Paul Toledo

Paul Toledo – Rod Stewart of the Philppines

One of many unsung heroes and seldom mentioned OPM artist from the 70’s thru the 80’s was Paul Toledo.

Born in Silang, Cavite,  Paul Toledo started out as the vocalist and guitarist of the band New Faces with Rey Sanchez also on vocals and guitars, Bonjing Sanchez on drums, Bing Quiambao on keys, Boy San Jose on bass and Jimi Galvea on 2nd guitars and 2nd keys. From 1973-1974, Paul toured the highlands of Olongapo and jammed with some local greats. Paul also became a member of Griffins Band who regularly performs in RJTV. After this, he had a short stint in Kyoto, Japan as the bandleader of Family Size Band with Nony Cabalfin on bass, Tommy Simon on 1st lead guitar, Danny Dagdayan on Keys anf Manny Salvador on drums. This was in the late 70’s.

Paul Toledo rose from the ranks from singing in bars and bistros in and around Metro Manila. His course and husky voice earned him the moniker ‘Rod Stewart of the Philippines’. A moniker he is thankful. He was a regular fixture of RJTV, who interviews guests, pinch-hits for Ramon Jacinto and performs as well.

His songs, laced with a dab of satire and humor, are sometimes misinterpreted as novelty and politically incorrect. “Lumba-lumba” (dolphins), opines his love for the plus-sized women over slim ones. [Nais kong malaman nyo, ayaw ko ng babaeng puro buto. Ang gusto kong babae’y singlapad ng barko, kahit ‘di pakainin sexing sexy pa din]. “Pa Japan Japan”, is about the rewards of being employed in Japan as a Japayuki. [Pa Japan Japan ka na ngayon, natupad din ang iyong ambisyon. Pa Japan Japan, pa hapon hapon bakit salita mo’y nagkaganun]. “Pa Sosyal Sosyal”, tells about an anti-miser attitude of some Pinoys, come social climber for the world to envy and see, but could not support it due his meager salary. [Pasosyal sosyal, hilig mo ay layaw ng katawan. Pasosyal sosyal, isip mo’y mayaman].

In 1984, Paul Toledo’s song ‘Buntong Hininga’ was part of the collection of songs that was featured in the landmark seminal film by Lino Brocka, Sister Stella L. [Dahil sa maling pamalakad, negosyo ko’y bumagsak. Barkada’y naglahong lahat, ako’y nagkamulat].

During his career as a singer and a songwriter, he made one solo album, namely You Are The One. His song ‘Lumba lumba’ was included in Bonggang Bongga (as part of a 42-song compilation). There are other  locally produced compilation album which includes some of his work.

Paul Toledo expired last March 2011 from a heart attack, while inside a taxi in a southern Manila suburb.