Bugoy on appearing in other networks: I just want to work

Bugoy Drilon

Contrary to rumors, Bugoy Drilon hasn’t been banned by ABS-CBN from appearing on its shows.Last month, he and fellow singer Daryl Ong made headlines, after the latter claimed in a personal vlog that they were no longer allowed to perform for ABS-CBN, after talking—and expressing doubt—about the outlook of an online petition supporting the renewal of the network’s franchise.

The conversation, which took place earlier this year at an airport en route Iloilo, also involved three other people. It was apparently recorded without their knowledge, Daryl alleged, and eventually made its way to an ABS-CBN boss.

In a recent video interview, however, Bugoy clarified that he merely mentioned the existence of the petition and didn’t say anything negative. In fact, he was optimistic at the time about ABS-CBN’s chances.

“Daryl also cleared my name… To be honest, I don’t want to talk about the issue anymore, because I’m at peace now…Even though I got bashed, I know in my heart that I didn’t do anything wrong. I know how indebted I am to my network,” he said. “It just happened that someone initiated a conversation about the topic. And when asked about my thoughts, I replied with information I had come across online,” added Bugoy who, together with Daryl and Michael Pangilinan, comprise the vocal trio “BuDaKhel.”

No bridges were burned. In fact, he actually got invited to perform in “Asap” and made a guest appearance in the music channel Myx after the said incident.

“I’m from the Kapamilya network and I owe them a big debt of gratitude, because they opened a lot of doors for me,” pointed out the R&B singer, who placed second in the second season of the ABS-CBN singing tilt “Pinoy Dream Academy.” “They helped change, not only my life, but my family’s as well.”

BuDaKhel’s performance in the noontime show “Eat Bulaga!” last June prompted speculations that the singers will be doing more shows outside ABS-CBN. Will the fans see more of them on GMA 7 or TV5?

Bugoy candidly said he will go where the job is. “I just want to work. Work is a blessing. And I wouldn’t turn down a blessing, whichever network it may come from,” Bugoy said. “I’m a breadwinner, and I will help my family in whatever way I can. It’s not just about my personal interests.”

The 30-year-old music artist recently released the new single “Impossible Love,” which talks about cultural differences and long-distance relationships. He’s especially proud of this song, he said, because he wrote it himself—and in English, no less, he jested.

“I had an idea for a song and asked a friend in the United States if he could help me produce it,” Bugoy related. “Writing a song in English was something I have never imagined myself doing.”

“Sometimes, we consider first what we think the audience would like. But it’s important that we write from a personal point of view and come up with something that we like. And you might end up talking about experiences other people share,” he pointed out.

Asked what other topics he would like to explore in the future, Bugoy said he plans to pen a song about anxiety and depression—things that he himself has experienced. “I hope to write something that conveys the message that it’s OK not to be OK; that what we feel is normal and that it doesn’t make us weird or different,” he said.

“It’s quite a sensitive topic. I have to be sensitive about it, too, because it’s a cycle for some people.” added Bugoy, who turns to music whenever he’s in a rough patch. “I pour out my feelings into music. That’s my purpose.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced him to postpone his scheduled concerts and tours this year, the extra time at home has allowed him to learn new skills related to music-making.

“I have been thinking about what else I can offer. So aside from writing and producing songs, I have been watching tutorials on how to properly record my own vocals. I’m also thinking of having a studio at home, so I can work on musical ideas as soon as they come to me,” he said. Bugoy also continues to have brainstorming sessions with his fellow musician friends. “I get in touch with them, and we share ideas, beats or melodies. We still have to keep ourselves busy, so we don’t get rusty,” he said.