Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista Renews Contract with GMA

The crooner who has swooned tons of ladies across Asia has renewed ties with GMA Artist Center. In simple ceremonies last week, Christian Bautista was so happy about his decision to stay with the network. He has been in the industry for over 2 decades and he's very happy knowing that he's gotten renewed because he's treated this as a great partnership. He's been with GMA for over 8 years and plans to do various shows including the highly successful "The Clash" Season 4 and "All Out Sundays". Aside from that, he's looking forward to a future of doing GMA Pinoy TV and regional tours (sans pandemic) which will possibly get him in touch of audiences abroad as a major throng of his supporters are from other countries too. 

Christian understands that it's a bit difficult to make plans because of the COVID-19 restrictions so he's probably going to wing every opportunity that comes with this renewal. He also did a project called STILL with Julie Anne San Jose and other artists which is produced for the VIU app. It's more of a series that's got a lot of music involved in it. This will be out soon so his fans still have a lot of things to look forward to, hopefully this year. 

These days, Christian is also doing YouTube and he says "It's a bit difficult now, but everybody is doing it. Your fans will enjoy how you share your life, so we (he and his wife) decided to do it. As for digital concerts, that's a lot to think about. Producing, getting sponsors, the timing, it's a bit difficult. Renewing in GMA is surreal, at this time, at this age, it was a nice feeling that people believe in you. I wish for a project that would be celebrated around the world. Whether it may be in front or the back of the camera, I'd like to see that happen. Right now, this show with Julie, it's outside the Philippines and I'd take it. Being with people who love working together, with a purpose, it's something that I want to do. These days, you think about how you would get to earn as an artist during this time. I'm grateful to God that I'm not getting neglected. I want to focus on The Clash as a mentor and judge, hopefully I'd be able to help them. I want to also write songs, be a creator, not just sing."

Recently, the MET was inaugurated and opened by the city of Manila. One of the performers who were invited during that historical opening was Christian Bautista. I asked about it casually and he says "The experience performing again on stage was surreal, I was both excited and elated about doing that again after several months of getting locked in at home. Even if it was 2 seats apart during that day, the live audience really was a different experience. I liked what it was, and I loved to see what it can be again after all these restrictions are gone. In the future, there would probably be online shows, live shows, to blend them might be right. The Clash was getting a nomination in New York just meant that I was doing something right. It's for the directors, the people behind the show, not just us artists and contestants. No one in particular but everyone who joins The Clash, you can feel that they really do want it. It's just sad that opportunities are not given to them all, but hopefully they would try, and not get discouraged."

Here's the rest of the interview on video:

The Clash is going to be bigger and better, so will all the celebrations on AOS. You'll see Christian there and all the talented artists of GMA. 

Jessica Villarubin Releases Debut Single AKO NAMAN

 

Just got off the press conference of THE CLASH Season 3 Champion Jessica Villarubin as she talks about her beginnings, her struggles, her story before she actually did it in this year's competition. She's very bubbly, very positive, but here she shares how she had to make ends meet and pay back her Mom and Dad's kindness as they had struggled a lot during her childhood.

Jessica says "Bullying has affected me in the past, it's like it wasn't enough to have talent, my physical appearance, yet they don't know me, who I am, it kinda got my confidence low. I'm happy and grateful that I got enhanced by Vicky Belo, before I was only watching her on TV, I shared my experiences and I'm very grateful how she helped me in my journey. Yesterday I performed in All Out Sundays and I'm happy how I was received, they were really happy for me. During the finals, I didn't expect to be the grand champion, I prayed about it and if it was meant for me, it was for me, but if not, I still trust the Lord. I'm grateful when they announced my name, I thought I was in a dream state, my Clash friends were also happy for me, also my family. When I was given the song by Mr Christian Bautista, it's a dream come true, I am personally thankful for the opportunity, to hear myself sing my own song, finally." 

 

She adds "When I won, I couldn't sleep, I carried my medal around because of taping specials, in the morning, I got so many congratulatory messages. I had my gown, I still couldn't believe it. In just a few months, I also had my own song so I just couldn't believe it. Ako Naman is all about traditional love, on getting a dream come true. I waited so long for it, and the message is just pefect timing. It tells about your time, like in my life, I left so many things before I got here. I went here for it, I really couldn't believe I won. Aside from my Clash family, I want to be with Alden, Aicelle, if I could perform with them, that would be a dream. Now, I am concentrating on singing, but I'm open to learn things if it is offered to me. Based on my experience, I faced so many failures and rejections, I had to many auditions that I didn't get accepted, I wanted it to be my time, this song is about that. About the right time, I had to wait for it, I am blessed. Winning the CLASH was my biggest achievement, I will forever cherish that. I am proud of myself, because of all the hardships in work and family, I thought I couldn't make it, but I did, and I have achieved my dream. It was all worth it."

Here is part of the interview we had with her this afternoon:

Ako Naman is now streaming on different digital platforms worldwide. Go check it out on Spotify or YouTube for the video as well. This is under GMA Music.

 

Congratulations!