Following the release of his debut extended play (EP), Lover Boy, Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition Season 1 Kapamilya Big Winner Brent Manalo proudly mounted his first-ever fan concert and EP launch on Friday, May 22.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Brent admitted that while nerves were present ahead of the event, excitement ultimately took over.
“Kinakabahan, pero siyempre, most especially, pinakanafefel ko talaga ay excitement,” Brent said. “Nagrap ako for the first time. Sing and dance din for the first time and napakaraming activities together, games. Parang more of a date talaga ito for fans.”
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Although he never imagined releasing an album during the early years of his career, Brent believes the opportunity came at the perfect time as he gradually gained confidence in both himself and his singing abilities.
“I feel like it came at the right time. Before siguro kung ipipitch sa akin ito, I would have say no kasi feeling ko hindi pa buo yung kumpyansa ko pa sa sarili ko, sa singing ko, but everything fell into place with the help of Star Pop and Sir Rox (Santos),” he expressed.
“Siya talaga yung nag-push sa akin, nag-remind sa akin na ito may mga tamang tunes na para sa boses so kapag nahanap mo talaga yung tamang tunog, magiging sino na iyon,” Brent added.
The actor-singer also revealed that he took a hands-on approach in creating the EP and preparing for the fan concert, from selecting songs to conceptualizing the event.
“Nagkaroon kami ng listening and ako yung namili sa mga songs na-ire-release (under the EP). We were also planning on making me write a song pero kasi yung nangyari, naging busy kami with the locked in taping, so hindi nagawa, but hopefully on the next EP. But yeah, we are very, very hands-on when it comes with the EP and the fancon, kasama ako. Very collaborative talaga when it comes to everything under Star Pop,” he said.
Both Brent’s EP and fan concert carried the title Lover Boy, which he said reflects both his personality and the vibe he wanted to share with fans.
“Pinitch po ito ni Kuya Jomar, yung writer po natin from Star Pop na Lover Boy yung maging theme ng fancon and parang nagbabatuhan kami ni Sir Rox kung ano pwedeng maging title for the album. Sabi niya pwedeng ‘Brent’ but then noong narinig ko yung Lover Boy, bakit hindi na lang natin gawin na as one,” he shared with PUSH ABS-CBN.
During the event, Brent also pointed out that the initials “LB” subtly reference his real name, Lesyel Brent.
As he explores the music industry, Brent admitted that recording songs was a completely different challenge from acting.
“It’s so different. Parehong mahirap kasi first recording day ko, naubos yung boses ko tapos nilagnat ako the next day dahil grabe yung sore throat,” Brent explained. “Grabe yung experience kasi ibang-iba siya sa acting pero sa akin yung similarities nila is using your emotions para mas maging buo yung kanta, mas maramdaman yung kanta.”
When asked about the possibility of releasing a music video, Brent already had a concept in mind for one of the tracks from his EP.
“Siguro yung first song ko sa EP na 'Pareho tayong Nahihiya' parang maganda iyon for school setting. Mga crush-crush kasi ‘di ba pareho tayo ng experience na we got torpe noong high school,” he shared.
Despite the pressure of entering a new field, Brent said seeing the overwhelming support from fans made the entire experience even more meaningful.
“Para sa akin, malaki na bagay na they are actually showing up pero mayroon ap silang mga naisip na idea para maipakita yung suporta nila sa akin, ibang klase iyon, may bus, may mga lightsticks. It feels good and my heart is full of gratitude,” he expressed.