Composer of Julie Vega’s hit ‘Somewhere In My Past’ awards the song remake to ‘Revival King’ Jojo Mendrez
“Siya ang pinakabagay, eh. Walang iba kung hindi ang revival royalty, ang Revival King,” award-winning composer Mon Del Rosario announced the good news that singer-philanthropist and Star Image artist, Jojo Mendrez, will perform the remake of his ’80s hit single “Somewhere In My Past.”
The iconic song served as the debut single of the late singer-actress, Julie Vega, who was phenomenal during her time. The reveal was done via a phone patch during a Facebook Live session hosted by Star Image CEO David Bhowie Cabawatan. “Karapat-dapat ‘yan. Karapat-dapat siya talaga,” Del Rosario added to his confirmation.
Tagged as the Revival King prior to his selection, Jojo bested other auditionees and was personally chosen by Del Rosario. The composer said, “For some time, gusto kong i-revive ‘yung song ko na Somewhere in my Past na ni-record originally ni Julie Vega. Ang sabi ko, ‘Kailangan maghanap na ako ng artist na nababagay.‘ I have a criteria, kailangan ‘yung boses nababagay doon sa kanta. Kailangan, smooth ang boses. Hindi ko pala alam then kung babae o lalaki.” He detailed the story behind the search for the right artist and continued, “Nag-send out ako discreetly sa mga managers, humingi ako ng mga vocal recordings. I did a few auditions. Finally, after mga ilang months din ‘yan, nakapili na ako ng karapat-dapat kumanta ng revival version ng Somewhere In My Past.”
The audition
“Napansin ko nga [na] ninenerbyos siya,” Del Rosario recounted Mendrez’s performance during his audition. “‘Relax ka lang,’ sinabihan ko siya. ‘Kantahin mo ‘tong kanta as if ikaw na talaga ang mapipili.’ He did a pretty good interpretation.” The respected musician also revealed that Jojo’s philanthropic acts matched a hidden personal criterion he had in his heart. “‘Yung mga ginagawa ni Jojo, ‘yung kanyang mga advocacies, I’d like to work with a person na may mga ganyang outlook sa buhay.”
Mendrez meets the standards
During the Q&A, Del Rosario told Manila Standard editor and vlogger Nickie Wang his criteria for selection. “‘Yung quality ng boses. I’m looking for the high level of competence as a singing artist. Medyo mahigpit because I also sing and perform. Yung standards ko mataas. I also teach voice,” Del Rosario said. Aside from competence, the composer said that he was also looking for someone who was likable like Julie Vega.
Del Rosario ended his announcement by saying, “Nag-qualify si Jojo. I’m very happy dun sa aking choice. Congratulations, Jojo!” He added that revisions will begin next week and he will arrange the keys and make necessary adjustments so the song will fit Jojo Mendrez’s style and personality.
Into the future
Somewhere In My Past is a song about meeting someone for the first time but feeling like you have already loved the person in the past. The song will soon be introduced to a new generation through Mendrez.
RELATED STORY: https://randomrepublika.com/revival-king-jojo-mendrez-pays-tribute-to-julie-vega-is-he-reviving-somewhere-in-my-past/
WATCH the full reveal here:
