Mike Chan releases new album

MANILA, Philippines - Though often mistaken for a Korean or Taiwanese actor because of his Chinese looks, Mike Chan is very much a Filipino when it comes to his music.

“I cut my teeth in show business by hosting and singing OPM love songs back when I was still with the noon time show (Chowtime Na!)” recalls Mike. “I took that job because I thought it would open doors for me in the music industry.  Thankfully it did just that.”

Chowtime Na! lasted for two years and that time Mike was able to meet the different movers and shakers in the music world.  In fact, it was during the taping of one of the show episodes where he met Jimmy Bondoc, whom he would later partner with (along with Luke Mejares, Paolo Santos, Top Suzara and DJ Myke) to form the group The Sabado Boys.

“The Sabado Boys was a turning point for me, musically, because back when I was doing Chowtime, I was basically the only host, other than April Boy Regino, who used to sing. There was really no pressure for me to push myself to excel musically.”

“When we formed the group, I found myself all of a sudden performing with guys who have built careers out of singing and making music.  It was intimidating to say the least,” Mike says laughing.  “It turned out to be a real blessing though because music was what I wanted to pursue and these guys have been very generous when it comes to sharing with me what they know.”

And what they have taught him reflected in his latest album titled Let Me In under Sony BMG. 

“I’m at the stage where I’m exploring different types of music. My comfort zone has always been the ballads but I realized that in music, as in life, you have to take chances and try new things if you want to grow.”

The album contains revival songs from different genres of music.  Stay Awake originally by Ronnie Laws and Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko by Bodgie’s Law Of Gravity lean towards pop jazz while Take Me Now by David Gates is a straight pop ballad. 

A career in music almost never happened for Mike because the initial offers he received when he was starting out were acting roles and hosting jobs. This isn’t surprising because Mike is statuesque at 5’10” and has a built honed by years of swimming, playing tennis and motorcycle racing. He could easily become a model, an actor or a sports icon.   

Thankfully the muses of music claimed him once he started singing on TV and he is where he says he wants to be at the moment.

“Acting? Well my philosophy in life is to always be willing to try anything at least once but I know in my heart, music will always be my first love.”

On April 24, 9 p.m., Mike will launch his album at the Music Museum with guests Sabado Boys, Posh and Forte.

The show is presented by Mossimo Music, in cooperation with Center for Arts Foundation, PLA Events and Ellips Cologne. Part of the proceeds will go to the Center for Arts Foundation for Abuse Children. For details, call 391-8653 or 396-2238.