Jovit: Anything for love

MANILA, Philippines - It took Jovit Baldivino two years to come up with a new album. But it doesn’t mean his past two releases didn’t receive positive response from the music-loving Pinoy. If you’ve been reading the music news lately, you’ll know exactly that Jovit was recently presented with a triple platinum award for his debut album Faithfully and a platinum for his sophomore record I’d Do Anything for Love.

It also has nothing to do with Marcelito Pomoy who, just like him, gained public attention through ABS-CBN’s talent search Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT). Jovit and Marcelito were grand winners of PGT Season 1 and 2, respectively. “We’re always together in shows; we’re friends,” says Jovit with an infectious giggle.

Out of the country shows, Jovit says, often take him away from the recording studio. That’s why it took him long to complete another album. But whenever he comes home, Jovit finds the time to sit with producer Jonathan Manalo in conceptualizing an album. Both carefully devoted some time in selecting songs, and eventually, they came up with 10 classic hits that are now included in his latest album titled OPM’s Greatest: Volume 1.

“Finally, we have completed this new album,” begins Jovit. “All the songs in the list are those that I really like so when they were presented to me during our meetings, I agreed right away kaya excited ako na iparinig ito,” shares Jovit. 

Released under Star Records, OPM’s Greatest: Volume 1 is a compilation of his heartwarming renditions of OPM classics that are smooth and easy on the ears. Tracks in the album are Tell Me (the carrier single), You are My Song, Say You’ll Never Go, Forever More, Make Believe, Only Me and You, Someone’s Always Saying Goodbye, Forever’s Not Enough, My Love Will See You Through and I’ll Never Go (still his favorite even if, Jovit reveals, he and girlfriend Star Power finalist Khaye Bermillo had recently called it quits).

“I did everything for the album. Just like in the past, I studied every song. Inaral ko ‘yung proper diction.”

Until this day, included in his “must to-do” list is reading books aloud so that, “I will know if I got to pronounce the words correctly.”

He, too, never stops in taking care of his family to whom he shares whatever comfort he is enjoying as one of the Kapamilya network’s singing champs.

Things were different, Jovit relates, as compared to the days before winning in PGT Season 1. He used to help his parents in making both ends meet by selling siomai in a public market.

“I’m glad that I can now save enough money to build a house for my family in Batangas. Bungalow po ito at malapit na matapos,” says Jovit.

He also sends his three siblings to schools. “Tatlo silang high school at di rin biro ang tuition nila pero masaya ako at napag-aaral ko sila.”

Jovit would also like to go back to school not to continue his interrupted college studies as a mechanical engineering student but to pursue a degree in law. “No one is indispensable in this business so we have to prepare and save for the future.”

Asked if he is willing to collaborate with Marcelito in an album, Jovit replies, “Naiisip ko din po yun na magandang gawin pero depende din po sa kanya at kung anong mga kanta.”

(Songs included in OPM’s Greatest: Volume 1 are now available for download on www.mymusicstore.com.ph)