Making His Mark: Kevin Hermogenes

The Philippines has no shortage in talented singers- I know, we're kinda feared in some contests outside the country. I can't blame them, I think we've got something in the water that ain't found anywhere else in the world.  

Meet Kevin Hermogenes, an international champ by any standards, but like ordinary joes, he too struggled with his confidence, appearance, a lot of things that troubled him before he started his singing career. Singing felt like torture for him because every time he had to come up the stage, he becomes instantly nervous. It was much debilitating, but was glad he got the help from people who matter most, his family. Albeit his mom is his biggest critic, he knew then that it was done to improve himself, like teaching the ropes before he would muster enough strength to perform.

He says "Mom may have been a stage mom but she inspires me a lot. I saw her being so good in everything she does and in hindsight, she's become a huge inspiration. I initially joined choirs and sang in music clubs as a hobby. Back then, people noticed how I sang and felt it was a gift. I started singing for friends, family, then events. That's when I started to love it, and I dreamed of being a professional singer later on!"

The Journey to WCOPA

There's an annual audition for World Championships of Performing Arts. In the Philippines, auditions have been carried out in very intimate spaces. He was in the midst of greats including THE Jed Madela who was part of the panel. He got a slip after the performance and he didn't open it up til he went out of the room. It bared a congratulatory message that he got it. 

He says "When I was in college, I also started to perform in corporate shows and seminars. It was the time I got to know more about the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) so I auditioned. I was in the crossroads of my career and I felt a huge responsibility representing the country for the same tilt." This was WCOPA back in 2016 which was held in the US (Long Beach, California). That resulted in him getting Bronze medals for Gospel, RnB/Jazz and Contemporary categories. He also participated in the WCOPA Virtual 2020 wherein he earned a silver medal and landed in the semi-finals. That got him through a lot of opportunities work wise. 

He then joined IDOL Philippines and Tawag ng Tanghalan on popular noontime show "It's Showtime!". He got to win twice in the preliminaries and bared how he was extremely grateful about the experience of singing in that show where a lot of his talent was showcased albeit singing unfamiliar titles in the show. It was a moment where he felt he's singing to explore and make his talent grow. He wants to do it with no limits, to be a person that can sing all genres and not be contented with just being good. He's hungry for more!

Today, he's gotten past all his insecurities and performs while communicating the message of songs with his heart. He's just starting, but with what he's done so far is so inspiring! I can't wait to see when he doesn't even have to introduce himself before he does go up the stage and sing!

WCOPA Champ Enzo Morales Shares Secrets to Success

 

Filipinos have been known to be very talented singers around the world. Our beginnings have always been that story of our parents egging us to sing during family gatherings, and new artist Enzo Morales has had about the same fate. To tell that he's musically inclined is shortchanged. His family has always exposed him with the love for music and also, encouraged him to sing. 

Though talented, he's always had this notion of insecurity. He wasn't too keen in joining contests like what usual amateur singers would do in the country. After joining choirs in primary and secondary school, he was urged to join a school competition during his senior year, and that landed him 1st Runner Up. It was then that made him think to pursue greater things in singing. 

 Later on, he decided to audition for something big. It was for the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in 2014. He passed the auditions to represent the country and got mentored by former champ and singing phenom  Jed Madela. He says "I knew then that I had to use the gift and share it with people. In the competition, I was glad to have been able to represent the country and we bagged four awards in that stint. The WCOPA surely wouldn't be my last, and I am open to more opportunities that would come." This resulted in him winning one gold, one silver and two bronzes for the country.

When he got back to the country, he had the opportunity to perform in different radio and TV stations like DZRH, the Eagle network, participate in ASOP (A Song of Praise) competition, guest at DZMM Teleradyo, Wish FM and Walang Tulugan with Master Showman Kuya Germs.

Currently, Enzo Morales finished his Bachelors degree in Psychology from Far Eastern University and is working as a flight attendant for the nation's official carrier Philippine Airlines. He also continues to hone his craft by joining Center for Pop Music Philippines and Star Magic Workshops. 

His advice for those pursuing their dreams of becoming a professional singer is that "You need to practice, surround yourself with people that have the same passion as yours. I feel alive singing, it gives me that adrenaline rush when I am in front of a crowd. Each time I do, I feel like I'm a different person bringing different emotions on stage. Know who you are as an artist and people will adore and support you in your journey."

That makes a lot of sense. If you want to know more about the artist, you'll get to see him more events soon. He's very talented and surely, he's going to give honor to the country even more.