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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Remember Josh Bradley? David Archuleta looks back on 'Nandito Ako,' thanks Filipino fans

Remember Josh Bradley? David Archuleta looks back on 'Nandito Ako,' thanks Filipino fans

Published Jul 16, 2026 03:59 pm

There was a time when David Archuleta was everywhere in the Philippines. His songs filled the airwaves, his concerts drew screaming crowds, and at the height of his popularity, the "American Idol" runner-up even landed his own teleserye.

Indeed, few international artists have been embraced by Filipino audiences the way Archuleta was.

In 2012, he crossed over from music to television by headlining the mini-series "Nandito Ako," where he played Josh Bradley, learned Filipino lines, and recorded his own rendition of Ogie Alcasid's classic song that inspired the show's title.

More than a decade later, the singer is revisiting that unforgettable chapter, much to the delight of Filipino fans who grew up watching the series.

Archuleta recently took a trip down memory lane after fans reminded him of Josh Bradley Day, celebrated every July 15 in honor of his character's birthday.

"Happy birthday, Josh Bradley. I was reminded recently by some fans that they'd celebrate Josh Bradley Day (July 15th, his birthday) after I played the character for the mini series in the Philippines, 'Nandito Ako.' I sang a version of the @ogiealcasid song with the same title which the series was named after. I thought it would be fun to look back on my experience where I spent over a month there filming," he wrote.

The post struck a nostalgic chord among longtime supporters, recalling a period when Archuleta's connection with the Philippines extended far beyond music. 

Archuleta admitted he is still touched that Filipino fans continue to remember Josh Bradley all these years later.

"It's hard to believe it's been so many years since 'Nandito Ako,' but the love that has continued for this character and for me beyond the show each time I meet fans from the Philippines, and each time I've gone back to do shows there where fans have brought Josh Bradley signs and memorabilia, always brings back such nostalgia of filming with the cast and crew with whom I grew so close to during filming," he shared.

He also thanked Filipino fans for supporting him through every chapter of his career.

"Thank you to the Filipino fans for supporting my music, my journey, and every chapter in between. I'm so grateful for all of you! I've got a few surprises coming for the Philippines soon."

Archuleta accompanied the post with behind-the-scenes photos from the set of "Nandito Ako," giving fans another reason to reminisce about the series that introduced Josh Bradley to Filipino television audiences.

Many took to the comments section to share their memories.

"I WAS THERE IN THE CONCERT SCENE. SUCH A SURREAL MOMENT," one fan wrote.

Another commented, "Love that show! You played Josh Bradley so well and I still sing and listen to the song from time to time. You speak our language so naturally. I'm one of your biggest Filipino fans!"

Related Tags

David Archuleta David Archuleta Philippines David Archuleta Nandito Ako Nandito Ako Josh Bradley Josh Bradley Day David Archuleta teleserye
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