Q & A: Joseph

Photo credit: Ryan Macalandag

Joseph Gara
Alicia, Bohol, Philippines

Former occupation: A lullaby singer—best job ever—and sitter for sibling(s)
Current Occupation: fulltime musician, wedding singer, and voice coach
Future Plans: be a successful businessman, finish a music degree course, become a well-known music artist.
Influences: as a musician—The Beatles, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, U2, Lifehouse, Al Jarreu, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, Don McLean and many more
Musical Instrument(s): guitar



Likes:  Good company and true friends; clean, quiet and peaceful environment conducive for song making; good food, of course, a social drinking session with my friends; jam session with my band mates. I really like good music, and its unique sound—the kind that expresses ones self.

Dislikes: English songs translated into Cebuano (That does not mean I hate Bisaya songs. Ok? In fact, I always listens to Yoyoy Villame and Max Surban songs.) I hate hypocrites, arrogant, and self-centered people the most. I hate ending up a day with no accomplishments because I always feel useless. I strongly dislike people who borrow money but never pay their debts.



Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I was born in La Hacienda in Alicia in the island province of Bohol, Philippines. I started to appreciate music when I was four. My father died when I was 16, and being the second from the eldest, I had to strive hard for my family. I went to college with empty hands and pockets. Good thing I was the valedictorian in elementary and high school, so I was an entrance scholar when I enrolled for college at the Holyname University in Tagbilaran City back in 2004. I started my singing career also that year. At first I was a "haranista" (a person who sings serenades) at Alona Kew Beach Resort and at the same time, a solo acoustic performer in some bars in Tagbilaran City. After six years, I graduated my management course. For now, I started to have my own home recording and voice tutorial studio. I am also a busy wedding singer.

At what age did you start composing? 
16, that was when our parish had a jingle making contest, and I did not win. Hahahaha.



Was there ever a time in your life that you wanted to quit singing or performing for an audience?
Yes. That time when my voice started to change during puberty. I couldn't sing even a single song. I was so depressed and it took a couple of years or so before I had my singing voice back.

What was the biggest crowd that you performed for?
That time when the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to Bohol. I think it was for a national celebration for Sangguniang Kabataan. The venue was so full. It was held at the Bohol Wisdom School Gym. I rendered her favorite song, "You" by The Carpenters. The next day was also her birthday, so that was kind of a surprise for the president.



When do you get nervous—performing for a big crowd or for an intimate performance?
Hmm... honestly I don't get nervous as long as I am well prepared for the performance. A big or a small crowd—it doesn't matter except maybe if I have to perform on tv or any big shows because I haven't tried doing that yet.

Other than singing and performing, what do you love to do?
Aside from music, I love talking to my crazy friends. I love to travel and see new places and meet new faces.


photo source

If given a choice, do you wish to sing as a career or do you want to practice what you finished in college?
I do wish to sing as a hobby but not as a job. I really want to have my own business. When all my siblings earn their degrees, I want to pursue a music education career because I dream of having my own music school. I did try to work for a company before, but I didn't like it.

Do you prefer singing the easy listening kind of songs?
I sing songs in different genres, but I am most comfortable with mellow type of songs. The kinds that you just want to relax and listen to.



Who gave you your first exposure or your first break as a singer?
The oldest I can remember was when I was a boy scout in elementary, and my teacher Miss Jing-Jing Corre would always ask me to sing in talent shows like Tuklas ng Talino.

What musical instrument did you first learned to play? How old were you and who taught you?
It was Ukelele. I learned how to play it before I was in Grade one ... maybe around six years old. Nobody taught me. I just watched people who knew how to play the instrument.


Photo source: Neoniel Ceejay

Do your clients let you decide what songs to sing or do they give you a list?
They usually ask for our playlist. Often, they send us lists of some of their favorite songs, and I just pick out which ones we could play.

As a musician, who do you look up to?
Beethoven—although he is not considered an influence in my music, he had a great impact on me being a musician. Why? ...because music for him is not only the audible sound we hear, but also an expression out of silence. He made music in the latter part of his symphony out of his deafness. Also, music for him is the highest form of art, and I completely agree with him on that.

As a wedding singer, who do you prefer to sing on your wedding day?
If given a chance, I'd choose Noel Cabangon to sing on my wedding day. I love his selection of music—Pinoy na Pinoy. You know that kind of music that makes you feel in love even more. He is my favorite influence when it comes to original Pilipino music.


What are your song choices for your wedding?
I have a lot of favorite songs. First in line would be Vincent by Don McLean. I want to have it rendered in mellow acoustic way and instrumental with strings in it.

What are the top 5 most requested songs in weddings?
"Lips of An Angel" by Hinder, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, "I Won't Give Up" also by Jason Mraz, "Wedding Lullaby" by me , "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" by The Script

Can you tell us more about your CD?
It is a compilation of my seven original songs and one cover song. It's available only in Bohol. Hehehe. ...at Bohol Quality Mall, Martins Resto and Theos Bar. Please buy it!




Special thanks to Bryan Besa, the official photographer of T.O.L. in Bohol; to my step-brother - Gio Omus of SeaUrchin Productions / producer of Joseph Gara album and to my cousin - Cheryl Almerol-Calope who introduced me to Joseph Gara.