Christian: Music is still my core

MANILA, Philippines - Seeing an artist cross over from one platform to another is a norm in local tinseltown. Christian Bautista has taken this path and is still at it without any sign of slowing down.

From his most recent assignments as judge in Superstar Duets and as Bob Gaudio of Jersey Boys, Christian will soon be seen acting as Winston in the Pinoy version of the Koreanovela My Love from the Star, which Kapuso viewers are familiar with. “(It’s still) in production, we’re still taping,” the balladeer-actor gave The STAR an update on his career during the launch of Kylie Padilla as Christian’s fellow Watsons brand endorser along with fixtures Edu Manzano, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Lorna Tolentino and Iya Villania. “I’m not sure when the release is yet. Bangko lang kami ng bangko.” Christian also clarified that the GMA production of My Love from the Star will remain faithful to the original story, following the same structure. However, the differences lie in “The language, the Filipino culture and how to handle situations (by the characters)… It will not extend (because if it does,) the story will change. We’re just taping (scenes),” he shared.

What’s his impression of the character Winston?

“He is amazing,” Christian answered. “(Winston) loves Steffi and will do everything for her, just to make her feel happy, make her feel loved. He is one-track minded — how to make Steffi happy, how to make her mine (referring to Winston).” Steffi is played by Jennylyn Mercado, who was the main host in Superstar Duets, Christian’s sort of 2016 last-quarter show. If ever viewers wonder why the Telebabad primetime romantic drama is not yet in the GMA programming, Christian said, “We have lots of shows playing now.”

Recently, Christian has signed up with Universal Records (UR) and an upcoming album with original tunes, which he co-produced or co-wrote, is in the offing.

“It’s time to grow with my music,” he said. “Still at the very core is music. (It) is still the very core of my life, hindi naman mawawala yun.” At this point, songs have been lined up for final mastering, he added. “Hindi naman kailangan na every year may nilalabas ka. Sometimes, you really need to hone yourself, your music (and figure out) what’s next.” According to a report, Christian and UR already collaborated for such recording outings as Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan and A Wonderful Christmas.

Christian’s music has also reached Indonesia and enjoys a following there. “Okay naman. I’m there a lot every quarter, singing for fans, (guesting in) TV shows,” he shared of his career abroad. “Because of The Way You Look At Me, because of the Indonesian albums, I also branched out to Malaysia and Singapore. The Way You Look At Me was able to reach Thailand as well. God willing, sana Amerika, sana UK. So if the door opens, then why not? If it’s meant for me, then it will happen. I wanna try. If it’s not meant, then it’s not meant.”

What does Christian think of Filipino recording artists penetrating Chinese territories, which comprise the big part of Asian recording market?

“Iba kasi siyempre ang Chinese music industry kasi dapat local ang kakantahin mo,” he replied. “Dapat Mandarin, Cantonese. If you will think about it, India is also part of it. Indians will sing Indian (songs). Tayong Asean ang nakaka-cross sa isa’t isa (because) we like English songs as well so medyo colonized kasi tayo... yung (kultura) natin medyo pare-pareho.”

Given that cultural conditions, foreigners cannot deny the presence of Filipino entertainers and the latter’s good singing. “Filipinos all over the world are recognized because of the hard work of our OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in the past, present and future,” Christian said. “You always say in every hotel, there’s a Filipino lounge singer. In every cruise ship, there’s a Filipino lounge singer. Parang kasi kapag sinabi mong Filipino, marunong kumanta yan. It is expected na kapag Filipino ay marunong dapat kumanta. It’s fantastic.” One can say that Christian, the balladeer is also part of that Pinoy voice in the international music circuit.

Aside from TV and recording, Christian is a committed brand endorser of Watsons, which encourages Filipinos to join the Switch & Save campaign. Last year, he played as sale assistant for a day at a Watsons branch and surprised customers. And who knows one of these days Christian will be at the counter taking everyone’s orders. The campaign teaches everyone how to save on their personal essentials in getting the things they want. It gives individuals affordable product alternatives to choose from. In the end, customers become smart shoppers.