Following the release of his self-titled debut album, Idol Philippines Season 2 winner Khimo Gumatay has set his sights on one clear goal this year — to produce a hit song.
During the media conference for the album, Khimo shared that he wants his music, whether performed by him or written for other artists, to resonate deeply with listeners. “Isa lang naman talaga ‘yung goal ko this year. Kasi dalawa dapat, pero nangyari na ‘yung isa last year which is ‘yung first solo concert. Isa lang talaga ‘yung goal ko this year: na magkaroon ng hit song. Hindi man sa akin manggagaling kasi I also write songs for other artists din,” he said.
Khimo, who came from a classical music background and having honed his skills in collegiate chorale groups, noted that he aims to show versatility in his artistry. “Tulad din ng album ko, hindi ko in-isolate ‘yung sarili ko sa isang genre lang. Kung maririnig niyo siya and ‘yun din ‘yung agreement namin ni Sir Jonathan (Manalo) — na ‘wag namin i-isolate ‘yung tracks sa iisang box lang. Kung ano ‘yung lumabas ng time na ‘yon, ‘yun na ‘yon. And ‘wag ng babaguhin kung ano man, and ayon maganda naman,” he shared.
The young singer-songwriter also expressed confidence that his goal is within reach, especially with the help of social media. “Ako po I believe na pwede mangyari. Wala naman po talagang imposible, and with the right people and with the right utilization of social media, siguro mangyayari po talaga. And we will do our best, I will do my best po, to take over that part na hopefully magkaroon ako ng hit song this year. Pagbubutihan ko pa po talaga,” he remarked.
For now, Khimo is focused on promoting his debut album, which takes inspiration from Philippine funk and soul. “Isa po sa mga inspiration ko talaga ‘yung Philippine Funk. Matagal-tagal na rin po since nagrelease ng isang solid na Philippine Funk ang OPM. So, ‘yun po, sabi namin ni Sir Jonathan na why not bigay natin ulit or buhayin natin ang Philippine Funk o Philippine Soul sa Pilipinas?” Khimo expressed.
He credited two OPM icons as his biggest inspirations while writing his album’s lead track. “Isa rin po sa mga inspiration ko po talaga ay si Sir Gary Valenciano and also Sir Rico J. Puno. ‘Yun talaga yung dalawang superheroes ko na naging inspirasyon ko while writing that song. Sir Gary Valenciano is a very well-known artist na talaga with his craft, talagang mapapasayaw ka and also with the charm. Si Sir Rico J Puno naman also ‘yung mga funk tracks nya during his prime, maganda rin talaga. Ayon ‘yun ‘yung mga isa sa mga kinonsider ko while writing ‘Isayaw Mo Lang’,” he added.
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Speaking of his own idol, Gary Valenciano, Khimo recalled one core memory of having shared the stage with him. “Iyong pinakamemorable experience ko talaga is with Sir Gary Valenciano kasi since childhood talaga isa siya mga tinitingala ko na artist. Noong 2023 nagkaroon kami ng number sa ASAP na isa rin sa mga favorite song ko — ‘Spain’ by Al Jarreau. Pinerform naming dalawa ‘yon and I think that was the most memorable experience of my career with Sir Gary Valenciano,” he said.
Gary Valenciano was one of the judges during the second season of Idol Philippines, where Khimo emerged as the Grand Winner in 2022. Reflecting on what he has learned since then, Khimo emphasized the importance of humility.
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“Pagkatapos ko manalo ng Idol Philippines, humility talaga ‘yung natutuhan ko. Talent will lead you to other places — ‘yun yung susi para maka-alpas ka dito sa industry na ‘to ‘yung talent mo — pero ‘yung attitude, it will take you into another level. Oo, magaling ka pero kung lacking ka sa attitude or siguro kahit saan naman profession na papasukin mo, basta hindi maganda ugali mo hindi ka rin tatanggapin ng mga kung sinong tatanggap sa’yo. ‘Yun talaga: humility is one of the things na dapat mo i-consider pagsasali ka sa industry na ‘to,” Khimo said.