Jonathan Manalo's songwriting story

MANILA, Philippines - He was a regular fresh graduate a decade back, just hoping to land a career in advertising. Then, being young and open to everything, he joined a couple of songwriting contests just for the fun of it. He won and that opened doors of opportunity which led to a career he never thought meant for him. 

With the rebirth of big local songwriting festivals, Jonathan Manalo is waxing nostalgic over his experience that made him the current generation’s most prolific songwriter-record producer. 

The Star Records’ resident songwriter-album producer won first prize in 2001 Himig Handog songwriting competition with Tara Tena, then took home one of the major prizes at the 2003 Metropop. It was enough to get the trust of the Kapamilya network which eventually hired him.

By now he has collected around 80 multi-platinum and gold awards in his 10-year run. He’s behind the creation of such remarkable songs as Orange & Lemons’ Pinoy Ako; Sam Milby’s Hindi Kita Iiwan; Kyla’s Beautiful Days; Erik Santos’ Pagbigyang Muli; the multi-awarded animation theme Kaya Mo; and Angeline Quinto’s Patuloy Ang Pangarap. 

With over 100 albums and compilations under his name as producer, along with an ever-increasing number of released and recognized compositions, Jonathan is one prolific workforce that epitomizes a hard working, output-oriented talent. “I’m privileged to have this gift of being able to write and produce songs,” said the God-fearing tunesmith from Valenzuela who officially is the A&R and audio content manager of Star Music Group. 

Jonathan just finished working on Angeline’s follow-up package as well as on The Reunion album that compiled new renditions of Eraserheads classics. He is also working on the next album of ballad rocker Jovit Baldivino.

His flexibility as a record producer is reflected in the different styles of music he has dealt with and artists he has worked with, from Itchyworms to Gary Valenciano, from Charice to Piolo Pascual.

Jonathan shared, “A song is good if nakaka-connect sa maraming tao. I write songs everywhere I am and whatever I do like in the gym or while driving. Basta my goal is to create songs that are not against the laws of God.” 

As a former choir boy who began writing gospel songs at age 13, he has written several TV show theme songs such as those for Wansapanataym, Search For The Star In A Million, Star Circle Quest, Pinoy for PBB Teens, Sharon’s May Kasama Ka, Maria Flor De Luna, Mga Anghel Na Walang Langit and so on. On the big screen, his theme for Star Cinema’s RPG Metanoia earned nominations from award-giving bodies. 

His future looks even brighter, considering that he intends to continue what he is doing. He promised, “I will never stop writing. Gusto ko lang gumawa ng kanta at hindi ko alam saan ako dadalhin nun.” 

That simply means more would-be classic compositions and memorable albums for this productive worker behind the scene.