A singer simply named Dexter

He’s dashing, dauntless, delectable and determined to make it big in the rat-race world of entertainment. He’s name is Dexter, the newest recording artist of Viva Entertainment who chooses not to use any surname.

Coming in at a time when the music industry is in need of a fresh-looking and a truly competent male singer, Dexter could just be "it." After almost two decades, no one has truly taken over the reign of Martin Nievera as the country’s top male vocal performer. Gary V. was hot for a time, Ogie Alcasid and Janno Gibbs, two of my personal favorites, forayed into the comedy arena and some members of the audience got defocused somehow.

There were many who tried to penetrate the scene, but none became truly successful despite the hype accorded them by their mother studios. It seems that the listening crowd and the concert goers are more exacting in their criteria of which male singer to give their all-out support to.

From the talent showcase accorded to the usually haughty entertainment press recently at the Hard Rock Café, Dexter displayed more than just crooning capabilities – he also accompanied himself on the keyboards and strung the guitar chords with much gusto.

Now, let’s get to know Dexter better, he whose debut album entitled Dexter: Puso sa Puso has just been released, with a very radio-friendly duet with Bituin Escalante titled Bakit Nga Ba Hindi as the album’s carrier track.

The facts. His full name is Dexter Villahermosa. He lived almost all his life in Sydney, Australia. Dexter’s family migrated to the Down Under capital when he was barely three.

Backed by a diploma in Contemporary Music which includes a thorough understanding of sound engineering, music arrangement and modern composition, Dexter knows his musical strengths by heart.

The features. True-blue Asian assets but Pinoy at heart. Ruggedly-boyish. Chiseled Oriental exteriors. Lean. Long limbs. Longer fingers.

I reckon that he should project an image of unstructured sensuality which will create a more charismatic magnetism to enhance his soothing vocal expressiveness.

The form. As a neophyte, Dexter says he has to always be conscious of his every move. "The first step is usually the hardest. It can spell the difference. That’s why I heed the advise of my manager (Pilita Corrales) because she’s been there and done that. "

As a singer, he knows that his voice is his primary weapon and he has to take really good care of it. Dexter doesn’t smoke, and only occasionally drinks very mild alcoholic beverages mainly for socialization purposes.

He is also well aware that the business he’s into is composed of very visual and scrutinizing people, that’s why he knows that he has to always look clean and presentable. "I love how I look. I guess I have not much choice, " he kids, adding "it’s the only one I have and although there are a lot of limitations as far as being Asian is concerned, all we have to do is love it, live with it, and develop it to its best form possible. And I don’t mean all muscles. The best form for me is a sound mind, a happy disposition, and a good heart."

The fascination. As he slowly inches his way into the mainstream music circuit, the once shy and timid Dexter says he is beginning to develop a fondness for performing for people. "I’ve learned to connect with my audience and it’s a lot of fun. You totally forget about yourself and get into what the song is all about."

Dexter shares that the entire recording process was a breeze, considering that he had to combine it with the adjustments of living in a totally new environment. "It’s wonderful to work with people who care not only for their own artistry but who are willing to take the backseat in order for someone new like me to shine and come through," he says. He is referring to professionals like Margot Gallardo, Edith Gallardo, Moy Ortiz, arrangers like Niño Regalado, Mon Espia, Alvin Nuñez, Rica Arambulo, Marc Lopez and musicians like Cesar Aguas, Mel Villena and Ding Faustino.

This Australian-Pinoy also delights in the fact that he is singing a duet with the lady whom he thinks owns the best voice in the country – Bituin Escalante. "That voice is hers alone and it’s marvelous," he gushes, "and I’m just honored that she didn’t think twice on recording a duet with me."

The forte. His range is immensely broad, and from his six-number sampler during the showcase, he also showed a lot of heart. He can reach his high notes without much effort, and his lines are clear and his facial emotions are not exaggerated.

With ample training in legit world-class theater like the Australian and London productions of Cameron Macintosh’s Miss Saigon, Dexter has imbibed focus and discipline to every task he is ordered to do.

The fulfillment. "It feels so good knowing that of all the aspirants, I have been given a chance to become a recording artist. It’s a dream fulfilled, a dream I nurtured since I was young. This CD is a proof that if we set your sights on your goals, if you pursue your visions and if you work hard for your dreams, they can come true."