MANILA, Philippines - “I always say it as my day job,” says Bamboo Mañalac of his knack for weaving good music and performing it with much gusto. The music man has ventured into mentoring up and coming singers in The Voice Philippines and endorsing brands like Jag. “I’ve been away for making an album too long. For music, (I’ve) been doing that for the past years. This year, it’s pegged in. It is written in that I’m set that I’m doing an album. I found time. I did not expect to take this long to release a new album.”
As everybody knows, good things have happened in Bamboo’s career and recording had to take the backseat at some point.
“Finally, I was able to collect materials through the months,” he shares. “(The album) is not finished yet but I’ve given myself a deadline. It is a matter of adding more (songs) to it, collecting (some) and saying this (song) goes and this stays. But I’m recording definitely this year. It will be released this year.”
As an artist, Bamboo has his own pace and style in composing new sounds and songs that will add a new dimension to his body of work.
“An album is such a joy to do,” he says. “Ayokong madaliin (I don’t want to rush things). I love the process of recording. I don’t like doing one song at a time. That’s how things are being done now. Then, they (the producers) compile them in one album. I like holding up in a studio. That’s what I enjoy.” The much-anticipated album will be released under his own label and is a follow-up to No Water, No Moon. Bamboo’s fans will enjoy its touches of gospel, R&B, soul and rock.
Aside from mentoring and touring, Bamboo busies himself as the latest endorser of Jollibee, specifically for the fast-food chain’s Garlic Pepper Beef Meal.
“It is (my) first (fast-food endorsement) and what a way to do a first,” answers Bamboo when asked about snagging the deal. “It is such an iconic brand. It’s great and really cool, especially for a kid who grew up in the Bay Area. I remember those times when there was such an excitement in south San Francisco or in Union City, when people would talk about ‘May Jollibee na.’ It’s cool to be part of that (experience)... It’s a great connect.” A Jollibee store located anywhere in the world is definitely home to Filipinos and “where we commune,” adds Bamboo.
Away from the klieg lights, Bamboo is a self-confessed foodie. “I eat everything and anything. I go by the climate,” he says of his gastronomic preferences. “I do love to eat.” The frontman-turned-soloist also describes himself as homebody, who enjoys reading.
“Nagbakasyon ako for a few weeks after December,” he recalls. “Nagbasa lang ako. I just stayed home. I enjoyed the silence… just being home, just being with family and picking up a book and finishing a book. That’s me aside from the music and picking up the guitar. I do cook and bake. It’s seasonal (though). I cook and bake during the holidays. I bake sweets and I cook throughout the year when I have time. I have an eye for detail. Nakatutok talaga ako. Hopefully, one day, I can cook a meal for everyone.”
This is the other side of Bamboo, which is far from his passionate and nurturing coach image on TV.
“I still have pretty much the same,” he says of his yardsticks in choosing artists that will represent the Camp Kawayan. “Nothing has changed. Experience and how I think things out now are different. I’m more relaxed there. But nothing has changed. I’m still looking for artists and musicians. It’s about giving everyone a chance. That’s all about it.”
What’s his take on his artist Joniver Robles leaving the competition before the Live Shows round?
“What can I say? I was sad to see him go. He is something else,” replies Bamboo. “The thing is, it’s for personal reasons that’s why he had to go.” Moving forward is Bamboo’s advice to Joniver and this also goes to the other talent show contestants.