On September 14, ABS-CBN creative music director Jonathan Manalo said he feels blessed that his job as a songwriter is his passion.
During the media conference for Pinoy Tayo, Manalo explained that he does not feel burn out with songwriting because it’s his passion.
“Sa totoo lang nagkataon lang na trabaho ko ‘to. Buti na lang trabaho ko ‘yung passion ko. Kahit trabaho ko na siya di ko siya tinitignan na trabaho. Kaya hindi ako nabu-burn out, kaya hindi ako napapagod. Kasi sobra akong sabihin natin ‘blessed’ na I’m able to do my passion as my job.”
Manalo is celebrating his 20th anniversary in the music industry this November 2021 and plans to commemorate it through his upcoming 25-track album.
The first single launched for his 20th Anniversary track is Pinoy Tayo, sang by Rivermaya frontman Rico Blanco.
Manalo said he didn’t expect his collaboration with Blanco for his 20th Anniversary album.
“This is a very unexpected collaboration, hindi ko ito inexpect na mangyayari. I just took my chances. Actually, marami kaming project na pinaguusapan. Ayun lagi kaming nag-uusap noong time na ‘yun na na-bring up ko ito.
“May lineup, naka-lineup na siya. Hindi alam ni sir Rico, last year pa ‘yung lineup ko, nandoon na ‘yung pangalan niya, Rico Blanco-Pinoy Ako.”
He released Pinoy Tayo on September 5, and it is currently available on streaming platforms. However, Blanco performed the song on ASAP Natin ‘To as a part of Pinoy Big Brother’s 10th season.
Manalo considered the launch for Pinoy Tayo as perfect timing since it matches with the start of PBB Season 10.
“So noong may season 10 ng PBB, sabi ko, perfect timing. Pwedeng ma-launch ‘yung song with PBB. Kasi alam naman natin na ‘yung song nagsimula sa PBB. What a coincidence na I’m celebrating my 20 years and PBB’s 10th anniversary and ready na kami ni sir Rico with this new version of Pinoy Ako which is Pinoy Tayo.”
Manalo plans to release his complete album in 2022, with the other 24 songs launched incrementally in the coming months.
