Willy Garte

In the world of music, today’s current war on drugs calls to mind the song, “Bawal na Gamot”, easily identified with Willy Garte. No less than PNP Chief Bato de la Rosa sang it in PTV4’s “So Ano Na?” in July, last year. Who is Mr. Garte? JOEL LAGARTIJA in real life, Willy is the first Estehanon with disability to make it to the national scene both as pop composer and recording artist. As evidence of his talent in pop music, his first album, “Nasaan ang Liwanag,” on November 15, 1992, got a Gold Record Award, and by December 11, 1994, earned a 9th Platinum Record Award from Universal Records, that is to say, it achieved a sale of more than 360,000 units. He was popular among the “masa” music buffs in the 1990s, especially in AM and FM stations, in jeepneys and in the provinces. Among his best known songs, in addition to “Bawal na Gamot,” were “Nasaan ang Liwanag” and “Kay Lupit ng Tadhana.” Willy Garte was born to Juan Lagartija and Matilde Lucana Pombo on April 2, 1962 in Bgy Nena, San Julian. He got measles at the age of 5 and soon became blind. Though he did not have any formal schooling because of his handicap, he learned playing a locally-made guitar at a young age. As a kid, he put up what is known on Eastern Samar as “kumbatsero” (from the Spanish “cumbachero”, meaning, fun-loving person), a puerile version of a pop band, using such recycled junks as tin cans, soda bottles and gas cans and indigenous materials. The group, often called “Combuta” (“combo”+”buta”, no doubt, owing to his blindness), was usually active during Christmas holidays. But it did not take long for people to recognize his talent. In mid-1980s, with the help of a “Kababayan” (from Nena) who worked abroad, he organized a rock band, popularly known as combo, calling the group “Splendor Philharmonic” (also facetiously called “Combuta” by many of his fans). The band often played in the various nightspots in Borongan during the decade—“Maglipayon” in Bgy Taboc, “Executive” on Cinco St. and “Salakot” on Abogado St. and got invited to perform at fiestas. Also, he used to guest at the local radio station at this Eastern Samar capital town. In 1991, Norma Gereña of Bgy Campidhan, San Julian, brought Garte’s tape recorded songs to Manila and his talent caught the interest of Bella Tan who, having listened to the tapes, called him up to go to the City. Eventually, Tan became his manager. He appeared on TV several times, including a program of Kuya Germ’s. Willy signed first contract with Wea Records (later, Universal Records, Inc.), with Emil Lucindo, the producer. Not long after, his “Nasaan ng Liwanag” became a favorite of the music and record district on Raon St., Quiapo, Manila. Among his recorded songs were “Hain na an Utlanan,” “Ikaw ang Tanging Minamahal,” “Iniwan ng Liwanag,” “Kasalanan Ba?” “Lorena,” “Nasaan Ka,” “Napakong Pangako,” “Tibok ng Puso,” “Kay Lupit ng Tadhana,” “Kahit sa Pangarap Lang,” “Hilong-Hilo na Ako,” “Ano ang Gagawin,” and many more. His album, “Maligayang Pasko, Bati na Tayo,” was released by Universal Records in 1994. Unfortunately, his career was abruptly cut, because he was killed on the road on September 4, 1998 at the age of 36, after a trailer-truck ran over him while crossing EDSA with his father at midnight in Malibay, Pasay City. His body was laid to rest on September 18 at the Libas Cemetery in Barangay Libas, San Julian. Willy Garte was married to Anita Gerena of Bgy Campidhan, San Julian, who bore him 5 kids (3 boys and 2 girls). He was honored as guest speaker at the 18th Commencement Exercises in what is now Nena National High School on March 26, 1993, the people of Bgy. Nena welcoming him as their national celebrity. In 2004, GMA7 featured his life in Mel Changco’s TV program, “Magpakailanman,” under the title, “The Willy Garte Story,” with Ariel Rivera acting as Willy. (by Lope C. Robredillo) (Source: WILLY GARTE—THE FIRST ESTEHANON MALE COMPOSER-RECORDING ARTIST post by courtesy of Eastern Samar History and Culture via Facebook)