Lito Zabat

OF DRUMS AND HORSES


Growing up in Sta. Cruz, Manila during the 1950’s is not that very ideal for a kid. For Lito Zabat, it’s an adventure!
“I was 12 years old when the Hi-Jacks and The Electromaniacs are popular. Watching Lito Toribio live has made me want to play drums”, narrates Lito Zabat.
He first held the sticks in 1959 playing with The Hi-Fi Band. When instrumentals and rock-and-roll  music became the trend its members re-grouped and formed the JACFERS.
In 1964 JACFERS was reorganized and renamed THE JOVIALS with Danny Yuzon on lead guitar and vocals, Romy Yuzon (+) on on 2nd lead, Ernie Collantes on Rhythm guitars, Fred Herrera on Base, Joey Benesa on Keyboards and Lito Zabat on Drums. They became famous at the Balibago Hotel in Angeles City and at the Hotel Silver Star in Olongapo City. They were the most promising and in that time.
“I had to play on and off in order to finish high school. While studying, i joined THE TUMBLEWEEDS. But I left the band and went to college, started a family, and competed as a professional horse racing jockey. Music took a back seat in his life as he attended to other things”, recalls Lito. Later on he joined The GLITZ .
“My playing style, from Rock to Fussion changed when I picked up the sticks again and joined Solid Gold (show band) in 1985 to perform at the Tropicana Club in Singapore.
After another hiatus, Lito joined the COOL CHANGE band of Jun Martinez and played at private parties with Bernie Fineza (Hagibis) in the early '90s”, recalls Lito.
In 1994 he rejoined the horseracing world, first as chairman of the Veteran Jockeys' Association, then as office manager of the New Philippine Jockeys' Association up to 2002.
Lito is at present the Chairman of the Board of Stewards for Metro Manila Turf Club Inc. and is also a Member of the Philippine Racing Club Inc. Board of Stewards.
“I have been to many countries, countless shows on TV, numerous contests, I’ve had many bands that I joined in, for more than 50 years and I have no plans of slowing down in playing music”, says Lito who has been in the core group of Pinoy Classic Rock in the past 10 years.
“Treating my peers with kindness and respect is enough legacy to impart”, declares Lito.