Bamboo: ‘The Voice’ coaches become life mentors, too

Bamboo (right) and Elha Nympha

I’m very opinionated. I use my music as a way to vent my frustrations,” said singer-songwriter Bamboo Mañalac.

He added that listening to his band’s version of the song, “Tatsulok,” would often frustrate him. The song, originally performed by the folk-rock band Buklod, talks about the armed conflict between the government and rebel groups.

“I’d like to think that I’m a citizen who is conscious of what is happening in our country and around the world. I have certain opinions, which I don’t want to share on camera,” said Bamboo, who made the comment after a contestant performed “Tatsulok” during the blind auditions for the latest edition of ABS-CBN’s “The Voice Philippines.” “I’m frustrated about what’s currently happening. I try to show [how I feel] when I do gigs.”

The latest season of “The Voice Philippines” will feature 13- to 17-year-olds. Aside from Bamboo, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo and Sharon Cuneta will serve as coaches.

Bamboo said he was pleased to hear that Season 2 grand winner Elha Nympha, who bannered Team Kawayan, got invited early last month to NBC’s “Little Big Shots,” hosted by Steve Harvey.

“I told her to enjoy the moment and enjoy Los Angeles with her mom. She is a kid with a great heart. The hunger (for music and for performing) that she had when she first won is still there—that’s what I like about Elha.”

Bamboo added: “I always tell the kids from my team that I’m just one call away. They consult me. I give them advice. I’m very proud of those who have moved forward and started their own career. Hearing updates on Justin (Alva, Season 3 third-placer) makes me happy, too.”

Bamboo Mañalac

Asked what the audience should look forward to in the latest edition, Bamboo said: “It has a different tone. I noticed that the contestants ask a lot of questions. It appears like we’ll become life coaches, instead of just [coaches] for music. We will help shape them as artists. Also, contestants of this batch have different singing styles. It’s going to be very colorful.”

Several contestants performed Bamboo’s songs during the blind auditions. The singer said he did not want to feel obligated to include them in his team just because they sang his songs. “It’s hard when you’re in that chair, because you have a lot to consider, including how you’d bring to the finals every child you’d turn your chair for.”