Charice Pempengco is now just a memory as the artist Jake Zyrus takes center stage in the concert “I Am Jake Zyrus” happening on October 6, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum.
Pempengco is a totally different person from him, said Zyrus.
“Ibang-iba [si Jake at si Charice]. Ibang tao na siya,” he stressed, “Ibang achievements niya. Iba rin ang goal ko sa buhay.
“When people see me I want them to see the person I want to be. Ibang tao na. Sa totoo lang gusto ko sabihin I’m Jake, I’m a simple guy, a singer… I know there are so many talents out there who are better than me. I work hard for what I want. Determined ako to perform yung music Yun ang gusto ko ipakita as much as possible, ‘yung mga bagay na hindi ko maipakita before. Na just like everybody else na nag-i-istart as a singer, ganun din po ako. I work hard para ma reach mga pangarap ko.”
“I Am Jake Zyrus” will not only be a venue where he will exhibit his vocal prowess; but will also serve as a reintroduction of the new artist that is Jake. Aside from performing, he is excited to, among others, connect with the audience in a manner that he was not able to as Charice Pempengco.
“I am excited to perform for the first time where I can really connect and makatingin ng eye to eye sa audience kasi totoo na ako at with the sincerity and confidence na hindi ko na feel before,” he related.
The 25-year-old said he won’t be boxed in one genre, but will, instead, perform the songs he has always loved – in the Jake Zyrus way.
“Ayaw ko ipressure yung sarili ko na mag-expect ‘yung tao,” he cleared, “Ang goal ko is ma-share ang songs na gusto ko ma-perform at pangarap at maparandam ko kung gaano ka-importante ito sa akin.
“The songs are not necessarily pang-lalake,” he added, “It does not really matter. Basta paborito ko, gagawa ako ng version ko.”
“I Am Jake Zyrus” will basically cover all genres, from pop to ballads to dance and even rock. The concert aims to showcase Jake as a multi-talented artist with some surprise numbers – such as a duet with Charice!
The artist will also share stories and songs that would best describe his journey and those that represent the dreams that he has for himself. He will also be singing “Hiling,” his latest single under Star Music.
Audience can expect him to perform songs from Bieber to Sinatra, he also said.
He will collaborate with long-time friend Troy Laureta, a Fil-American musician and record producer who has worked with Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora, David Foster, Stevie Wonder, among others.
Also joining the show are Klarisse de Guzman, Young JV and KZ Tandingan.
On a personal note, he said he chooses to focus on his music and his craft, and is unaffected by negative comments.
Is he happy? Inspired? In love?
“Sobra. Yes. And oo naman!” he excitedly replied. He admitted he has a girlfriend – who was with him at the press conference – but said they are keeping their relationship private.
“I Am Jake Zyrus” is presented by Echo Jham Entertainment Production and The Mad Union Entertainment with Calvin Neria as director.
Tickets are available at Music Museum (721-6276), Ticketworld (891-9999) and SM Tickets (470-2222).
