Nonoy Zuñiga names the best young singers of this generation

MANILA, Philippines — Nonoy Zuñiga is one of Original Pilipino Music’s (OPM) all-time favorite hitmakers whose famous songs include Doon Lang, Kumusta Ka, Love Without Time, Live for Love, and Never Ever Say Goodbye. The latter even became the title of his movie with the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos. Nonoy had a wonderful experience acting alongside Ate Vi, who taught him how to execute a cinematic kiss.

“Mayroong blocking. May instructions from the director while doing it. That was my first movie, so wala akong alam and they just say, ‘Nonoy, kiss Vilma.’ Di ko alam paano i-kiss kasi nahihiya ako kay Vilma. Tapos they laughed at me. Vilma naman tinuruan ako ng cinematic kiss,” he shared.

Many people don’t know that Nonoy, whose real name is Zeno, is a doctor of medicine like his father. He finished his studies at UST. All the names in their family start with the letter Z. “We’re nine, so nine Z’s iyon,” he said. According to Nonoy, his dad wanted all their names to be unique.

There are five singers in their family but did you know that Nonoy used to be very shy about joining singing contests when he was young? He only joined one competition in Calbayog, Samar, where he finished two years of high school. “Napilitan ako. I was forced to join. Fiesta rin noon,” he explained.

Sometimes life has its unexpected twists and turns. An unforeseen incident could abruptly end one’s singing career but it turned otherwise in Nonoy’s situation. “It was a blessing in disguise,” the singer described. He was requested to perform the song, Ako ay Ikaw Rin, during the Metropop in 1981. Nonoy initially hesitated to accept the invitation. He explained, “I was still using crutches. Nakasaklay ako. Sabi ko ‘pag kumanta ako, ayaw ko. Baka maawa iyong tao. Ayaw ko iyon. But they forced me. ‘Sige na, you have nothing to lose.’”

His riveting performance in the Metropop caught the eye of Willy Cruz, who was one of the judges that night. Willy was the owner of Jem Recording, which handled the careers of Apo Hiking Society, Mike Hanopol, and Hajji Alejandro. There was a rumor at that time that Hajji was leaving the record label, so Willy was looking for a new talent. Nonoy appeared at a perfect time. He shared, “After I sang, sinundan niya ako sa backstage. ‘Tawagan mo ako. We’ll talk,’ sabi niya.” The rest, as they say, is history.

Willy composed the hit songs Never Ever Say Goodbye, Doon Lang, and Kumusta Ka. What could have happened if Nonoy did not accept the offer to sing in Metropop, where he was discovered by Willy?

Nonoy’s singing career spans more than four decades now. His songs are well-loved classics. He is part of The Hitmakers, which is composed of Rey Valera, Hajji Alejandro, Marco Sison, and the late Rico Puno. He is also regularly seen as one of the judges of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in “It’s Showtime.”

Nonoy enjoys his judging stint and wants to give good advice, so contestants would do well. He gives his take on the importance of belting out a song.

“Mahalaga iyon, pero hindi lagi. May binabagayan din saka kung bibirit ka doon sa tamang birit. Iyong kung saan dapat bumirit. Hindi laging binibirit para lang malaman na kaya niyang bumirit,” he said.

Nonoy considers Erik Santos, Jona, and KZ Tandingan to be three of the best young singers of this generation because he likes their styles and how they express the message of their songs.