Star-search graduates face the real world again

MANILA, Philippines - A couple of singing talents, almost forgotten after memorable stints in star-search TV contests, sees a new ray of light with fresh career developments. Jude Matthew, once Eat, Bulaga!’s Birit Baby champ, and Warren Antig, a finalist of the GMA 7-backed Pinoy Idol, are raring to go back into the limelight, the former with a concert tour to reintroduce his voice, the latter with a band that got him in as its new vocalist.

Both singers have gotten past the struggle usually bugging talents suddenly exposed by way of overnight fame. Jude, for one, admitted he succumbed to puberty depression caused by the significant change in his voice brought about by adolescence. Warren, on the other hand, had to carefully find his way where he could really showcase his artistic inclinations.

“Nung nagbibinata po ako dumating ako sa point na sinisisi ko na si Lord dahil parati akong napapahiya at pumipiyok,” lamented Jude prior to singing one of his favorite songs, Warrior Is A Child, in his special gig at Metrobar, Q.C. last Feb. 3.

The first of his mini-concert tour called Songs From The Heart also featured belter Rhap Salazar, young comedienne Kiray and one-time Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez. Other show dates will be posted on his social media page.

The 16-year-old act who has a program on free channel UNTV hinted at going deeply inspirational from here on, having promised, “I want to dedicate my life to the Lord.” He expressed feeling sad about the proliferation of songs he simply describes as “bastos.”

Back in 2009, he bagged four first place awards in big-time singing competitions, with his victory in Eat, Bulaga!’s Birit Baby providing the greatest impact. Prior to this, he also topped the videoke challenge of GMA 7’s then Campus Radio, won the Musiklaban Contest staged at the Music Museum,and triumphed at the World Of Fun National Category held at SM North Edsa.

Warren, in his separate journey of finding a niche for himself, tagged along as fan of rising band Roots Of Nature which released its debut album in 2008 under then Sony Music Philippines. His talent was easily noticed by the band members and their manager James Vitug, who by twist of fate, decided to get the services of a new lead singer after original main vocalist Ferry Baltazar gave up the post to concentrate more on his guitar duties.

“Mas lumakas ang loob ko as performer nung sumali ako sa Pinoy Idol kasi na-involve ako sa showbiz. My objective talaga in joining was to show my artistic side,” revealed Warren, who is also a tattoo artist.

Now supervised by indie label Veetugee Music Entertainment, Roots of Nature recently released its 11-track, all-original sophomore album This Time, with Warren as frontman and most of the songs written by the band. The video for the carrier single Don’t Let Go has already reached the MYX Top 20 Pinoy Countdown.

Other notable numbers are Stop Killin’ Me, Abyss, Naririnig Mo Ba and Closer, with its commercial appeal prompting fans to wonder if it was written as jingle for a popular toothpaste brand.

In 2011, the group lorded the 2011 Global Battle of the Bands, which was the first time it joined a band competition. Bassist Jeff Bauin and percussionist Maki Estrella chorused, “With Warren on board, mas na-open kami to come out of the box.”