YouTube sensation remains a barrio kid at heart
At 15, he’s a wisp of a boy whose shy smile and spare words make him a typical barrio lad.
But make no mistake about it. Aldrich Lloyd Talonding is the pride of GenSan (besides boxing champion Manny Pacquaio, of course) because his angelic voice and stirring rendition of “Dance With My Father” spawned four million hits on YouTube and attracted the attention of top American TV host Ellen DeGeneres, who not only guested him in her show. Ellen gave Aldrich and his guitarist-cousin, James Bucong, a check worth $10,000, a piano and a guitar late last year.
One-month leave
It was Ellen’s production that paid for Aldrich and James’ first-ever trip to the US last September and their five-day stay at the posh Sheraton Hotel.
“Masaya naman,” is all Aldrich has to stay about his guesting at Ellen’s show, where he got a standing ovation from the audience.
The Ellen stint made the then third year high school student at Mindanao State University take a one-month leave from school because TV producers showered him with offers to guest in their shows.
Michael Jackson voice
The instant fame feels weird for Aldrich, whose only experience in musical performance was as part of a church choir back in his hometown.
“Nakakuha na lang kami ng tawag mula kay Brian Garrity (Senior Digital Video Producer of Ellen’s show),” Aldrich recalls.
Fame has not changed Aldrich’s self-effacing ways. He keeps quiet when the press asks for his reaction about his Michael Jackson-like voice – read: a wee bit higher for a boy like him.
College plans
Aldrich, whose roots go back to the B’laan tribal community, is just as shy about college plans (he’s a graduating high school student). A music course is okay, but he’s eyeing a degree in Tourism.
He’s a little more open about what “Dance With My Father” means to him.
“Pinost ko ito sa YouTube nung wala pang sakit ang father ko,” he recalls But when his dad passed away from blood cancer in June and Aldrich rendered the song in Ellen’s show three months after, the grieving boy admitted he couldn’t take it.
“Pagkatapos ng kanta, doon na ko umiyak.”
PhilPop interpreter
Aldrich and James need not feel that bad these days. Composer Ito Rapadas sent them an email through Aldrich’s sister inviting the cousins to interpret Toto Sorioso’s song, “Awit Mo’y Nandito Pa,” one of the entries to the PhilPop Music Festival, whose finals night is on Saturday, July 26 at Meralco Theater.
Since the family has no place to stay in Manila, PhilPop organizers took care of their accommodations in Cocoon Hotel in Quezon City.
Aldrich and James know their fellow interpreters are just as formidable. Nicole Asensio of the all-girl band General Luna will render Jude Gitamondoc and Therese Villarante’s “Song on a Broken String.”
Mcoy Fundales, former Orange and Lemons frontman and Clara Benin (daughter of Side A Band’s Joey Benin) are teaming up as interpreters of Chi Bocobo and Isaac Garcia’s “Kung Akin ang Langit.”
Duncan Ramos and Young JV will render “Hang Out Lang.” Kris Lawrence wll interpret Torpe.’ Actor Tom Rodriguez will display his singing talent in (“Langit Umaawit).”
Nikki Gil (“Babalikan Mo Rin Ako)”, Kyla (“Salbabida”), Kiana Valenciano (“Dear Heart”), Jay-R, Elmo Magalona and Q-York (“Quash on You”), Luigi D’ Avola (“NGSB”) and Thor Dulay (“The Only One”) will also go on stage.
PhilPop’s grand prize winner will go home with P1-M in cash and a Ramon Orlina trophy.
