Jojo Mendrez, fondly known as the “Revival King,” continues to captivate music lovers with his latest single, “Yakap,” a heartfelt and beautifully crafted revival of the timeless classic originally popularized in 1979 by Filipino-Spanish crooner Junior.
A defining love ballad of the late 1970s and early 1980s, “Yakap” became deeply woven into the fabric of Filipino music history. The song gained even greater prominence as the official soundtrack of the acclaimed film Good Morning Sunshine, starring Vilma Santos and Junior, under the direction of the late National Artist Ishmael Bernal. Decades after its release, the song remains a cherished symbol of love, longing, comfort, and emotional connection.
Today, Mendrez introduces the beloved classic to a new generation, breathing fresh life into its timeless melody while preserving the sincerity and tenderness that made it unforgettable. His rendition has earned widespread praise from listeners, music enthusiasts, and netizens who have embraced the revival for its emotional depth and heartfelt delivery.
Among those moved by the song is Optimum Star Claudine Barretto, who shared her emotional reaction upon hearing Mendrez’s interpretation.
“OMG, I’m crying! The best rendition, Kapatid!” Claudine exclaimed.
Her praise carries special meaning. Junior, the original singer of “Yakap,” was the uncle of the Barretto sisters, including Claudine herself. That family connection lends an added layer of emotion to her appreciation of the revival, making her endorsement all the more significant. Over the past months, Claudine has remained one of Mendrez’s most vocal supporters, admiring not only his talent but also his genuine love and dedication to his craft.
The acclaim surrounding “Yakap” continues to grow following Mendrez’s recent interview with entertainment host and director Ronald Carballo. During their conversation, the singer shared the inspiration behind the project, his deep respect for classic Filipino music, and the personal journey that led him to finally record one of his long-time dream songs.
Carballo himself was visibly touched by the rendition.
“Ang ganda, ang ganda! Gusto kita yakapin!” he remarked, revealing that the song gave him goosebumps while listening.
For Mendrez, recording “Yakap” was far more than simply revisiting a beloved classic. It was the realization of a dream and a tribute to a song that has long held a special place in his heart.
While remaining faithful to the warmth and emotional honesty of the original, Mendrez infuses the track with his own signature style. His soulful interpretation creates a softer, more intimate listening experience that resonates with longtime fans of OPM while inviting younger audiences to discover the beauty of a song that has transcended generations.
The release further strengthens Mendrez’s standing as one of the country’s most respected revival artists. Through successful reinterpretations of beloved classics such as Handog, Somewhere In My Past, and Tuyo Na’ng Damdamin, he has built a reputation for honoring musical legacies while making them relevant to contemporary listeners.
Mendrez also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the supporters who continue to embrace revival music in today’s ever-evolving industry. For him, revisiting classic songs is more than an artistic endeavor—it is a way of preserving the rich heritage of Original Pilipino Music and ensuring that its timeless stories and melodies continue to inspire future generations.
With “Yakap,” Jojo Mendrez once again proves that great music knows no boundaries of time. By paying tribute to Junior’s enduring legacy while offering a deeply personal interpretation of the song, he creates a bridge between generations of Filipino music lovers.
Supported by the admiration of personalities such as Claudine Barretto and Ronald Carballo, “Yakap” has become more than a revival. It is a heartfelt celebration of OPM’s enduring beauty, a reminder of music’s power to evoke emotion, and a testament to the timeless magic of songs that continue to touch hearts across generations.
“Yakap” is now available on all major digital music platforms. For more updates on Jojo Mendrez and his upcoming projects, follow his official Facebook account.
