Jonathan Manalo a.k.a. “Mr. Music of the Philippines” did not set out to win recognitions or to garner hits — although he has plenty of both. In a recent online presser, the prolific songwriter sprouted serious statements that anyone — songwriter or not — can learn from.
“You don’t work for the recognition and accolades. In the last twenty years, binigay ko lang ang best ko every time. And looking back – tiningnan ko yung body of work ko – and I can say I can be truly proud na binigay ko ‘yung best ko every time. And babalikan siya na walang regrets kasi nakikita ko na na ‘yung mga songs, sobra akong nagiging proud kung paano nabuo,” he said.
And now, on his 20th year, the hitmaker is gearing up to achieve one of his dreams — to incorporate all of his hit songs in a musical, titled “Lyric and Beat,” that is set to air on iWantTFC this year.
Jonathan is upbeat about “Lyric and Beat.” Set to star exciting names such as Andrea Brillantes, Seth Fedelin and Darren Espanto, it will be a story of young people set to make their dream of representing the country in a music competition come true.
Jonathan said an anniversary album is also in the works, set to include Ben & Ben’s version of “Nais,” a song he feels deserves another listen. “Nais” was first recorded by Erik Santos.
When asked how he is able to continue churning hits, the composer of “Pinoy Ako” and “Tara Tena” revealed it is tenacity. He revealed that he practices his craft every day — writing consistently from the heart.
“Don’t lose the fire. It’s your passion that’s going to keep you consistently fired up to become the best that you can be. Equip yourself, learn everything that you can to hone your craft,” he said.
As to the secret of his staying power, there is only one — the Lord.
“I just give my all and always exert my best effort in everything that I do, and then God takes care of the rest.”
Apart from his professional role in the Kapamilya network as creative director, Jonathan is fittingly called “Mr. Music” for being a multi-awarded songwriter, composer, arranger, and record producer. He was the grand prize winner of the 2001 Himig Handog Song Fest for the song “Tara Tena” and also a winner of the 2003 Metropop Song Festival by GMA 7.
He has produced & released more than 200 albums for various artists with 75 Multi-platinum and 100 Gold PARI Certifications. He is the creative mind behind key albums and full discographies of artists like Erik Santos, Kyla, Charice, Piolo Pascual, Juris, Toni Gonzaga, Jed Madela, KZ Tandingan, Inigo Pascual, Yeng Constantino, and Moira De La Torre.
He has released more than 300 recordings of his compositions, some of his notable Pop hits are, Pinoy Big Brother’s theme “Pinoy Ako,” Gary Valenciano’s “Ililigtas Ka Niya,” Aiza Seguerra’s “Para Lang Sa’ Yo,” Itchyworms’ “Kabataang Pinoy,” Piolo Pascual and Sarah Geronimo’s “Paano Ba ang Magmahal” & Angeline Quinto’s “Patuloy ang Pangarap.”
He has also produced more than 100 soundtracks and theme songs, most recently the theme song of the breakout series “He’s Into Her” interpreted by BGYO that was awarded the Best National Song by Asian Academy Creative Awards. He is also recipient of more than 200 awards and nominations from Awit Awards, Katha Music Awards, Star Awards For Music, Metro Manila Film Festival, Catholic Mass Media Awards, New York Festivals, Walk On Water Awards, among others.
