A TV stint and a singing contest on a national scale meant the world to a young Christian Bautista. And what followed had him leading a fruitful and triumphant 20 years of career in the music scene.
After going home as a grand finalist in the first season of "A Star in a Million" in 2004, Christian Bautista got his hands on a singing gig that he thought would go well, only to be welcomed by vacant seats and empty tables. Right there and then, he realized that it takes a lot more than ballads, sweat, and tears to tug and win over the heartstrings of many.
"It made me realize that this is also hard to work, that I really have to work really hard if I really want to pursue this career," Bautista said.
Burning the candle at both ends for two decades had proved worthwhile as Asia's Romantic Balladeer welcomed 2023 honoring his 20th year in show business. And as part of his celebration, he plays back some memories that defined his enduring career as a singer and an actor.
Love for Music
Before we fell in love with his music, he first fell in love with it. By the time he laid eyes on the Trumpets' musical production of C. S. Lewis's classic children's novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, during his childhood years, he knew that there was another world out there waiting for him.
"It really changed my perspective, and I wanted to perform professionally after that," Bautista said.
He had poured his heart out in his children's choir in their church, playing and performing with his friends, letting his singing potential grow over time. And when opportunity waved at the horizon in the form of a reality show, he made the most of it.
"It really changed my life because I saw how happy my family was here and abroad when they saw me perform on TV, and I will never forget the happiness that they felt and how I felt as well," Bautista said when asked how monumental joining Star in a Million was for him.
Even though he didn't snatch the coveted crown, he became one of the most celebrated contestants on the TV show. He was given a recording contract, a song, and a self-titled album a year after placing 4th in the singing contest. "The Way You Look at Me," his first hit single that serenaded the Philippines and overseas, made him believe he would go places.
"The album, when they released the other songs and music videos, did well as well. And it solidified my thinking that I had finally found my purpose."
The 41-year-old singer and songwriter had released more than ten albums, in which he strived to spare no effort to develop his craft. He collaborated with big stars such as Martin Nievera and Ogie Alcasid in his third studio album Captured and worked with Jim Brickman, Singaporean producer-arranger Tat Tong, K-Pop R&B trio One Way for Wrong Number, and Japanese singer Baby M for his first international album, Outbound.
Exploring the industry
Seeing the vaster horizon waiting for him, he started exploring different ventures that would allow him to grow as an up-and-coming media personality.
He had endorsed brands such as the San Miguel Corporation Asia, Bench, Blackwater, Skechers, Swatch, and Smart Communications.
He also starred in movies and TV, including Mano Po: 5, his film debut, and The Kitchen: Musical, where he played the lead role alongside fellow musician Karylle.
He had transcended in musicals like the Ghost: The Musical, where he played the protagonist Sam Wheat, and the first Asian adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys, where the singer took the role of American singer Bob Gaudio.
"I love doing musical theater. I also enjoyed my time acting on TV or in film," the singer said. "But right now, I would like to really focus on other business ventures as well, aside from still doing my best in showbiz."
Maintaining a long-lasting career in the industry is a remarkable feat for The Clash judge.
"It was a wonderful roller coaster ride. I say that all the time because there are highs and there are lows, but the challenge is always exhilarating, and the climb and the process is always exhilarating, especially when you are rewarded."
There is no better way to celebrate a special milestone than to commemorate it with the people who followed you through your journey. A love letter to his fans, catch his upcoming concert "The Way You Look At Me: The Concert," on Jan. 28 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati.
"I love singing to people, making them feel good, feel loved, and happy. I really love singing to an audience, so it was really tough during a pandemic when I didn't have a live audience, but when the live audiences were back, it felt really good again."