There is no Filipino here and abroad who doesn’t know the theme song of the popular viral hit song “Pinoy Ako” of the Pinoy Big Brother show that is now on its 10th season. It’s a feel good song with a dance step that is now a part of all Filipino celebrations.
It was hitmaker “Mr. Music” Jonathan Manalo who wrote and produced this song, done in his capacity as Creative Director of ABS-CBN Music.
“I love being able to write the songs that make a lot of people sing along to,” Manalo said when asked about what he considers as one of his major achievements in his two decades in the industry. Last year, he was awarded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as one of the Ten Outstanding Music Artists in the last decade.
“Mr. Music” also feels privileged that in his place in the music industry, he is able to work with everyone from the iconic legends, to the most promising new and up-and-coming artists.
Jonathan is certainly at the top of his game, being the most streamed Filipino songwriter and record producer and has the most number of multi-platinum album certifications of all time in the Philippine music industry. He is also the most awarded Filipino songwriter & record producer.
He attributes his longevity in the music scene to his strong faith in the Lord who guides him. “I just give my all and always exert my best effort in everything that I do, and then God takes care of the rest."
Jonathan’s message to those who aspire to be like him - “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 also said that success is attributed to this equation - 50 percent talent and 50 percent character. Jonathan rose from the ranks and started from the bottom like everyone else. He remained consistent and his staying power can be attributed he said to one’s strength of character.
Apart from his professional role in the Kapamilya network, independently he is 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 and 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 more.
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/Sarah Geronimo’s “Paano Ba Ang Magmahal” & Angeline Quinto's "Patuloy Ang Pangarap".
He has also produced more than 100 TV and movie 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 the Asian Academy Creative Awards.
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, and many more.
When asked what is up next for him, Jonathan was so excited to announce about his co-ownership of the Academy Of Rock Philippines franchise in the country together with its founder, Singaporean businesswoman Priscila Teo-Lim, Artist On A Mission Kristine Lim, Record Producer Rox Santos, businessman Junior Gan and actors Enchong Dee and Joshua Garcia, located at #19 Scout Borromeo St., South Triangle, Quezon City.
Secondly, in the pandemic, he remained actively working on various passion projects including a special all-star 20th anniversary double-album, a musical series entitled “Lyric & Beat” that’s going to feature all of his compositions. Lastly, he is currently planning for his anniversary concert this October and a special collaboration project with missionary visual artist Kristine Lim, a first-of-its-kind music and arts fusion project.
When asked about the things he is most grateful for in his life – he said that these are God’s never-ending provisions, the talent God gave to him, his loving family.
For more updates on “Mr. Music” Jonathan Manalo’s projects, visit his official Facebook, Twitter and IG pages @JonathanManalo.