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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Louie Roa on struggles, musical career, and missing his kids

Louie Roa on struggles, musical career, and missing his kids

Published May 29, 2022 09:52 pm

Louie Roa, singer performer, songwriter, and producer based in Portland, Oregon, is on the verge of making it.

Dubbed the “Fil-Am Concert King of Oregon, Louie has seven successful solo concerts in Oregon and two in the Philippines to his credit. Last March 5, he just wrapped up a sold-out show with the Philippines Queen of Soul Jaya. Louie, son of Vicente Royo Roa and Mena Rio Hechanova, is the pride of Cambalo, Cajidiocan, Romblon.

“I have 11 siblings. I witnessed the struggles of my parents to put food on our table. They need to work twice as hard to feed us since we are a big family," Louie said.

His first album is still in the works. He did his original compositions “Ikaw Na Talaga” and “Sabi Nila” with the former “ProvinXiano Band,” “Pain”, “Aasa Ka Pa Ba”, Gusto Lang Naman Kita” and “Simple Lang” with “Keys Band”. He recorded his first single “Aasa Ka Pa Ba” arranged by Lorrie Lustre and “Pain” as a solo artist and is now in Spotify, ITunes and Apple Music!

Furthermore, he has also received awards such as Outstanding Performer of the Year 2021 – AmerAsia Awards, Outstanding Performer of the Year 2022 – Gawad Amerika Awards and Most Outstanding Podcast Host of the Year 2022 – AmerAsia Awards.

At present, Louie hosts his own online radio show “Friday Nights With Kuya Louie” and “Kumusta Kabayan” with Sarah Balabagan through PHLV Radio. More about this upcoming singer:

What made you realize that music was your path?

"Until now, I still don’t think that music is my path. Yeah, I was given a chance to sing and perform, but at the end of the day, I still have a regular job to go back to. A job that pays 90 percent of my bills. I would probably consider music as my path if I can pay all my bills with it. Haha."

Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

"My concert with Jaya. Definitely the most amazing feeling in the whole world. One thing that I will always cherish. I am forever grateful to Him above, to Miss Jaya, Angela Arevalo, Lorelei Hosmillo, Kuya Joven Susi and my family".

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

"Just keep singing and keep loving and improving my craft. If you love the things you do, everything becomes simple and most of all, you’re happy".

Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance?

"Not really, but, someone told me to put a coin inside my shoes before the show, especially when I’m feeling nervous. I normally just pray, focus and just enjoy the ride".

Tell us about your latest single?
"I have two original songs, 'Aasa Ka Pa Ba' and 'Pain,' that are now on Spotify, Apple Music, Itunes and other digital music platforms. I’ll be releasing my third single soon".

Who are your musical influences?

"The Concert King Martin Nievera and of course Mr. Pure Energy, Gary V. I also love Bruno Mars, Calum Scott, Ed Sheeran and more. Of course my Pareng Rudy Caraos, who always believed in me".

How do you balance your time in work, family and singing career?

"It’s so difficult, but if you love what you do, you’ll find time to do it. Sometimes, I felt guilty of not being able to be with my kids on the weekends or when I’m out of town, but I always make it a point to do something with them when I’m home. Time management".

How do you energize the audience if they looked bored?

"I think it’s one thing that is very difficult to do especially with the Pinoy audience, but I learned through my experiences that singing a song that they’re familiar with, talking to them, throw some jokes that will make them laugh or inviting them to sing with me, works".

If it wasn't a music career, what would you be doing?

"I’ll be managing a restaurant, a bar or a hotel. I always love the hospitality industry, so yeah, I will be in that industry".

Plans for 2022?

"Release my CD and share my music to our kababayans".

Given these unusual Covid-19 times, how have you adjusted to these times?

"I just try to live day by day. Appreciate all the things that are happening to me and my career, and show love to my family and friends and all the people that I encounter".

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