Edward headed in the right direction

MANILA, Philippines - They say that success only comes to those who dare and act on their goals. This may be true in the case of 24-year-old balladeer Edward Benosa whose first attempt to enter show business didn’t yield a positive result.

“I’m thankful that a lot of blessings are coming in for me now,” says Edward who was awarded the Best New Male Recording Artist of the Year at the seventh PMPC Star Awards for Music 2015. The award, he adds, all the more inspired him to pursue his singing career with the support of his manager Arnold Reyes and Backroom, Inc.

It feels good, Edward relates, that he has finally found his niche in the entertainment scene “because when I first tried entering showbiz, I was not sure yet which career path I really wanted to take — singing or acting.”

It was in 2009 when the Fil-Spanish mestizo tried his luck in acting by joining reality talent shows StarStruck and Pinoy Big Brother. But Lady Luck was seemingly not on his side because he failed to make it in any of the two shows. Disheartened with the outcome, Edward focused on his studies and took up culinary arts.

But like any fighter who aims for victory, Edward again saw an opportunity to get into showbiz through The Voice Philippines in 2013.

 “Although I got eliminated during the blind auditions, it became the turning point; I realized I wanted to do singing so we focused on it. The Voice fuelled my desire to be a professional singer. I started attending vocal lessons and we submitted a demo tape to Star Music. Thankfully, they liked what they heard so they told us to make an album and agreed to be its distribution arm.”

What came next was a rigorous work for Edward and Arnold. They started to write songs and save enough money to produce his debut album. Its carrier single, Di Man Lang Nagpaalam penned by Arnold, topped several radio countdowns and music sales charts nationwide, making Edward a household name.

“Before, I thought showbiz was all about good looks, hindi pala. You also need the talent and something different to offer in order to shine. Thankfully, nag-concentrate na talaga ako sa singing where I can also express myself through songs.” In fact, he composed Paglisan and Why Didn’t You Stay which was included in the album. The songs reflect his experiences on heartbreak and moving on.

He, too, appeared in the Stages musical production titled Chuva Choo Choo which was inspired by the music of composer-record producer Vehnee Saturno.

“I am really blessed because in a span of nine months, a lot of good things have happened to me. The award also made me realize that I’m treading the right path. Kumbaga, ’yung award ang sign na para ako dito (music scene).”

Edward wishes to be in the same league of Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera who are able to maintain their status amidst today’s new generation of artists. “That’s why, I’m more into hugot songs because most, if not all, people can relate to my music.

“I’m inspired to write songs in the afternoon, it’s the time of day when I’m more creative. Mahilig din ako sa mga drawings and architectural designs.”

For now, his focus is solely on music — as a singer, songwriter and performer. He’s been making more music videos and writing songs in preparation for a sophomore album. Edward appreciates all the support Dannon Clothing has been giving him. “Yes, I am endorsing the brand and I’m thankful to them because they believe in my talent; they provide financial support to my music videos.”

Unlike before when Edward didn’t care about his future, he is now bent on making it big in the music industry. “I’ve been through a lot of struggles. I was lost for a while because my choices then were wrong, na-realize ko na pag napapunta ka sa maling barkada, walang hihila sa ’yo pataas. I can say that I have already matured as a person.”

Now that Edward’s persistence has finally paid off, he looks forward to releasing another album and hopes to hold a birthday concert in April, 2016.

(For more of Edward, visit his Facebook page real edward benosa. For bookings and inquiries, call 0917-8822773.)