Adaptation Prince no more

His name has become synonymous with Tagalized adaptation songs like Mr. Lonely, If You’re Not Here and But If You Leave Me.

Now talented, 22-year-old singer Von Arroyo will reveal his other side – that of a balladeer.

Born on April Fool’s Day in 1979, Von Eric Arroyo has a character as distinctive as his face.

"I’m thankful my parents raised me well. They taught me to be God-fearing and kept on reminding me to value other’s feelings, not to step on anyone’s toes while trying to climb the ladder of success," Von says.

The eldest in a brood of three,Von already made waves at eight when he joined amateur singing competitions in his hometown in Oriental Mindoro.

"Singing brings out the best in me. It gives me a different kind of fulfillment when performing in front of many people," Von shares.

He was 10 when he went to Manila to join Tanghalan ng Kampeon and became defending champion for almost a month.

Determined to carve a niche in the music industry, Von enrolled in Ryan Cayabyab’s music school and became a member of 14-K (a group composed of young and talented singers).

"I was 11 when I joined 14-K and stayed for almost three years," he says. "My parents wanted me to finish high school before going into full-time singing, so I went back to Mindoro and continued my studies at St. Joseph Academy."

Returning to Manila, Von took up Mass Communication at Perpetual Help College and finished cum laude.

"After graduation, I really wanted to go back into singing but there were so many new artists at that time. I thought mahirap nang bumalik, so what I did is to wait na lang for an opportunity," he says.

Von kept himself busy by doing commercial jingles for various consumer products and appearing in TV commercials.

"I also did some stints at a sports club in Makati, singing classic hits because my audience was composed mostly of CEOs and businessmen," Von says.

Von believes a good singer should be versatile, able to belt out any type of song– old or new.

Performing at music bars paved the way for Von to become part of a band called Boyz Ov’her. But after several gigs, the group disbanded.

"That was the time (1998) when Viva Records asked me to sign a two-year contract with them," he narrates.

The two albums that carried songs like But If You Leave Me, If You’re Not Here, Mr. Lonely etc., produced by Viva, made Von a household name and eventually earned him the title Adaptation Prince due to the songs’ Tagalog lyrics.

But Von is Adaptation Prince no more. He has metamorphosed into a balladeer, and he displayed his new style during his recent album launch at Virgin Cafe. Would he follow in the footsteps of the finest balladeers in the music scene?

"Though I haven’t even gone a quarter of what they have already achieved, I will try my best to be one of them," Von answers.

Among local balladeers, Von looks up to Bert Nievera, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid and others. He also revealed that his father, himself a musician, has a great influence on him.

Maisip Mo Lang Ako, from Prime Music Corp., is Von’s third album. It contains nine original compositions and one revival song. What made him veer away from adaptation songs?

"I noticed that Mr. Lonely and other adaptation songs became even more popular than me. Kumbaga, natatabunan ako ng kanta. So this time, I want to try singing original compositions," Von explains.

The man with the boyish looks also composes songs. His composition was included in the Top 100 in last year’s Metropop.

Is a source of inspiration needed in creating/delivering a song? "For me, it’s important to have inspiration because it helps in giving soul to the song. A song is not a song unless you deliver it with feeling," Von replies.

How does he differ from today’s crop of singers? "I’m more passionate in delivering my songs. I can also belt songs the way our female singers do."

Although Von has great appeal with the masa, he says can also perform before the AB crowd.

Besides recording endearing love songs in a new album, doesn’t Von dream of having a concert in the near future? "For now, I’m only dreaming of performing at Music Museum. I’m not in a hurry naman. My approach is slowly but surely," he humbly says.

And who among local singers would he want to take in as guest in his dream concert? "Carol Banawa. I love her angelic voice. Everytime I hear her sing para akong nasa heaven," Von says.

The sparkle in his eyes when he talks about Carol shows that she is one of the women he admires most.

Incidentally, Von has also been included in Prime Music’s Christmas album entitled Pasko where he interpreted cuts like Regalo, Ikaw ang Aking Pasko and others.

Asked how he feels now that things are going his way, Von says, "I’m glad the seeds of my hard work are bearing fruit. I hope people will continue to support me."