Catching up with Jam Morales

MORALES. Manages her own performing arts school in New Mexico, USA.

Jam Morales, who popularized the ’80s OPM hits, “Even If” and “A Smile In Your Heart,” is currently based in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the United States. Now 50, the former GMA “Supershow” cohost manages her own performing arts school, Jam’s Voice Studio, where she teaches more than 50 students.

Three decades ago, Jam decided to give up a lucrative singing career and go to the US to raise a family, but things didn’t work out as planned.

She recalls, “I had nothing, so I started my life all over again. I went to church and asked the Lord to show me the way. If God didn’t give me talent, I wouldn’t be here. ‘I Will Survive’ is my ‘national anthem’—it’s a key part of my repertoire, because I can relate to it (laughs)!”

On good terms

People began asking the singer to teach their kids to sing—and the rest is history. Then, Jam started singing for Filipino communities in the States and Europe. She is on good terms with ex-husband Charles Harner, with whom she has three kids. She last visited the Philippines in 1997. “I miss the beaches and the food,” she shares.

Does Jam get royalties for her songs? She replied, “Everywhere I go—videoke, karaoke—my songs are there, but I do not get anything.” Morales is set to perform in a series of shows in Sydney, Australia.