Ken Chan finds ‘purpose’ in releasing an album

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-Chinese actor Ken Chan believes he has found his “purpose” in show business after he released his self-titled debut album.

He also admitted that when he first entered the showbiz industry, he did not know which path to take.

“Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng eksaktong purpose ko,” he told reporters Thursday. “Hindi ko alam kung ano bang gusto kong gawin sa industriyang ito. Basta alam ko lang hilig kong umarte, hilig kong sumayaw, hilig kong kumanta.

“Ngayon na-realize ko na itong pagkakaroon ng album ay isa sa mga purpose ko dito sa industriya. It’s really an honor, and I feel so blessed and thankful sa PolyEast records that gave me this opportunity to share kung anong hilig kong gawin lalo na sa mga sumusuporta sa akin,” Ken shared.

Ken started as part of the youth series “Tween Hearts.” He has also been recognized for his role in the GMA primetime series “Rhodora X” which stars Jennylyn Mercado, and now being part of the independent film “1st Ko si 3rd,” a Cinemalaya entry.

Now that he has introduced himself as a singer as well, Ken says, “Masarap lang po sa feeling na mase-share ko ‘yong talent ko sa pagkanta at hilig ko sa pagkanta sa mga taong nakapaligid sa akin.”

The GMA Network talent, meanwhile, related that he is a fan of hits from the ‘80s , the style of which inspired most of the tracks in the album.

“Gusto ko rin mga kanta ngayon, pero mas gusto ko mga kanta noon,” he explained. “Hindi malalaos ‘yon, hanggang ngayon pinapatugtog ‘yong mga ‘80s songs. Natutuwa ako na nakahiligan ko ‘yong mga gano’ng kanta.”

Still, he also loves the only original song in his album, “Paikot-Ikot,” which was composed by Kiko Salazar. “Feel na feel ko nga po nang nire-record ko ‘yong kanta,” he said laughing.

As Ken slowly edges his way to be recognized, there were some things he had to sacrifice, like his studies. The 20-year-old actor-singer, however, doesn’t mind at all.

“Iyon po ang gusto ko talaga, pangarap kong maging artista noon,” he explained. “Hindi lang dahil sa kumikita ako, kundi dahil ‘yong gusto kong gawin…Dito ko nakikita ang sarili ko na nag-e-excel ako at alam ko na kaya ko, at alam kong kaya kong makipagsabayan.”

He further added that he does not wish to be ultra-famous. "Ang gusto ko lang gawin ang gusto ko— umarte, sumayaw, at kumanta. Bonus na lang kung sisikat ako. Basta ang alam ko, gusto ko ang ginagawa ko dito sa showbiz."