Chito: “It’s not just about the money”
Musician Chito Miranda has stepped down as a coach of GMA-7’s “The Voice” to focus more as a vocalist of his band Parokya Ni Edgar.
Chito was a coach of “The Voice Generations,” the first iteration of the singing competition on GMA-7.
This year, the competition returns to the Kapuso network showcasing a kids edition, where Chito, as well as previous coaches Stell Ajero, Julie Anne San Jose, and Billy Crawford, as well as host Dingdong Dantes, are expected to return.
The 48-year-old band lead takes to Facebook his farewell to the show, as he also looks back on the good memories he had in “The Voice Generations,” as well as in the sophomore season of ABS-CBN’s “Idol Philippines” as part of the panel with Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Moira dela Torre, and host Robi Domingo.
Attached to a black-and-white photo of him, Chito writes, “Namimiss ko na si Stell, si Jules, si Billie at si Dingdong. Namimiss ko na rin si Ate Reg, si Sir Gary, si Robi, and sige na nga…pati si Moi.
“I enjoyed being a coach sa ‘The Voice Generations,’ and I also enjoyed being a judge sa ‘Idol Philippines’ Season 2… but I am, first and foremost, the vocalist of Parokya ni Edgar. Sobrang saya ng experience ko being a part of both shows.”
IMAGE: chitomirandajr on Instagram
Chito has then reminisced about how he came to love and grow the two programs—with both of them offering him the same amount of value and appreciation.
He continues, “Honestly, I didn’t expect na mage-enjoy ako as much as I did (ayoko pa nga tanggapin nung una diba?)…and sa totoo, napamahal talaga sa akin lahat ng mga nakilala at nakatrabaho ko on and off cam, both sa GMA and ABS, and I felt truly valued and appreciated on both shows/networks.
“Nasama pa nga ako sa Christmas Station ID ng ABS eh, after Piolo Pascual hahaha…akalain nyo yun?! Sobrang thankful talaga ako sa opportunity at sa overall experience na binigay nila pareho…and I will forever be grateful.”
Despite the fulfillment that Chito felt in doing both projects, he admits that sacrifices have to be made for the sake of his band.
“Pero, kahit sobrang solid na experience, the schedule takes too much time away from my band. Dami ko kelangan i-give up na gigs, and ayoko maging unfair sa mga kabanda ko.”
“Kung ako lang ang iisipin ko, ok na ko mag-taping sa studio at tumambay sa dressing room buong araw, tapos ang saya pa ng TF… pero paano naman yung mga kabanda ko, at yung mga staff and roadies namin?
“I could continue doing TV shows and make money for myself and my family, or I could prioritize our gigs instead, and make enough money for everyone on our team, including their families…but it’s not just about the money.
As for Chito, gigs have been a crucial part of his life, and it’s for this cause that he feels so strongly about. Ultimately, this is where he finds highest contentment in—to be with his family and band to jam along with them.
He finishes,“Playing gigs is such a big part of our lives. That is who we are, and that is what we love doing. But more importantly, sa Parokya kasi, mas kontrolado namin and sked namin, unlike sa TV, kelangan mo talaga mag-work around their sked.
“And right now, nasa point ako ng buhay ko na mas trip ko na tumambay lang kasama ng pamilya ko, at tumugtog kasama ng mga kabanda ko.
“Walang iwanan sa Parokya. Rakenrol.”
In the comments section, Chito said his thanks as he bids farewell to the show’s staff, including GMA-7’s “The Voice” program manager Ruth Marinas.
He told Ruth, “Ma’am Ruth!!! Maraming salamat sa tiwala. Sobrang saya nung experience.
“Hanggang ngayon I still remember yung feeling ng bigat sa dibdib nung na-realize natin na di talaga natin kaya ipagtapat yung sked ng TVG at ng Parokya.
“Mahal ko po kayo lahat.”
Chito Miranda on “Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical”
The OPM band is one among the household names that constitute the music scene in the Philippines. Having established their name through moving songs, the band was then given homage through “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical.”
In an interview with GMA News Online, Chito admits feeling overwhelmed by the fact that their songs were translated into a musical.
Chito says, “Never, never. Noong opening night, we were hanging out with our high school classmates. They watched it also, and they were all, ‘Akalain niyo?’
“Kasi they saw kung paano kami nag-start. How we started as just a bunch of guys with a guitar tapos biglang may musical na. It’s really flattering and overwhelming also.”
READ ALSO: When Is The Golden Age Of OPM” For Chito Miranda?
Banner Art Paulo Correa
