‘Idol Philippines’ champ Khimo scores another career milestone

MANILA, Philippines — Two years have passed since Khimo Gumatay emerged as the winner of “Idol Philippines” Season 2. It was a personal and professional feat for the aspiring artist back then.

Another career milestone for Khimo is about to happen this month at the Music Museum. He is mounting his first major concert, titled “KH1MO: Emerge. Energize. Elevate.” It’s a welcome addition to the singer-songwriter’s collection of core memories.

“With the help of some people, they concluded (and decided) to come up with my first major concert,” said he in a brief chat with The STAR, “With the Grace of God, it will happen on Oct. 25.” By the way, showtime is at 8:30 p.m.

After his “Idol Phl” stint, Khimo has been part of “ASAP Natin ‘To,” in which in a way has prepared him for the concert.

“‘ASAP’ has been there for me and seems to have become my home,” he added.

The Sunday variety program serves as Khimo’s playground to further explore and showcase his talent for singing and performing. It is also a learning place for him where emerging and veteran talents converge.

He has mustered up the necessary courage and mastered the craft of performing needed for a solo show.

“Kasama po ako sa process ng pag-conceptualize (I was part of the conceptualization process). We concluded to cater to all age brackets of the audience,” shared he. “(The entire show) seems like a time machine (that will treat concertgoers to the songs) from the late ‘70s to the present. There, they will see the other sides of me (and facets of) Khimo, who sings, dances, inspires and performs.”

For the past years, Khimo has also released tunes such as Sino Ka Ba?, the theme of “The Iron Heart,” Happy Ending, Nasunog and My Time.

“Nagsusulat din po ako ng kanta (I’m also into writing songs). Ayun po nag-drop na ako ng mga singles under Star Music (I’ve already dropped singles with Star Music),” said he, who has collaborated with music people like Jonathan Manalo, Rox Santos and Roxy Liquigan. “I’m very thankful for what’s happening (in my career). I’m still here performing and making people happy.”

Khimo acknowledges the fact that there are still people who believe in him. He is very thankful for the wonders they do for his career.

As for the song narratives and genres he embarks on, Khimo had this to say: “When it comes to composition, hindi ko po talaga kinakahon yung sarili ko sa i-isang genre po (I don’t box or limit myself to just one genre). Ang proseso ko sa pag-gawa ng kanta kung ano yung na-isip ko at na-feel ko at that time, yun na po yun. For example, if I come up with an R&B tune now, (it does) not necessarily mean I’m R&B all the way. (The genre) may change. I could do pop, ballad or hip-hop. It really depends on what I’m feeling.”

So, Khimo can cross over from one genre to another and shows the importance of versatility.

“I could also discuss (and present) the love lives of others or stories of other people that somehow could be relatable to others,” added he.

Since the concert playdate is fast-approaching, Khimo can feel and see the pressure and challenges that come with having your own show.

“Talagang hindi yan mawawala (getting nervous won’t go away). Like what Kuya Erik Santos (another Original Pilipino Music artist) said, ‘Kapag hindi ka na kinakabahan sa isang performance na gagawin mo, there’s something wrong.’ I seem to feel it and having your own concert is challenging,” shared he. “‘Buntot mo talaga hila mo.’ There are challenges, but there are still people who believe in you that serve as a fuel (or inspiration) to go.”

According to Khimo, “KH1MO: Emerge. Energize. Elevate.” will approximately run for an hour and a half. He is also preparing on how to sustain his energy from beginning to end, besides polishing the song materials and production numbers with the other guests.

Khimo will be joined by “Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets” grand champions JM dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano; The Elvis of Japan, Douglas Masuda, and Manila Band lead singer Joey San Andres.

What Khimo loves about performing is that one can be an instrument to tell narratives about themes such as love and to inspire people.

(For details, call 0915-7584045 or 0905-5961978. Tickets are now available at the Music Museum box office.)