Raymond Gorospe carries on ballad singing tradition

MANILA, Philippines — Raymond Gorospe likens his journey as an independent singer to dragon boat, the watercraft, and dragon boat racing, the sport.

“Sometimes, there are many waves and bumps (you encounter). But I turn those challenges into something positive,” said he in a brief interview with this paper, “na kung hindi ngayon, siguro hindi siya talaga umukol (if it’s not meant to happen now), so, you have to really wait.”

“God is preparing you for something better. So, baka mas maganda pa yung ibibigay Niya sa iyo (He might give you something better in the future),” added he.

Pursuing a music career is also a test of patience and perseverance, as one may put it.

After headlining corporate shows and providing entertainment to private events, Raymond will have his first major concert titled “Raymond Gorospe: My Story. My Music.” It is presented by Ponti Entertainment Production and will take place on Oct. 2 at the Celebrity Club, Quezon City.

By the way, he has also acted on TV and in films, such as “The Secrets of Hotel 88” and “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” according to available online information, and appeared in commercials.

“So, that’s why we thought of having a concert because people are asking — you know, they’ve been seeing me in a lot of corporate shows — ‘So, when will be your concert?’” said he, who has the entire show to sing a collection of tunes that have inspired him to chase his dream and keep on singing.

“(I’m) more on (and focusing on) ballad, really,” said Raymond of his genre. “I started listening to Nonoy Zuñiga and then to Martin Nievera. So, when I got included as one of the front acts of Nonoy, sobrang saya (I’m very delighted).” “The music is different during the golden era, (encompassing) the ‘70s, ‘80s and late ‘80s. Sobrang gaganda ng songs (The tunes are very nice and beautiful). And I think my voice was built for that kind of music,” shared he, recalling one event that also featured singer-actress and “Miss Saigon” alumna Ima Castro. After hearing his performance, the latter described Raymond’s singing as “very emotional. So, I feel like, dun ako pupunta sa (I’m going for and doing) emotional songs.”

He intends to sing more ballad songs as his way of honoring the artists who have popularized such a genre and paved the way for the emerging singers.

Raymond wishes, if possible, to share the stage and collaborate with Original Pilipino Music (OPM) hitmakers.

“Sobrang gusto ko talagang makasama sa concert si Martin Nievera (I’m really looking forward to singing with him in a show),” said he. “Sobrang idol ko talaga siya (I idolize him).”

Asked about his favorite songs from the Concert King, Raymond shared, “I’ve seen a medley of songs of Martin Nievera. That includes Say That You Love Me, Be My Lady, The Promise and Kahit Isang Saglit. So, sobrang ganda kasi nung areglo na yun (the arrangement was amazing and top-tier).”

He might include it in “My Story. My Music” repertoire. Concert director is Calvin Neria, while music director is Adonis Tabanda.

“When direk Calvin asked me to send the photos, videos (and related materials), and I started scrolling (and browsing) the pictures, I told myself that I’ve also done a lot,” said he. “Parang yung dati, i-ni-aim mo lang magka-commercial lang ako ng isa, masaya na ako (Just like before I was just dreaming of my first commercial, and I was happy to have one). I was also glad to (land) my first billboard (ad).”

These mementos have documented the path Raymond has treaded in the entertainment industry as a commercial model, actor, singer and host. Perhaps they will be part of the visuals of “Raymond Gorospe: My Story. My Music.”

Come showtime, Raymond will showcase his passion for singing and reveal the balladeer in him.

(For details, call 0999-8816848 and 0918-9853984 or visit Ponti Entertainment Production’s Facebook page.)