Manila, Philippines- There is no question that for how many weeks now ay laging pinag-uusapan sa social media ang Revival King na si Jojo Mendrez because of his viral photos with actors Mark Herras and Rainier Castillo in separate instances.
But of course, nagpahayag din ang management ni Jojo, ang Aqueous Entertainment, na aside from these controversies ay marami silang big plans for Jojo lalo na sa kanyang latest single na Nandito Lang Ako.
Si Jojo na rin ang nagsabi na at least 30 na social media influencers ang gustong makipag/collaborate sa kanya in promoting the song.
May pasabog pa si Jojo dahil sa upcoming music video ng Nandito Lang Ako ay makakasama raw niya ang National Artist na si Nora Aunor, na incidentally ay gumawa na rin ng reaction video to one of his songs of late.
Other celebrities who’ve done the same were Janice De Belen, Snooky Serna, Claudine Barretto, and, of course, Mark and Rainier.
Star Music (label to which Jojo is signed) and Aqueous Entertainment are already brainstorming the singer’s next releases.
Jojo revealed that these could include revivals of Timmy Cruz’s “Boy,” Tina Paner’s “Tamis Ng Unang Halik” and Dina Bonnevie’s “Bakit Ba Ganyan.”
But what really got the press interested is Jojo considering a duet version of “Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako.”
The Himig Handog entry from years back, written by movie director Joven Tan and originally sung by Michael Pangilinan, is a love song from the perspective of a guy turning down his gay friend who has fallen in love with him.
Asked who he wants to sing his version with him, Jojo said it’s Mark Herras.
“Maganda ang boses ni Mark,” Jojo said. “Marami lang ang hindi nakakaalam nito dahil mas nakilala siya bilang dancer.”
Well, ditto with Jojo. In order for him to record his version of “Somewhere In My Past,” he needed to secure the approval of its songwriter Mon del Rosario who, upon hearing Jojo’s voice, knew it would be a perfect match.
Note, too, that “Nandito Lang Ako” was written by Jonathan Manalo for Jojo. The former happens to be the most streamed Filipino songwriter in music history so for him to do that and even produce the single means he truly believes in the Revival Kings’ talents.
Jojo revealed that his voice had always been on the softer, more soothing side since he grew up close to his mom, sister and grandmother.
“Kahit dati sinasabi nilang parang malamya ako kumilos at dati ng maliit ang boses ko,” he said.
We asked Jojo what his favorite lines in “Nandito Lang Ako” and he immediately cited the chorus.
“Nandito Lang Ako/Hindi Kita Iiwan/ Nandito Lang Ako/ Di Ka Pababayaan…” it goes.
“Huli kong sinabi tong mga linya na to sa mga kaibigan ko,” he revealed.
“Lalo noong panahon ng pandemya, may mga lumapit sa kin, humingi ng support. Ang sabi ko sa kanila, andito lang ako (na tutulong) ng hindi humihingi ng kapalit.”
The Revival King said he knows how it is to be in the rock bottom that’s why now that he can help others, he does so wholeheartedly.
“Wala tayong madadala pag namatay tayo kaya what we have i-share natin.”
Walang duda, Jojo already captures the hearts of beloved Filipino with his latest original single, “Nandito Lang Ako.” JP Ignacio
