Cedric Escobar
Like most young aspiring singers, Cedric Escobar went through a lot of rejections early on in his career. But if there’s one thing he has learned from his mentor, Paco Arespacochaga, it’s that being told “no” is but a part of the show biz journey. Somewhere along the way, a door eventually opens.
“He’s like a second father to me,” he told the Inquirer at the launch of his debut single “‘Di Na Ba?” (PolyEast Records). “I’m the kind of person who has a lot of doubts and hesitations. But he taught me to let go and trust the process.”
The 23-year-old singer grew up in New York, United States. But his exposure to Filipino pop culture (music, film, TV) nurtured his interest in performing. In 2016, he “begged” his parents to let him fly to the Philippines and try his luck in local show biz.
Things didn’t turn out as he had hoped. “I was able to reach the final stage of castings or auditions. There were some instances wherein I was offered a role, only for it to be taken back and given to more established actors who expressed interest in it … It was so hard and, little by little, I got discouraged,” he related.
Small gig
Cedric Escobar
Low in spirits, Cedric returned to the United States. Still, he continued to sing. And little did he know that a small gig at a bar would lead to bigger opportunities. “Someone came up to me and asked me if I’d be interested to perform as a front act in KZ Tandingan’s US tour then.”
Before he knew it, he was fronting for the US concerts of such artists as Juan Karlos, Jaya, South Border and more. In 2020, Cedric became a featured act in an Introvoys tour. That was where the 1990s pop-rock band’s drummer Paco Arespacochaga took notice of the younger singer.
“He gave me a setlist that I had to perform. Looking back, I think it was kind of a test. He wanted to see what I could do and what kind of a performer I am,” he recalled. “Being a front act allowed me to meet different artists who have all been so supportive and appreciative of my talent. But it was Sir Paco who went beyond that and took me under his wing.
“I think he saw my potential. He asked me what I really wanted to do with my music career and what I see myself doing in the future,” he added. “He taught me to write and improve my songs and how to present myself onstage.”
Half the battle won
Cedric Escobar and Paco Arespacochaga
More than the singing talent, it was Cedric’s determination that won Paco over.
“He did his set even if he wasn’t feeling his best … That told me that he’s a professional and that’s half the battle won. He knew his pieces and effectively roused the crowd. And so I told him, ‘I’m going to help you if you’re going to help yourself,’” Paco told the Inquirer.
In fact, it was Paco who wrote “‘Di Na Ba?”, a pop ballad about a man hoping against hope that the love of his life—who’s already in someone else’s arms—will eventually come back to him. While Cedric’s an R&B singer at heart, he and Paco explored the idea of going the 1990s pop route.
“We wanted to try it out because not a lot of artists these days are doing that kind of music anymore,” Cedric said. “And the more I’m exposed to ‘90s OPM, the more I appreciate it.”
What Cedric appreciates about Paco’s mentorship is the creative freedom. “I have my own vision and ideas. But I have also learned to trust the wisdom of people who are more experienced,” Cedric said.
“You trust me, I trust you. That’s what I told him,” Paco said. “I also tell him to embrace the process and never fear. Rejections are part of the process. All these will eventually lead to a ‘yes.’ Just persevere, stay humble, be passionate and stay true to yourself.”