Multi-awarded director Frank Lloyd Mamaril is now officially a recording artist. He co-wrote his debut single ‘Made to Believe’ with budding composers Kier and Kiko Salazar, and Alas arranged it.

A young star waiting to shine

"I used to sing sa taas ng table tapos ang ginagamit kong mic, sandok or brush. Tapos kinakamayan ko mga tao sa paligid," Frank chuckled. The memory from his childhood is still vivid even after so many years. Born in the Philippines, his early childhood was spent on the Northern Mariana Islands, where his parents used to work. "I grew up in the Northern Mariana Islands. Kahit noong elementary, inilalaban talaga ako inter-island. Singing contest boy talaga ako," he shared, painting a picture of a young boy eager to share his musical gift.

"Doon sa Northern Marianas, I had voice lessons. Actually, ang background ko talaga, church. Simbahan. Choir," Frank revealed, highlighting where his musicality was built. Though his parents weren't singers, they "carried a tune," providing an encouraging environment for their son's burgeoning talent.

Chasing dreams in Manila

Frank returned to the Philippines for high school, driven by a burning desire to pursue his passion. "I came home to the Philippines kasi sabi ko sa mom ko. I wanted to pursue a career here in the Philippines. Tumira ako here in the Philippines while my parents were abroad. So, I was independent super early," he recounted, his voice filled with a quiet determination. He enrolled at St. Louis College in Valenzuela, and his talent continued to shine through school competitions and televised singing contests. "I think 16-17 [years old]. Star na Million. Search for a Star. Star for a Night," he said, listing the shows he eagerly auditioned for. "Every Thursday, matatapos ang klase ko ng 3pm tapos ang auditions at 4pm. So I would commute from UST to [ABS-CBN] Audience Entrance para pumila."

Frank's perseverance never wavered despite facing numerous rejections and not making it to the final rounds. He remained focused on his goal, honing his skills and nurturing his love for music. His college years at the University of Santo Tomas saw him shift his focus to video production, which would inadvertently shape his future career. "Lumipat passion ko from singing to producing videos," he explains. Yet, his voice remained a constant, leading him to represent the Philippines in the Metro Toronto Pop International Music Festival in 2004.

A multi-hyphenate creative force

Frank's journey has been one of constant evolution and reinvention. Long before "multi-hyphenate" became a buzzword, he was already embodying the concept, seamlessly transitioning between roles as a writer, producer, editor, and director. His career at ABS-CBN, starting with its subsidiaries Studio 23 and Creative Programs, Inc., saw him quickly rise through the ranks, his talent for creating compelling content earning him a promotion to creative head in no time.

With a portfolio brimming with AVPs, interstitials, and groundbreaking shows, Frank took a leap of faith in 2013, founding his own multimedia company, FLM Creatives and Productions Inc. This venture allowed him to further showcase his diverse skill set, creating content for various entertainment platforms. Frank readily shares his camera director stints on social media, given his authority in his field. He also gives his audience a glimpse of off-camera moments through his behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos.

His innovative approach and dedication to his craft have garnered him numerous accolades, including Director of the Year at the 2018 Asia Leaders Awards and a PMPC Star Award for Music for Lani Misalucha's "Love Catcher" concert.

Also under Frank’s directorial helm are sold-out concerts like Darren D10 Concert (2024), Hev Abi Concert (2024), The Music of Cecile Azarcon (2024), Arthur Nery (2023), Aegis DobleDekada (2018) and  Gigi Dela Domination US-MiddleEast Tour. 

Sharing expertise and embracing new challenges

Never complacent, Frank continued to seek new challenges. He directs concerts and high-profile events, including the NCAA Opening Ceremonies, while finding time to share his expertise with aspiring creatives. He previously taught Multimedia Arts at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela.

From directing to recording

Amid his multifaceted career, Frank's passion for singing remained strong. It was during rehearsals for the concerts he directed that his vocal talent would resurface, often surprising the celebrity singers he worked with. "They would tell him that maybe he should consider singing," he recounted. A memorable backstage duet with Martin Nievera even led the Concert King to express his astonishment at Frank's vocal abilities. "Nagulat siya that I could sound like that," Frank recalls.

Made to Believe: A song of self-discovery

Frank felt a growing need to rekindle his artistic flame despite his success as a director. "I've been giving a lot of myself to other people na sometimes I forget about myself," he admits. This realization led him to collaborate with a composer named Kier, who had expressed a desire to learn production from Frank. "He co-wrote a song for me. This happened overnight," Frank revealed. The result of this collaboration is "Made to Believe," a powerful single that encourages listeners to embrace their dreams and trust in their potential. "It's just reminding people to believe in themselves so they can reach further dreams," Frank explained.

The song, arranged by trusted songwriter Kiko Salazar, is a significant milestone in Frank's journey. "It's a single. I exclusively distribute it under my company, FLM Creatives," he stated. "Made to Believe" means pursuing one's passion, regardless of age or circumstance.

Music icons react to 'Made to Believe'

Frank's foray into singing has been met with enthusiastic support from fellow artists and industry veterans. Cecile Azarcon, a prolific Filipino composer, praised Frank for "sharing [his] musical talent with us and for using it to inspire others." Legendary musical director Homer Flores expressed his admiration, exclaiming, "Hayup ka talaga. Director ka na, singer ka pa. Ikaw lang ang ganyan dito sa Pilipinas. May mga directors dito na marunong kumanta pero hindi katulad mo. Ikaw lang ang director na may released na song."

Perhaps the most touching feedback came from the Concert King Martin Nievera, who shared, "Frank, what a beautiful and revealing song. Now we know the secret to the magic that is Frank Mamaril. You are such a gifted director that you even directed yourself into a recording studio and convinced me you have what it takes to make a song a hit. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself. I believe in you, Frank!"

Frank’s story is a heartwarming reminder that chasing your dreams is never too late. From singing on top of a table with a ladle to directing concerts for renowned artists and finally releasing his own single, his journey is an inspiration. "I wanna experience things now rather than delay it," he declares, embodying the spirit of seizing the moment and living life to the fullest.

‘Made to Believe’ is now available on streaming platforms.