CREATIVE juices continue to flow naturally for many Filipino artists despite the countless limitations brought about by this worldwide pandemic. Singers, songwriters and music collaborators take inspiration from everything around them to work on new offerings that will hopefully allow music to serve any purpose it may have during these times.
Singer-composer and puppeteer Jessa Mae Gabon has just released her digital single “Ngunit Dahil Sa Iyo,” a mid-tempo classic originally penned and sung by 1980s musical artist Marizen Yaneza.
More than just doing a cover version, Gabon prefers to call it a reinterpretation. “It is important for me as an artist to be able to give an old song my own soul so that it will sound contemporary. The 1980s are like 40 years ago, and things have changed tremendously. The song lives on because it is beautiful and timeless. I am just giving it a new lease on life, and hopefully give justice to the wonderful lyrics and melody.”
Singing is Gabon’s true passion, but during these uncertain times, a relatively new singer like her will never be able to sustain a comfortable life. Gabon shared that she is currently working as a project development officer for the Department of Agriculture. “My job brings me to the most remote areas in the country so that we can improve the state of agriculture in these places and reach out to those who are deserving of the latest in science and technology programs of the government. Having a regular job certainly helps at this time.”
Gabon shared that she likes creating music. She was an active fixture in the puppet theater company Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, which gave her many chances to perform around Asia as a puppeteer. For many years, she also found fulfillment in composing songs for children. “I had the opportunity to work for a popular children’s show in Singapore called Junction Tree, where I cowrote and coproduced songs for children. I also performed for the show from time to time.” Her paths crossed with the head honcho of RJA Productions, Rosabella Jao Arribas, before the pandemic and the connection opened a bigger door for Gabon. This year alone, she was able to release two singles, “Ensayado” and “Ikaw ang Tanging Alam.”
“Music lives on. Times are difficult, but difficult situations often challenge the mind to be more creative and resourceful, like creating music, and singing can really soothe the tired spirit.”
Meanwhile, a young dreamer from Sorsogon has also jump-started his musical career during these pandemic times. Nineteen-year-old Vincent Jao III has also just released his latest song “Sayaw ng Buhay,” an upbeat, jazzy piece that was recorded in his hometown.
This Bicolano student, who also plays the piano and the guitar, shared that he couldn’t contain his excitement when this original composition of Nathaniel Cabañero was presented to him.
“I felt it was a perfect piece that is relevant to the times,” he said, adding, “It’s about life. Often the rhythm and the tide bring us to places where we are not so familiar with, but we thrive and we survive. There are times when the volume of music is up and there are situations when everything becomes slow and suspended. But is is up to us to cope and to dance with the music.”
Gabon and Jao are both promising young artists and they know that by associating themselves with the right people, their God-given talents can find a nurturing place in this oftentimes crowded industry, where success can be fleeting and only the tough and those who are prepared survive.
We wish them both the best as they soar higher with their songs.