Fil-Singaporean teen is apl.de.ap’s protégé

MIGUEL Antonio (left) will be mentored on career matters by The Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.ap.

LOS ANGELES—At 13, Davao-born Miguel Antonio has already racked up quite a few achievements: He won an Asian talent search by popular composer-producer David Foster and appeared in one of his concerts, performed for the president of Singapore and foreign dignitaries, debuted at the renowned Greek Theatre here in LA and recently signed with a talent agency to be under the career guidance of apl.de.ap.

We first watched Miguel at “Rebuild Philippines!” a star-studded show last June at the Greek Theatre organized by apl.de.ap and Ted Benito under the former’s foundation to help in the Typhoon “Haiyan” recovery efforts. Miguel almost stole the show with only two numbers, his pure, clear voice soaring over the amphitheater—Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” and an original song written by Singaporeans Elim Chew and Cat Ong, “Hope of One Voice.” We hope Miguel releases a record of the latter song, which has all the makings of a big hit.

Miguel first wowed apl.de.ap in a 2012 private event in Singapore, where the young singer lives with his parents, Singaporean Samuel Vedanaigam, who owns an infrastructure technology business, and Katherine Pinon, a Filipina, former dance instructor.

Miguel lived in Davao for six years until he and his family relocated to Singapore. The eldest of four siblings (the only boy) has always loved to sing. A YouTube video of his winning performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables” in a school singing competition in 2010 went viral.

In 2011, Miguel won “Born to Sing Asia,” David Foster’s talent search. That led to David’s offer to Miguel to perform in a concert, “David Foster & Friends,” in Singapore.

The following year, Miguel launched his first Extended Play (EP), “What is Christmas to You.” The title track is an original piece written by Singaporean composer Karen Lim.

Miguel recently notched a career milestone when he signed with BMBX (pronounced Boombox), a new Southeast Asian-based content and artist development and brand marketing company, with apl.de.ap on board, lending his talent development skills.

Asked about his idols, Miguel answered, “I really love Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and Bamboo.” He’d like to emulate the career of the late Michael Jackson.

Excerpts from our e-mail interview:

“MY VOICE changed in the last two years.”

How do you feel about being mentored by apl.de.ap?

It is such a privilege for me. He has been in the music industry for many years and has proven himself a great artist. I will learn a lot from him.

What was it like, performing at the world-famous venue, Greek Theatre?

It was an unforgettable experience! Before my performance, I saw photos of artists like Neil Diamond and Sting, who have performed there. I was really thankful and amazed to perform in that beautiful venue.

When you were onstage, they had to fix technical glitches. You handled that very well.

I didn’t see that coming. I hadn’t rehearsed or checked if the piano’s sustain pedal was working. It was my first time to encounter such a problem. I stayed cool. It helped that the crowd was cheering. That was so encouraging! I just played the piano without the sustain pedal.

What were that concert’s other highlights for you?

The highlight was watching The Black Eyed Peas! I used to just watch their videos. I got to watch them live and meet them there! Jabbawockeez was really good, too!

Tell me about your EP. Which songs do you listen to again and again?

I really love hearing, “Give Love on Christmas Day.” It’s one of my favorite Christmas songs. I can’t believe how young I sounded. My voice changed in the last two years.

What are your earliest memories of performing?

I started singing professionally after my school competition when I was 10. I was invited to perform a lot. My earliest memories of performing are those in front of small crowds like family and friends. Most of the time, I was asked to sing the “Happy Birthday” song.

What are your dreams and goals?

I want to reach Michael Jackson’s [stature] and to sing full-time. I picture myself in a stadium performing in front of thousands of people.

(E-mail the columnist at rvnepales_5585

@yahoo.com. Follow him at https://twitter.com

/nepalesruben.)