Tibi announced: Filipino J-pop artist makes waves abroad

It’s hard to imagine Japanese Pop or J-Pop being the musical craze it once was, blowing up around Manila’s eclectic set vis-à-vis Korean Pop or K-Pop which has dominated of late and cemented itself into the new zeitgeist. In fact, J-Pop, formerly of the same caliber as (pardon the reference) Lito Camo songs in terms of widescale popularity, has become second or possibly third tier to the music of Girls Generation, Super Junior, 2Ne1, and other chart-topping K-Pop acts. There’s one artist however who seems dead set on ushering in a revival of sorts, bringing her unique voice and spin to the once-dominant musical genre.

A J-Pop singer who owns one of the most beautiful voices in the local theater scene today (her mentor Ed Gatchalian considers hers to be among the best pair of musical ears in the industry as well), Athena Tibi has taken her vocal chops to the moon and back — or rather, the sun and the land over which it rises, having recently performed at the Toysound Music Festival in Tokyo, Japan.

A musical showcase featuring the best of the best of electronic artists in the region, Toysound was an avenue by which Athena was able to perform her thoughtfully crafted music, and get to know the likes of composer JJ del Barrado who has collaborated with Kelly Clarkson, Chris Mosdel who has written songs for Michael Jackson, and a host of other luminaries in the music scene.

A theater actress by trade, Athena is slated to appear in the upcoming revival of Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle The Musical, which features all new musical arrangements, choreography, and cast members for its sophomore endeavor.

Between rehearsals for the Manila run, and right before they tour the show in US and Canada, Young STAR decided to catch up with her on theater, making it abroad, and living the J-Pop dream.

YOUNG STAR: Tell us a lil’ something about yourself.

ATHENA TIBI: I grew up in Japan and lived there for a total of eight years. Japanese was my first language. I love to sing, and performing on stage is my passion. I’ve been doing Broadway type of musicals with Trumpets, Stages and 4th Wall for the past nine years but I also perform Pop and J-Pop. 

What was your fondest memory of last year’s Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle Musical?

I really enjoyed the bonding with the cast. It really felt like I was part of a big family. We even had this fun team-building day and we all played basketball. 

After last year’s run, what prompted you to fly to Japan to try J-Pop?

Growing up in Japan and listening to J-Pop songs gave me this dream to become a singer there. I guess I have always wanted to make it big abroad. But I never got the opportunity. But God had a plan and He miraculously arranged everything for me. An opportunity was given to me to fly to Japan and present my original Japanese songs, and even get to perform them.

How does one even get started making it abroad? 

I practically grew up there, and it was already my second home. Of course there are challenges like getting homesick or feeling worried about getting accepted by the Japanese people or not. But if it’s really God’s will, then I guess you’ll really make it. 

Who are your career pegs or inspirations?

I’ve always liked Kelly Clarkson and Demi Lovato because I love pop rock. And of course, J-Pop artists have been big influences too. I like YUI and Nishino Kana.

Who would you consider to be your mentors in the industry?

Tito Ed Gatchalian, who is the producer and composer of Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle the Musical and whom I consider my second dad, has been my mentor throughout this whole thing. He helped me bring out my hidden talent in composing and arranging songs that I never knew I had. And not only that, he also gave me a lot of biblical principles which help me a lot while being in this industry. 

Billy Crawford, Charice — a lot of Filipinos seem to move abroad to get their breaks there first before coming back here to start a career. Why is that?

I guess there’s just an overflow of talented Filipino artists in our country so that we don’t notice them all. But when they go abroad, that’s when they get noticed. I believe Filipinos are really gifted with talent in music and singing.

What was it like performing at the Toysound Music Festival for electronic artists?

It was a dream come true! I thought it would take me years before I get to perform in one of the busiest cities in the world, Tokyo! And I really enjoyed it. I got to perform my original Japanese composition, and I even had backup dancers which made me feel like a J-Pop superstar. Ha-ha!

If you had the chance to perform with any other artist (local or international), who would it be and why?

I’d love to perform with Arashi! Arashi is this J-Pop boy band in Japan, and their concerts are always sold out! It would be really cool to perform with them!

So you’re reprising your role as Reena in Rivalry. How different is this from the first run?

I don’t know up to what extent I can tell about the changes but all I can say is that the show has leveled up and everyone who hasn’t seen it should watch, and everyone who has should watch again! I also love the enhanced choreography on production numbers. I’m more excited for this run, and I’m looking forward to being Reena onstage again! 

Besides Rivalry, what else is in store for you in the near future?

After the Rivalry run at Meralco, there are plans for a US-Canada tour for Rivalry. I’m really excited about that!

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Rivalry: Ateneo-La Salle The Musical is presented by the 4th Wall Theater Company. With music by Ed Gatchalian, lyrics by Joel Trinidad, and Book and Direction by Jaime del Mundo, the show will run from Jan. 25 to Feb. 17 at the Meralco Theater. For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.