In the realm of music, the ongoing battle against drug abuse is poignantly echoed in the song "Bawal na Gamot," which is closely associated with Willy Garte. Notably, PNP Chief Bato de la Rosa performed this piece during the July 2022 episode of PTV4's "So Ano Na?" But who is Willy Garte?
Born Joel Lagartija on April 2, 1962, in Barangay Nena, San Julian, Garte made history as the first Estehanon with a disability to achieve national recognition as both a pop composer and recording artist. His debut album, "Nasaan ang Liwanag," released on November 15, 1992, received a Gold Record Award, and by December 11, 1994, it had earned a 9th Platinum Record Award from Universal Records, signifying sales exceeding 360,000 units. Throughout the 1990s, Garte garnered popularity among music enthusiasts, particularly on AM and FM radio stations, in jeepneys, and across provincial areas. Alongside "Bawal na Gamot," he is also celebrated for songs like "Nasaan ang Liwanag" and "Kay Lupit ng Tadhana."
Garte's journey began when he contracted measles at the age of five, which resulted in his blindness. Despite lacking formal education due to his condition, he learned to play a locally crafted guitar early in life. As a child, he formed a group known in Eastern Samar as "kumbatsero," a playful rendition of a pop band, utilizing recycled materials such as tin cans, soda bottles, and gas cans. This ensemble, often referred to as "Combuta"—a combination of "combo" and "buta," referencing his blindness—was active during the Christmas season, quickly earning recognition for his musical talent.
In the mid-1980s, with the assistance of a fellow Estehanon who had moved abroad, Garte established a rock band called "Splendor Philharmonic," which was humorously nicknamed "Combuta" by many fans. The band performed in various nightspots in Borongan throughout the decade, including "Maglipayon" in Barangay Taboc, "Executive" on Cinco Street, and "Salakot" on Abogado Street, and was frequently invited to perform at local fiestas. Garte also made guest appearances at a local radio station in Eastern Samar's capital.
In 1991, Norma Gereña from Barangay Campidhan, San Julian, took Garte's recorded songs to Manila, where his talent caught the attention of Bella Tan. Impressed by his work, Tan invited him to the city, eventually becoming his manager. Garte made several television appearances, including a show hosted by Kuya Germs, and signed his first contract with Wea Records (later Universal Records, Inc.) under producer Emil Lucindo. His single "Nasaan ng Liwanag" quickly became popular in the music and recording district on Raon Street in Quiapo, Manila. His discography includes tracks such as "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," and "Ano ang Gagawin." In 1994, Universal Records released his album "Maligayang Pasko, Bati na Tayo."
Tragically, Garte's promising career was cut short when he was killed on September 4, 1998, at the age of 36, after being struck by a trailer truck while crossing EDSA with his father in Malibay, Pasay City. He was laid to rest on September 18 at Libas Cemetery in Barangay Libas, San Julian. Garte was married to Anita Gerena from Barangay Campidhan, San Julian, and they had five children together (three sons and two daughters). He was honored as a guest speaker at the 18th Commencement Exercises at what is now Nena National High School on March 26, 1993, where the community of Barangay Nena celebrated him as their national celebrity. In 2004, GMA7 highlighted his life in Mel Changco’s program "Magpakailanman," featuring a dramatization titled "The Willy Garte Story," with Ariel Rivera portraying him.
(Source: WILLY GARTE—THE FIRST ESTEHANON MALE COMPOSER-RECORDING ARTIST post by courtesy of Eastern Samar History and Culture via Facebook)
