Singer-composer-recording artist-businessman Gari Escobar has every reason to be elated and super excited these days. It's because he has received a nomination as Best Pop Artist of the Year from Aliw Awards 2020.

"This is really an exciting thing to happen to me at this time when the whole world is suffering from COVID-19," he said. Doubling Gari's excitement is a movie offer which he said he's still considering. "I'd like to read the script first," he said.

Last year, Escobar received the Best Best New Male Recording Artist of the Year Award from the 11th PMPC Star Awards for Music for his composition “Baguio.” The song was the carrier single of his debut album released by Ivory Music & Video, which he co-produced with Vehnee Saturno.

Just recently, Escobar also was featured in his very first digital/online concert held at the Vehnee Saturno Music Training Center (VSMTC) and aired in his FB Live artist page. It was a successful presentation where Escobar performed 10 songs, seven of which were his own compositions.

The songs he rendered were: “Sayaw sa Ulan,” “Baguio,” “Habang Nandito Pa,” “Mahal,” “Dito sa Piling Ko,” “Chinita Girl,” “Ayoko Na Sa’Yo,” “ Masisisi Mo Ba,” “Tama Na” and “Lumaban Ka.”

According to Escobar, who started out as a mere fan of superstar Nora Aunor, he did not let the pandemic affect him. Instead, he used his time at home to indulge in his passion for music. “I sing and strum my guitar everyday.” He also presented online video shows to inspire fans, supporters and viewers to make productive endeavors in the comfort of their homes during quarantine.