Khimo Gumatay, who clinched the grand prize in Season 2 of Idol Philippines and is widely recognized as Khimo, has imparted valuable guidance to young individuals aspiring to participate in the singing reality competition. 

His advice is to uphold unwavering faith in oneself, dedicate ample time to practice, and always remain authentic in one's performance.

"Para sa mga may balak sumali sa singing contest, be yourself. Walang bayad yung pagiging authentic or real sa sarili mo. Practice talaga. Yung mga experience na nakuha ko, siguro, yun ang pinaka dala ko. You have to practice everyday. You have to practice your lines, your songs. Kahit hindi mo na gusto," said Khimo during a media conference to announce his first major concert at Ten Years After in Quezon City on Oct. 4.

Khimo added: "Kapag kalaban mo na ang mundo, wala ka ng ibang kakampi kundi ang sarili mo. Have faith in God. Sa paningin ninyo hindi ako madasaling tao pero kapag natatakot na ako, si Lord na talaga yung tinatawag ko. Noong Idol Philippines parang doon ko narealize na kailangan ko talaga si Lord. 

"Ako na ang magte-testify na totoo siya. Kapag mga oras ganun, wala ka ng ibang mahihingan ng tulog kundi siya lang. So have faith, practice and be yourself," he said.

Khimo will stage his first major concert dubbed "KH1MO Emerge. Energize. Elevate" at the Music Museum in Greenhills on Oct. 25 at 8:30 p.m.

At the press conference, Khimo said he dedicated his first major concert to his family, friends, supporters, and ASAP family.

"I dedicate my first major concert to my family na laging andyan sa akin 24/7. Walang humpay silang sumusuporta sa akin. Andyan din yung mga kaibigan ko and my ASAP family na naniniwala pa rin sa akin. Gusto ko rin magpasalamat sa mga supporter ko dahil kung wala sila, we're just an ordinary human being na kumakanta lang," he said.

After securing victory on Idol Philippines Season 2 in 2022, the 25-year-old singer openly acknowledged the pressure he experienced in upholding his musical career.

"After Idol Philippines, I'm grateful na nangyari yun. But I have to do something after nun. Dumaan na yung phase na yun that I have to do something. Sooner or later mawawala na ang title mo at matitira na lang ang pangalan mo and achievements mo. 

"Na experience ko siya (na I have to do something). Nag serve siya bilang fuel ko na I have to do something better everyday. Yun naman talaga ang pagiging essence natin as a performer that you have to do something better every day, be relevant, and make people happy," the singer said.

Asked how he was preparing for his concert, Khimo said: "Para akong sundalo ngayon na gumigising ng maaga at nag-aaral ng mga kanta. I'm still the same Khimo pero times two."

Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez, who has been a mentor and supporter of Khimo, described him as a singer "who knows how to play his cards well, how to hit the high notes, and charm his audience."

Joining Khimo on stage are special guests Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets Grand Champions JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano (collectively known as JMielle), The Elvis Presley of Japan Douglas Masuda, and singing executive Joey San Andres.

In an Instagram post, Khimo said: "It's been two years since 'Idol Philippines.' I am still beyond grateful kasi kasama  ko pa rin kayo."

Together with his guests, concert director Carlo Jan Landrito and musical director Elmer Blancaflor, Khimo assures an exhilarating experience full of singing, dancing, and a celebration of life and music.

Tickets are now available at the Music Museum box office. For inquiries and reservations, contact 0915-7584045 or 0905-5961978.