The OPM baby

MANILA, Philippines - Jan Nieto is an Original Pilipino Music (OPM) baby. He grew up listening to the songs of artists such as Ogie Alcasid and Martin Nievera. Thus, it is expected that Jan’s self-titled debut album is also composed of all-original Pilipino tunes.

“I took the risk of coming up with my own, original songs,” says the Philippine Idol Top 3 and You’ve Got Male member of his Universal Records-Indi Music-produced album. “That was the advice of Ogie, the album producer. It veers away from the trend of recording cover songs. Yes, they click in the market but listeners remember the songs more than the singer.”

The selections in the album also further establish Jan as a balladeer and promote his wholesome image.  

“If you listen to the songs, they are on the side of being broken-hearted,” shares Jan. “(Am I broken-hearted?) No, I’m not. I’m still searching for that someone. Me and my girlfriend parted ways four years ago. I’m the torpe type. And it is more difficult to me to find a girlfriend in showbiz. Why? Because there are many beautiful ladies and I find them intimidating. I have to get to know her well before I can talk to or to get comfortable with her.”

Of the 10 songs, Jan considers the carrier single Bakit Kailangan Pang Lumayo, Sana Naman, Fall in Love (With You Again) and Together his favorites. He says Bakit Kailangan Pang Lumayo talks about finding the One and the true happiness that comes with it. However, time will come when that person is no longer beside you. Sana Naman is a light song about looking for someone to spend one’s life with. Fall in Love (With You Again) is about the one who got away. Together, on the other hand, is special to Jan because it’s his first written song and a collaboration with Philippine Idol finalists and You’ve Got Male.

Other cuts are Is there A Way?, Sa Puso Ko, Sangandaan, Devastated, Holding On and Galing ng Ginang. 

Since it’s his first album, Jan was hands-on about it. He personally picked the songs, the cover and inside pictures of the album. The album is also Jan’s way of correcting other people’s impression that he is suplado. The sentimental songs will reveal his serious and softer side and prove that he can reach out to others.

Jan’s album will be launched on March 29 on GMA 7’s S.O.P. He will also have a series of mall shows on April 4 at SM Bacoor; April 5, SM Lipa; April 17, SM Clark; April 18, SM San Fernando; April 19, SM Manila; April 25, SM Baliwag; April 26, SM Marilao; May 3, SM Molino; May 8, SM Baguio; May 9, SM Rosales; May 16, SM Batangas; May 17, SM San Lazaro and May 29, SM Fairview. 

Does he have qualms about people associating him with Philippine Idol?

“No, I don’t have,” replies Jan. “I’m proud that I was part of it and that’s where I started. I’m just thankful that GMA got me.”

Before he tried his luck in the ABC 5 talent search, Jan worked in KFC and Unilever Philippines where he handled campaigns for Surf and Sunsilk. He now concentrates on his singing career. The Management Engineering graduate of Ateneo de Manila University helps his mom in the latter’s consultancy work without getting any salary. His job requires him to market products and implement different strategies to promote them.

Jan is one of those few artists who enjoys a happy personal life and a healthy career.

“I’m grateful that my personal life is being spared from the prying eyes of others,” he says.

Although it’s still a long journey — and a winding one — ahead for the singer, Jan keeps his hope high.

“I dream that my carrier single be known,” he says. “My idea of a hit song is that anyone can sing it.”