuhay, Color It Red, Lolita Carbon, Eraserheads, Gary Granada, Grupong Pendong, The Jerks, Grace Nono, Tropical Depression, The Wuds, Yano, The Youth, Francis M and many other bands.

Reformed

The following year, the band reformed with Raffy Caretero becoming the lead guitarist and Archie Sanchez joined as rhythm guitarist and back-up vocalist. Most of the songs including Kay sarap Sa Probinsya, Lahat Ng Umaga, Huling Aalis, Pangarap Na Pasko, Acacia and the 3rd version of a Song Just For You were rerecorded at Tracks studio in Mandaluyong. Pendong Aban Jr. sessioned in Kay Sarap Sa Probinsya playing a "kudyapi". After the recording, the band had a hiatus. Higgins Gomez, at this time was scheduled to emigrate to the United States. A few months before leaving, the band had a live recording session of Paglipas Ng Unos at White Noise sound studio in Agoo La Union. Gilbert Abuan once again played lead guitar.

REUNITED

In January 2006, Basta had a reunion jam in Babasit, Manaoag, Pangasinan. April of 2006, the independently produced Basta Album CD was released.

Basta website

posted April 26th at 10:30am

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