New voices on the music block
MORE and more new singers are being launched in the music entertainment circuit, perhaps to add some color, comfort and cheer to this lackluster year of lockdown, homestay and quarantine. Young and handsome John Gabriel is the voice behind the song “O, Pilipina,” which immediately broke into the local charts a week after it was officially released. Composed by Bryant Aunor, the song is a Filipino-english hip-hop that caters primarily to the young.
Gabriel is being managed by Wowie Roxas, known in showbiz circles as Daddie Wowie, the discover and manager of former teen star-turned-mayor of Manila Isko Moreno. We spoke to Roxas recently and learned that six years ago, Gabriel sent him some photos, hoping that the manager will take notice and consider helping the then-14-year-old teenager break into show business.
“Perhaps it wasn’t the right time then,” Roxas explained, adding, “I do not even remember what photos he sent, maybe those weren’t impressive enough to catch my attention. But then again, life has a way of bringing people together again and by some stroke of chance, John Gabriel and I got reconnected.”
Roxas shared that he initially did not entertain the idea of becoming active again as an entertainment manager, considering the overflowing schedules of the current Manila city mayor. “One night, it suddenly occurred to me: What if this is the only chance that the boy has to change his destiny? Who am I not to open the big door for him? Who knows where this opened door will lead him to in the future, just like the bigger doors that opened for Isko after his showbiz stint, right?”
Gabriel feels grateful that Roxas took him under his wing. “I will do my best and work hard to be successful. I know how it is to have very little. I will be a good boy and prove that dreams can come true for someone like me.”
Another promising young singer who broke into pandemic popularity on social media is Christi Fider, whose mother Edith used to be the production manager of the New Minstrels, a popular pop vocal group in the 1970s.
Fider, a History graduate of the University of Santo Tomas who plays the guitar, ukelele, and kalimba (thumb piano), has already gained quite a following as a lifestyle vlogger, charming her followers with the latest trends in fashion, accessories and gadgets. But music remains her deep, deep love.
When the opportunity to collaborate with composer Joven Tan came up, and she was presented the upbeat song “Teka, Teka,” a timely composition that sparks joy and speaks of hope during these challenging times, Fider knew it was her time to take her first big step forward.
And because of the Tiktok craze, the song was immediately picked up by the masses, and was even used by celebrities like Zeus Collins for their Tiktok dance videos. Star Music saw Fider’s potential and released the very danceable song. “I believe in perfect timing and destiny—what is meant to happen, will happen. One has to just trust the universe,” Fider volunteered.
Robster Evangelista, a composer who is also the station manager of the IFM radio channel, did not plan to be a singer. “I have been composing songs for other singers for many years. And when I least expected it, an offer for me to record my own composition came along, and I simply embraced the opportunity,” he said, recalling the sequence of events
that led to him to his decision.
One time, music executive Reck Cardinales asked Evangelista to submit compositions to producer Rosabella Jao-arribas, who was looking for materials for a new male singer she had signed up. “I searched from my library of songs and chose five, hoping that the producer would like at least one of them. To my surprise, I got a call from the producer asking if I would consider singing one of the songs I had submitted.” Evangelista took on the offer, recorded the heartbreak song “Sino Ba Sa Atin?” and the fortysomething family man is now officially a singersongwriter.
Since he has been in the radio business for a long time now, it will definitely be advantageous for the song to get airtime more often. “I’d like to think of it that way, too, I mean, we have a lot of friends from the radio industry and I’m sure they are all willing to give my song the push it needs!” he said, seemingly halfjokingly, before bursting into a hearty laughter.
John Gabriel, Christi Fider and Robster Evangelista all believe that their gift of voice and special musical skills can be channeled to motivate, affect and inspire others, especially during these extraordinary times.