The return of Chad Borja

Though there had been intermittent appearances and a few recordings these past years, it was only recently that fans realized that Chad Borja, the balladeer from Cebu, has indeed returned to the local music scene. And hopefully, this time, it will be for good.

The first sign that Chad was back was when he was featured as one of the former members of The New Minstrels in the sold-out All For Love concert at the Music Museum last February. Unknown to many, Chad started his career in Manila with the Minstrels and it was an enjoyable reunion with the original members of the show band like Louie Reyes, Ding Mercado and Eugene Villaluz.

This was followed by the release of the single Babe I Love You, which is Chad’s first time to work with the hitmaking composer and producer Vehnee Saturno. The song is one of the cuts in the album Ikaw Lang, Sa Habang Buhay, his first CD in over 10 years. Released a few weeks ago, this marks Chad’s return to recording, where hopefully, he will stay for a long, long time.

As many doubtless recall, Chad was one of the most exciting discoveries of the early ’90s when he turned soloist after stints with the Minstrels and other bands. Young, tall, handsome and a fine tenor, he skyrocketed to fame on his very first single Ikaw Lang. One of the cuts in the Chad Borja album, Ikaw Lang was the big song of 1991 and established Chad’s reputation as a major talent.

News that all was not well with Chad was first heard in 1998, after his successful tour of US cities with Kuh Ledesma. He was drifting in and out of the hospital with recurring symptoms in between promoting his third album, Sorry Puwede Ba and doing concerts. Then, there came the dreaded news. The reason why he was constantly tired and feverish was because Chad had cancer of the thyroid, which is considered a death sentence for men.

Thanks to prayers, first-rate medical care, the support of family and friends, a healthy lifestyle and his own will to survive the illness, Chad was able to beat the Big C. He now looks hale, hearty and happy. As he says in his liner notes for his latest album, “I am now cancer-free. God gave me another chance. That is why I’m singing again. We all go through trials in life, may this album be an inspiration.”

Ikaw Lang Sa Habang Buhay is Chad’s first for Viva Music. It has two Saturno songs, Babe I Love You and Mahal Na Kita. Chad’s old friend from Cebu, the now Nashville-based Jimmy Borja gave him Kahapon, Ngayon At Bukas and the title track. And then there is Yakap, the oldie popularized by the Spanish heartthrob, A.M.B. Junior in the ’70s. Chad’s close friend, the famous Yutaka Yokokura, who was musical director for Sergio Mendez for several years, helped Chad put his album together.

Just as he amazed the audience at the All For Love show with his polished singing, I am sure he will do the same to all those who will listen to his album. More “thank you’s” are once more in order because, the doctors who did the difficult surgery that removed the malignant growth in his throat kept his vocal chords untouched. Truth to tell, he sounds even better these days with fuller tones and a wider vocal range.

 Watch out for Chad as he goes around town promoting Ikaw Lang, Sa Habang Buhay on the radio, TV and the malls, and make sure you give him the loudest of cheers. A survivor like him, who is now an inspiration to many, deserves no less than that. Then come September, check him out as he once more joins the bigger edition of the All For Love show of New Minstrels and Circus ex-members which will be held at the Plenary Hall of the PICC.

Meanwhile, cheers are also in order for Zendee, the “Random Girl” at the mall, who has become a success as a singer. Zendee was the Philippine representative to Under The Stars: From Online to a Live Stage. This was a concert put together by the Singapore communications company Star Hub that brought together talents that were discovered and who gained a following on YouTube.

The music festival was held at The Coliseum of Resorts World Sentosa last June 28 with live streaming available via YouTube. Also featured were Internet sensations, Tanner Patrick, Madilyn Bailey and Nate Tao from the US, The 38 Years Ago from Thailand and The Sam Willows from Singapore.

Zendee, who has appeared on Ellen and opened for Jason Mraz at the Araneta Coliseum, is now also busy promoting The Ones You Love, her second single from her debut album I Believe under the Warner Music label.