Is OJ Mariano the next Anthony Castelo?

Anthony Castelo, Ric Segreto and OJ Mariano may live in different worlds. Anthony and Ric released sentimental songs that flourished in the late ‘70s to the ‘80s, and continue to live on today. OJ is blazing his own trail along the same genre after emerging runner-up on ABS-CBN’s search for the Star in a Million.

The differences outweigh the striking similarities. Like Anthony and Ric, OJ is dashing, smooth and suave. OJ’s tall, lean and moreno looks brings back memories of the similarly dashing Ric and Anthony. Needless the three artists are balladeers.

No wonder OJ is being built up as the next Anthony Castelo and Ric Segreto. And OJ is tickled pink.

The signs point to a similar upward career curve. Awit Awards’ 2006 Best New Male Recording Artist has just returned from a show before the Filipino community in San Diego, California, where his brother is based.

The San Diego Town and Country Club has invited OJ to perform there.

OJ’s second album, Ballads, a compilation of some romantic songs, is doing well. Its second single, Sana’y Malaman Mo, has just been released.

He will soon share equal billing with someone he front acted for years back: Rico J. Puno. The concert, called The Power of J, is set June 5 at Metro Bar with guests Nina, Rufa Mae Quinto, Le Chazz and Jeff Velasquez.

OJ also has regular gigs at the Diamond Hotel’s Sky Lounge, Metro Phi Restobar and Dusit Hotel’s Fiesta San Miguel.

The towering balladeer may have come a long way. But he admits still getting star-struck when standing face to face with singers he sees on TV like Rico J. Ironically, although OJ is the product of an ABS-CBN search and his album is under Star Records, he has yet to fulfill his dream: An album launch on ASAP. Other artists have done it before, so why can’t OJ — himself a product of the network’s top talent search?.

Oh, OJ and his handlers have tried. They sent feelers to people who matter in the show. But they either got no answer, or were told that the show’s lineup is full.

So, OJ just promotes his album in various SM malls nationwide, where response has been encouraging. He also sings tracks from his album (the George Benson original In Your Eyes, the Eagles’ Love Will Keep Us Alive, Luther Vandross’ Dance with My Father, Sukiyaki, etc.) in Pangasinan and Palawan, where he is invited to perform.

The songs — sentimental, hopelessly romantic — work best when delivered by a heartthrob of a singer. That’s why OJ is working hard — and succeeding — at maintaining his well-toned physique. He works out at the gym thrice a week, avoids rice at night and watches his diet. It’s hard work. But it’s the only way OJ can maintain his 170-lb. ideal weight.

Now, shall we close our eyes, turn on the CD player, cue in OJ’s Ballads and let him carry us away to a place where love and its promises reign supreme?

Sit back, put your feet up on your favorite chair. Suave and sophisticated OJ will take you there.