Why Young JV is doin' it big

MANILA, Philippines - While Barry Manilow sings, “I write the songs that make the whole world sing,” Young JV is doing more than that. His vocal talent and genius in songwriting have been instrumental in achieving his goal to help and care for people he knows deserving of a happy and comfortable life.

Music, he says, plays a big part in his charitable act. Fifty percent of the total sales of his album goes straight to his Lahing Bayani Foundation.

Young JV has been providing financial support for the educational needs of the 20 deserving children of military men through his foundation. For two years now, Young JV never falters in his desire to give the children a bright future.

“It’s my way of giving back,” Young JV says at the launch of Alay, the carrier single of his sophomore album Doin’ It Big which will be released in February 2012. “I wanted to give something for the kids because just like them, my father is also a soldier. By sending them to school, I know they can achieve a better life in the future.”

He shares that many of the kids are growing up fast. In fact, most of them are already in high school and college. “That’s why, palaki ng palaki ang gastos but it’s okay. There are also friends who are willing to help.” 

For those not in the know, Young JV (born Jose Maria Vicente Kapunan) is the youngest son of retired PAF Col. Eduardo “Red” Kapunan. That’s why, Young JV knows how tough to be a soldier as he had seen in the many sacrifices of his dad and particularly, “what’s it like to be a son of military man.”

“My dad instilled in me a very strict discipline, mahirap talaga. But what’s good about him is he never forced me to enter the military. He allows me to do what I want, and that is, making music.”

He was 15 when Young JV showed interest in music. He started composing songs during his high school years in Iloilo. Thank God, his dad didn’t force him to be a soldier. “All he wanted is for me to finish school,” Young JV adds.

He is now on his sophomore year in college taking up Masscom at the Entrepreneurs School of Asia (ESA). He initially took a business entrepreneur course but his schedule didn’t permit him to stay longer than four hours in school. Thus, he decided to shift to Masscom because “it fits more in my line of work.”

Performing keeps him busy these days. Aside from doing his stint in ASAP Rocks, Young JV is busy promoting Alay.

Alay speaks about unconditional love. It is now being played on the airlanes and it will soon be available on-line.

“Love is in the air especially now that Christmas is nearing so I, together with my producers Jumbo and Tyro, decided to come up with something that will spread a message of love. It is generally for everybody.”

His carrier single also displays Young JV’s smooth transition to R&B. He was initially into rap/hip-hop.

“I want to do something different but I’m not totally turning my back on rap/hip-hop. Gusto ko lang maipakita kung gaano kalawak ang kaya kong gawin.”

Young JV is also into acting. He plays a part in the Gerald Anderson-Sarah Geronimo latest flick Won’t Last a Day Without You.

“I feel blessed and I’m glad that I can help a lot now. I also become a role model to kids.”

On Dec. 17, Young JV is set to hold a basketball showdown at the AFP basketball court featuring celebrities, among them are Gerald, Jericho Rosales, Diether Ocampo and Rayver Cruz to bring cheer to his foundation’s children beneficiaries.