Popular Filipino composer Vehnee Saturno praised upcoming Filipino artist Mia Japson for the cover rendition of his originally song released in 1992.

Vehnee was impressed with the 14-year-old singer's cover of his song "Pintig" (originally titled "Bakit Ba" by Ella Mae Saison) in bossa nova style.

During the soft launch of her new single in Quezon City, Vehnee allowed Mia to record the song in her own way and the result was good.

"I gave her the freedom to do her thing. Sabi ko gawin mo yung tingin mo that will make you happy. Consider the Gen Z market. Binigyan ko siya ng ganun klaseng freedom na alam naman natin na yung mga bagets sinusundan yung ganitong klaseng tunog. So sabi ko gawin mo yung gusto mo at iko-correct ko na lang. I am happy with the results of the recording," said Vehnee, composer of OPM classics "Be My Lady," "Sana Kahit Minsan," "Mula Sa Puso," 'Till My Heartaches End," etc.

(I gave her the freedom to do her thing. I said do what you think will make you happy. Consider the Gen Z market. I gave her that kind of freedom that we know that teenagers follow this kind of sound . So I said do what you want and I'll just correct it. I am happy with the results of the recording.)

Vehnee added: "What I see in her singing a different kind of genre (bossa-nova), kakaiba. I told her tuloy-tuloy ka lang sa pagkanta. As an artist, hindi lang one song ang gagawin natin. At kapag napansin ka naman ng market, then you have to focus on that kind of genre.

(I told her you just keep singing. As an artist, we don't just do one song. And when the market notices you , then you have to focus on that kind of genre.)

"Sa mga artists, I always tell them you have to own the song. Huwag mong kopyahin yung original. You have to come up with your own style and rendition. Dapat ang mga singers merong signature sound," he also said.

(I always tell artists to own the song. Don't copy the original. You have to come up with your own style and rendition. Singers should have a signature sound.)

Vehnee reminisced about meeting Mia for the first time and, as he often does with new talent, asked if she could really sing.

"My first question was, 'Marunong ba yan kumanta?' Then I was surprised that 'yung version niya was different from Ella Mae Saison, and she was able to create a new version of the song. 

(My first question was, 'Does she know how to sing?' Then I was surprised that her version was different from Ella Mae Saison, and she was able to create a new version of the song.)

"She owns the song. For a 14-year-old na ganun ang genre, I was surprised. Since she covered it, binago namin yun at ginawa naming 'Pintig' para sa mga bagets.

"Ayokong mag-aksaya sila ng pera. Hindi simple ang gastos ng production. Malaki yan. I have to see to it that the artist can really sing. Baka kasi yung nanay lang ang gusto. E di yung nanay na lang ang pakantahin natin. 

(I don't want them to waste money. The cost of production is not simple. It's big. I have to see to it that the artist can really sing.)

"Mahirap kasi na pinipilit yung bata tapos hindi naman pala kumakanta. Huwag naman. Pero kung nakakita talaga ako ng artist who can really sing, then let's go!" Vehnee said.

(It's hard if you force children to sing and they cannot sing. Don't do it. But if I really find an artist who can really sing, then let's go!)

Working with Vehnee

Mia, who also writes songs, said she was surprised the first time she heard the version of Ella Mae.

"Nagulat ako sa original version because I've never heard it before. But I really like it kaya nga po nakagawa ako ng sarili kong vibe," the teen beauty said.

(I was surprised by the original version because I've never heard it before. But I really like it that's why I created my own vibe.)

On working with Vehnee, Mia said: "It was nice and smooth. Ang daming renditions na binago but the ending is okay."

Mia expressed her enthusiasm for her musical journey and showcased her talent to others. "I am excited to show people I can sing. I am also excited to make connections with people and friendships."

On her dream collaborations, Mia said: "I am happy to work with any artist. Mabibigyan po ako ng magandang experience if given a chance to work with anyone."

Vehnee also challenged the Grade 9 student from Caloocan to consider her looks in joining the music industry.

"May baby fats siya ngayon. Ang pagiging artist hindi boses lang. You have to look and good and smart. Matalino naman siya at magaling sumagot. A little polishing ang kailangan niya and she loves to sing. Tulungan natin," he said.

(She has baby fats now. Being an artist is not just a voice. You have to look and be good and smart. She is smart and answers well. She needs a little polishing and she loves to sing. Let's help her.)

Responding to the challenge of the noted composer, Mia said: "I am working out these days but not regularly because of my schedule. But I'm trying. You build a community. And when you build a community that loves you and your music, it doesn't really matter how you look."

Vehnee added: "Yan naman depende rin sa kanya kasi may mga singer na the built does not comes a lot. Sa atin ganun ang impression sa local artists. But in another part of the world, walang paki alam sa looks mo. Pero since ganun sa industriya natin, once you have a song, you have to capture the market. Kapag ikaw, pleasing to the eyes, at pwede mong i-endorse ang isang product, sayang naman ang opportunity."

The song "Pintig" will be uploaded in various music streaming sites soon, he said.

"One song lang muna. One at a time. Mabigat ang production. I suggest sa lahat ng artists na gumawa muna ng isang song and then once na tinamaan mo, that's the time you work on the next song.

"Noong araw, gagawa ka ng isang album, tapos isa o dalawang kanta lang naman ang mapo-promote mo. Dapat ngayon, you have to focus on one single song na pwede mong ipo-promote online and radio," Vehnee added.