Michael Pangilinan keeps on dreaming

MANILA, Philippines - All is well with the singing career of 18-year-old Michael Pangilinan since the launch of his self-titled CD lite under Star Records in October of last year.

He is happy over the progress of the sales of the album which is now nearing platinum status. It’s a fulfillment of a dream.

And Michael keeps on dreaming.

Sipping a glass of softdrink, the prized talent of Jobert Sucaldito says in an interview, “Whenever I would see artists doing a show at the Araneta Coliseum, I would tell myself that one day it would also be my turn to perform at the Big Dome.”

“I probably would start at the Music Museum where there is an atmosphere of intimacy. I also want to become a total entertainer,” he says further about his dreams. “I want to earn more money para makabili ng bagong sportscar.”

His manager of two years, meanwhile, shares his plans for Michael.

“You know how it is with young people. Marami silang pangarap at maraming gustong mangyari. My strategy is to make him very visible via the corporate shows he does all over the country. Kuya Germs (Moreno) made him a regular host in Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman because he has faith in the potential of the kid (Michael).

“(Then) when the Gabay Guro project was launched in Tacloban City, he was requested to open the show. I was told that TV5 big boss Manny Pangilinan believes in his talent, too.

“It is important for a singer to have a signature song. In Michael’s case, it is Dance With My Father (a cover of the Luther Vandross hit classic). On the OPM side, it is his version of Kung Sakali,” adds Sucaldito.

Michael is a native of Pulilan, Bulacan and the second child in a brood of three to parents who are car dealers. His parents also love to sing but not professionally.

Michael’s voice and youthful charm first got showbiz attention when he joined the reality show X-Factor Philippines in 2011.

For the second quarter of this year, Michael is set to conquer the hearts of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It will be his first international tour which will bring him to Italy, Vienna, Austria and London, UK. That should multiply his fan base, Sucaldito adds.

Michael also aspires to act someday and openly admits having a crush on Julia Barretto.

Sucaldito adds, “May congratulatory message ang international music site ReverbNation for Michael dahil sa pag-trending ng Kung Sakali all over the world. It is where songs of Stevie Wonder, Justin Bieber, Madonna and even local artists are downloaded. The independent body will soon award Michael.” (According to its company profile, the US-based ReverbNation is a digital distribution/marketing platform used by more than 2.7 million musicians.)

It’s another big leap for the kid who also loves to play basketball at the Ateneo court during his free time.