in tagalog, one alternative way of saying "kumusta" is saying, "anong balita sayo?" -this phrase may be translated into,(but not directly) "how have you been?".
don't get confused. When Filipinos ask you, "kumusta?" they are actually asking not only "how are you" but they are also asking you "what's the latest news about you" during those times when you were apart from each other.
Good luck!