JL of BGYO back where he started

MANILA, Philippines — Some artists are given the chance to be where they started, like from a promising mentee to an established mentor. That full-circle moment, as they would call it, came early for JL Toreliza of BGYO. He has joined actor-balladeer Christian Bautista and Star of the New Gen Jillian Ward on the judging panel of “The Clash Teens,” which airs Sunday nights at 7:15 on GMA.

Before he became part of the P-pop boy group, he tried his luck at the singing talent competition “The Clash” season one and reached the second round.

This time around, JL is sharing the judging chores with his “The Clash” panel member and the resident judge, Christian.

“Mag-so-solo ulit ako (I’m going solo again), like a solo project,” said he in a group interview. “Para siyang bago sa akin (it’s like something new to me).”

That’s understandable since JL is used to doing activities with fellow BGYO members. But he finds it “exciting.”

“Kumbaga, ang dami kong gustong ma-share dun sa seven years na natutunan ko sa group ko (I have many things I want to share with the contestants given the years I’ve been with my group),” said he, adding that BGYO members have their own individual projects, like appearing in the TV series “Born to Shine.”

This is a way for them to explore new territories like acting and sitting as a talent show judge. Their primary focus remains the group, which has released the new EP titled “On Demand.”

Working in a new environment, like on the set of “The Clash Teens,” is something JL welcomes, for he meets new faces and expands his circle of friends.

As for his initial reaction when he got wind of his participation and role in “The Clash Teens,” he said, “Syempre, nagulat ako, kasi bago siya sa akin (I was shocked since it’s new to me). I just wanted to join singing contests before. I didn’t imagine (or see) myself as a judge.”

He recalled the excitement he had, thinking of his approach as a judge.

“Kasi, minsan kapag nanonood ako ng mga performances, parang nag-ju-judge ako sa utak ko na, ‘Ay ang ganda ng performance niya, ay may kulang pa’ (sometimes when I watch artist performances, I’m like judging in my mind. I find the performance nice, while this one lacks of something),” said he.

“Gusto ko mag-share din yung mga natutunan ko, yung mga aral, yung mga experiences ko (I would like to share my lessons learned and experiences from the industry).”

Among lessons he will impart from being part of BGYO are confidence in performing and connection with viewers.

“Perhaps what I could share with the contestants is (having) confidence when they’re performing,” said he. “Kasi hindi lang siya basta singing contest na kakantahin mo yung piece mo, ma-pe-perfect mo yung notes (it’s not just a singing competition where you sing your piece and you have to perfectly hit the notes). Total performance is also very important, like how you connect with the audience and panelists and how you own the stage.”

Aside from the versatility and authenticity “The Clash Teens” panel is looking for, JL said that the choice of song and genre also matters.

“Tinitignan din namin yun kung talagang sobrang nag-fit ba yun dun sa contestant (we also gauge if the song and genre fit the contestant). Kasi once na mapakinggan namin, like, yung genre or yung song, tapos hindi, parang feel namin na hindi siya para sa kanya. Yun yung sinasabi namin sa kanila na kailangan talaga piliin yung tamang song sa bawat performance,” added he.

During the interview after the media event, JL was also asked to think of a BGYO song that describes his judging style.

“Perhaps, Andito Lang. I want to be an inspiration to the contestants, and that andito lang ako (I’m just around) to guide them, to share what I’ve learned from my journey, the lessons that I have picked up that I can share with them.”

Please also watch “The Clash Teens” on Kapuso Stream and GMA Pinoy TV.