Industry newbie John Gabriel drops debut single 'O Pilipina'

Newbie singer John Gabriel just released his debut single titled "O Pilipina" in various digital musical platforms.

John, who turned 20 last September 8, had been into singing since he was young, taking special interest in hip-hop.

He was the vocalist of his high school band The Jaywalkers at the Immaculate Heart of Mary College. The band lasted for three years and during that time, John already nurtured a dream of becoming a professional and popular singer.

John’s idols are Justin Bieber and Daniel Padilla. “Ever since I saw them perform and listened to their voices, I wanted to be like them. They inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a singer,” he said.

Aside from singing, he also plays the guitar, bass and drums. He is also interested to try acting.

He is happy and overwhelmed to release "O Pilipina" and to be handled by famed manager Daddie Wowie Roxas.

“I am happy that Daddie Wowie has taken me under his wing and has given me the break. In return, I am doing my best to prove to him that I am worthy of the opportunity he has given me. I want to be known in the industry as a great singer and actor as well. I know I have to strive harder before I can reach my goal but I believe that time and patience are the keys to success,” said John.

He says his entry to showbiz at this time is just right. His new manager may have ignored him six years ago but this didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream. John considers himself fortunate that Daddie Wowie finally welcomed him into his fold.

John said he is ready for the merry but topsy-turvy world of showbiz.

“It’s been my dream to be in showbiz and I won’t stop until I reach the top,” said John who is also in the movie "My First and Always" under Heaven’s Best Entertainment featuring Rita Daniela and Ken Chan.

“Things happened so fast and I hope more breaks will come my way. I believe in destiny. If it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

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Grammy award-winning R&B artist Eric Bellinger, Inigo Pascual and Sam Concepcion, Manila-based producer Moophs, Malaysian singer-songwriter Zee Avi, and BTS’ “Black Swan” composer Vince Nantes collaborated on a cross-cultural single about prevailing over today’s tides and facing a new world together entitled “RISE.”

Produced under Philippine-based label Tarsier Records, the track was released Sept. 18.

“Life is really the main story that inspired writing ‘RISE,’” said US-based songwriter Vince, who penned the song. “From the pandemic to protests, to political differences, to unfair treatment to one another as human beings, it’s a lot for all of us to digest, and I wanted to give people something they can enjoy, emotionally connect to, and believe in.”

Moophs shared that “RISE” is the biggest release Tarsier Records has undertaken so far to “give listeners a multi-cultural example of coming together to rise above adversity.”

He said, “This song is my answer to 2020. If we look past borders, politics, and skin color and resolve not to be divided, we can overcome anything this year throws at us.”

“Bitter Heart” singer Zee Avi described the new track as a “hopeful, uplifting song.”

“’Rise’ is such a simple word, yet it’s something that we need to keep reminding ourselves of,” she said.

Sam revealed his excitement with the music collaboration of artists from Asia Pacific. “Doing a project this big and this important is definitely a dream come true for me. With the artists from different parts of the world, and the unifying message, this song could be heard everywhere across the globe,” he said.

Two music videos for “RISE” were released: an animated video straight out of a comic book where the artists will be superheroes battling ‘the 2020 monster,’ and inspiring stories of humanity and messages of hope from influencers worldwide.