SINGER Jojo Mendrez has been slowly but surely returning to the spotlight. After facing personal and professional challenges, including the pandemic and the loss of his father, he revived the beloved song Somewhere in My Past, originally by Julie Vega. Jojo was chosen as a finalist in 2019 to remake the song but had to pause his career due to the global crisis and his personal hardships.
After a three-year hiatus, Jojo returned in 2024 to complete the track’s recording, which was officially released in 2025 and gained 50 million views. His success led to a contract with Star Music and the release of his first original song, Nandito Lang Ako. Jojo also plans to revive another classic, Tamis ng Unang Halik, handpicked by composer Doc Mon Del Rosario.
Jojo’s journey began in Lucena, where he helped his mother weave buri leaves and started his music career at age 10. He later studied at the Ryan Cayabyab School of Music, eventually releasing his remake of “Pangako” by the Apo Hiking Society. Despite a viral photo sparking rumors about his relationship with actor Mark Herras, Jojo remains focused on his music.
