STI Singing Idol Champion Inks a Recording Contract

December 11, 2018

After mesmerizing everyone with his performance during the Grand National Championship of STI Singing Idol 2018, Grand National Champion Gerald Rojo signed a recording contract with Vehnee Saturno Music Corp. on October 10, 2018.

Gerald during his recording

 

Gerald Rojo’s Official Lyric Video of “Mapapatawad Mo Pa Ba”

 

Gerald Rojo, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) student from STI College Las Piñas, brought pride to the entire STI community when he signed a recording contract for his new single entitled “Mapapatawad Mo Pa Ba.” The said single was released on November 15, 2018 and was written by the iconic songwriter and hitmaker Vehnee Saturno. The multi-awarded songwriter is known for his original works Bakit Pa? by Jessa Zaragoza, Only Me and You by Donna Cruz, and Dahil Tanging Ikaw by Jaya.

The outstanding performance of Gerald in the Grand National Championship of STI Singing Idol 2018 served as an opportunity to be acknowledged and discovered by Vehnee who was one of the judges in the said competition.

 

Love and passion for singing

Gerald was not fond of singing when he was young. This makes him different from other singers who started singing at a very young age. During his high school years, he invested his time and effort in participating in beauty pageants in his school.

He only found his passion for singing when he was in his freshman year in college. Because of that, he enhanced his talent by joining the STI Singing Idol competition for four consecutive years.

For his three attempts in the annual singing competition, he failed to make it to the Grand Nationals. The setbacks did not stop him from showcasing his talent and achieving his dream of being the next Singing Idol. Instead of letting the difficulties conquer him, he used these to improve his singing.

His journey was indeed a rocky one. There were people who doubted his singing abilities, but he used these individuals as his motivation to succeed.

“Yung motivation ko ay yung family and friends ko pati na rin po yung mga naniniwala sa kakayahan ko. Motivation ko rin po yung mga taong nagda-down sa akin. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi ko maaabot itong mga nararanasan kong tagumpay. Dahil sa kanila, naging buo at malakas ako sa bawat kanta ko,” shares Gerald.

In this photo taken during the Grand National Championship of STI Singing Idol 2018 are (from left to right) Chin Alcantara, MYMP Guitarist; Gerald Rojo, STI Singing Idol 2018 Grand National Champion; Vehnee Saturno, multi-awarded songwriter; Jason Fernandez, former Rivermaya lead singer; Jayson Paor, music blogger; Fe Pangilinan of Voices Studios; and Leo Adaptante, STI School Operations Manager.

 

At his fourth attempt, he proved to everyone that he is truly one of the best and brightest contestants by becoming the 2018 STI Singing Idol National Champion.

“Hindi ako sumuko sa pag-abot ng pangarap ko kasi alam ko na may mga taong umaasa na kaya ko. Minsan hindi ko na alam kung paano ako babangon pero dahil sa motivation ko na iyon, lumaban ako sa bawat hamon ng buhay,” says Gerald. “Kuntento ako sa kung anong meron ako ngayon. Nagpapasalamat ako sa natanggap kong blessings kay God.”

 

Born to touch people’s hearts

At present, Gerald is continuously touching other people’s hearts through singing. He is also preparing for his guest appearances in television networks and radio stations as a recording artist.

Now that he is already part of the music industry, he always makes sure to continue taking care of his voice by refraining from eating sweets and drinking cold beverages. With this, he prefers drinking warm water and ginger tea as well as ingesting Gingerbon candy to soothe his vocal chords.

As a person who refused to give up his aspiration, he strongly encourages individuals to continue chasing their dreams. “Huwag kayong sumuko kahit may nagda-down sa inyo kasi may kapalit na blessings yung efforts. Huwag kayong matakot ipakita ang talent niyo.”

Aside from fulfilling his responsibilities as a recording artist, he is also working towards his dream of becoming a cabin crew member in an airline company. 

Without a doubt, Gerald proved that hard work, dedication, and perseverance are the keys to achieving one’s dreams. He showed that failures and rejections cannot stop a determined person from pursuing personal goals.

In line with STI’s aim to produce competent individuals, the institution greatly encourages and motivates the students to reach their full potential by providing them with relevant competitions that will challenge and hone their talents and skills.