Jonathan Manalo isn’t just a songwriter; he’s a sonic architect, crafting the melodies and lyrics that have become the soundtrack to modern Filipino life. From his early days in gospel music to his current role as creative director of ABS-CBN Music, Manalo’s influence on the Philippine music industry is undeniable, earning him 75 multi-platinum and 100 gold certifications.
Manalo’s journey began with the Papuri! Music Ministry in the early 1990s, where he honed his skills and contributed to their discography.
His siblings often lent their voices to his compositions, foreshadowing the collaborative spirit that would define his career. His time at Far East Broadcasting Company further refined his musical abilities.
His mainstream breakthrough came with a grand prize win in ABS-CBN’s Himig Handog sa Makabagong Kabataan contest with “Tara Tena.” This youth-oriented anthem, lauded by then-politician Loren Legarda, became the theme song for a TV series, solidifying Manalo’s presence in the industry. His success continued with a third-place win at the 7th Metropop Song Festival with “Buti Na Lang.”
In 2004, Manalo joined ABS-CBN Music, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership. He produced music for numerous ABS-CBN shows, including Wansapanataym, Search for the Star in a Million, Star Circle Quest, Pinoy Big Brother, Sharon’s May Kasama Ka, Maria Flor De Luna and Mga Anghel Na Walang Langit. His talent and dedication led to his promotion to audio content and A&R head at Star Music in 2007, a position he held until 2019 when he was appointed creative director of ABS-CBN Music.
“Hindi na ako nakapag-apply ng work at all, hindi na ako nakapagpasa ng resume, kasi sobra na ako naging full-time songwriter, record producer, at naging busy na ako with music,” he said.
This unplanned career trajectory underscores the power of following one’s passion. “Sobrang hindi siya planado. Hindi ko alam na ‘yung passion ko, iyon ang magiging full-time job ko. All along, ang goal ko is pagbutihin ang pag-aaral, graduate with honors and then excel sa job, pero hindi pala ‘yun ang plano ni Lord. Pinanalo ako sa contest. ‘Hindi, ito ang gagawin mo.’ ‘Yung passion ko, iyon ang naging full-time work ko (Nothing was ever planned. I did not know my passion would become a full-time job. All along, my plan was to do well in school, graduate with honors and excel in a job. But the Lord had other plans. He made me win a contest).”
Being a songwriting champion “opened a lot of doors” for Manalo, giving him “the credibility to be interesting to recording artists” seeking fresh material. Beyond this, he was tapped to compose theme songs for numerous ABS-CBN programs, including the iconic “Pinoy Ako” for Pinoy Big Brother.
With nearly 500 recorded and published compositions over two decades, Manalo’s output is immense. “Pero marami pang hindi recorded (But many are yet unrecorded). Those are the songs I’ve written myself. Meron pang mga songs na hindi naman ako nag-compose (There are also songs that I did not compose; I just produced them. Napakarami rin nu’n (There are so many of those),” Manalo said.
He expresses gratitude for his extensive body of work, encompassing songs he’s written, co-written and produced. “Sobrang grateful ko na (I am so grateful that) in the last 20 years, tinitingnan ko ‘yung (when I looked at the) body of work that I am associated with, which I’ve either written, co-written, or produced, sobrang expansive na pala talaga (it really is expansive),” he added.
Manalo’s 15th anniversary as a composer was celebrated in 2016 with a concert, KINSE: The Music of Jonathan Manalo. In 2020, he showcased his collaborative spirit on a global scale with “HEAL,” a song created with other Southeast Asian artists to benefit those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Celebrating his 20th anniversary in 2022, Manalo’s impact was recognized through Kwento ng Alon, an art exhibit by visual artist Kristine Lim inspired by his discography; and Lyric and Beat, a musical drama series featuring his songs. The milestone was capped off with a star-studded concert, Mr. Music: The Hits of Jonathan Manalo, featuring over 30 OPM artists.
Manalo’s influence extends beyond individual songs. He is the driving force behind the upcoming musical Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo.
This production, promising a blend of camp, comedy and drama, will feature brand-new original music, further showcasing Manalo’s versatility and creativity. Running from 25 April to 8 June at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Delia D. is poised to be another testament to Manalo’s enduring contribution to Filipino music and theater.
Jonathan Manalo’s career is a masterclass in musical craftsmanship and industry leadership. He has not only created countless hits, but also fostered a collaborative environment that nurtures and celebrates Filipino talent.
His journey, from gospel beginnings to the forefront of OPM, is a testament to his passion, dedication and unwavering commitment to his craft.