SINGER Jojo Mendrez has always kept it real. He takes pride in his roots, never forgetting the hardships he endured growing up in Quezon Province helping his mom weave buri leaves. “Ako po buhay na saksi, sobrang hirap ng buhay ko nuon,” he shared. To escape poverty, Jojo worked tirelessly as a real estate broker, learning the trade through sheer determination and experience. “Nagsikap ako sa sarili ko. Kahit hindi ako kumuha ng course on becoming a real estate broker, I learned through experience,” he said.
His hard work paid off when he successfully closed deals. “Kapag nakita ng Panginoon ang dami mong pinaghirapan, talagang bibigyan ka Nya,” he added, crediting his success to God.
But Jojo’s true passion lay in music. His journey to becoming a singer was not without challenges. When he decided to record the late Julie Vega’s hit “Somewhere in My Past,” he had to prove himself. He underwent a rigorous audition process with composer Mon del Rosario, emerging as one of the top three voices. His rendition of the song won over del Rosario, marking a turning point in his career. Jojo’s ability to connect with the emotions of a song became his trademark, earning him the title “The King of Revivals.”
Today, Jojo is promoting his latest single, “Nandito Lang Ako,” penned by award-winning songwriter Jonathan Manalo.
“The first time na narinig ko ‘yung demo, nasabi ko, eto ‘yung song ko,” he recalled. “Wala pa yung total na arrangement, first time na narinig ko, sabi ko sobrang ganda.”
The song, much like Jojo himself, is down-to-earth and melodious. “Yes, it’s my personal anthem,” he revealed during a recent press conference at 9501 in Quezon City. “Kasi ‘yun naman talaga ang kailangan – ‘yung presence mo.”
As with his gut instinct in real estate, he uses the same in his music. “Pag naramdaman ko na gusto ko ‘yung songs,” he said, explaining how he chooses songs that resonate deeply with him.
Jojo’s generosity and kindness is as well-known as his music. When asked if he would ever enter politics, he was quick to dismiss the idea. “No plan of entering politics dahil nakita ko buhay sa pulitika… Ako naman po, tutulong ako na hindi humihingi kapalit,” he said.
“Kasi nung walang wala kami, nangungutang ka hindi ka makautang. Kailangan mo magbenta ng gamit ng bahay. Naramdaman ko ‘yung ganung buhay. Kahit hindi ko kaibigan at nakita kong walang wala, mag-aabot ako kahit walang camera.”
Jojo’s friendships, particularly with “Starstruck” alumni Mark Herras and Rainier Castillo, have also been a topic of public interest. “Those [romantic rumors] are not true. Sinabi ko na nga sa management ko na wag na patulan,” he stated. He expressed frustration over being misunderstood but emphasized the trust he shares with Mark and Rainier. “Kaya lang siguro sinasabi sa inyo because there are press people na close sa akin na parang idepensa ako, hindi ako makjasalita. Hindi ko ma explain sa mga tao anong nararamdaman ko.”
When it comes to matters of the heart, Jojo often finds himself misinterpreted. However, he appreciates the perspective of his friend Mark, who was raised by two loving men. “Si Mark naniniwala ‘yung love mag blo-bloom whether 2 kayong babae or lalake. Siguro nakita basehan pagpapalaki ng magulang nya… Kaya yung mga may controversy lumalabas, ok lang sa kanya,” Jojo shared.
After his original “Nandito Lang Ako,” listeners should look forward to Jojo’s versions of “Tamis ng Unang Halik,” “I Love You Boy (Babe),” and “Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako”.
