2015 has been the best year for up-and-coming balladeer Edward Benosa. Scoring two major victories with two nominations. First, in the Best New Recording Artist category of the recent MOR awards, and in the Star Awards for Music of the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC). In the MOR Awards, he was up against both male and female artists (who fought it out in one category) that included eventual winner Morissette Amon, while in the Star Awards—where there were separate categories for male and female artists—he won over some newcomers, including The Voice Kids runner-up Darren Espanto.
In the wake of his Star Awards victory, there were a few who questioned his winning, and some who asked, “Sino siya? Di namin siya kilala.” But the reactions were generally positive, and Edward has just happily moved on.
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| Edward Benosa at press conference held at Quezon City (December 4, 2015) |
Edward had attempted a professional singing career before, even trying out for the premier season of The Voice of the Philippines, but only started taking it really seriously less than a year ago.
He signed with Star Music, and released his debut album produced by his manager and discoverer, stage and indie film actor Arnold Reyes, with the carrier single, “Di Man Lang Nagpaalam”, a song about a loved one who leaves without even saying goodbye. The touching ballad found an audience and topped several radio countdowns and sales charts nationwide, making Edward a household name. He also gained a following, called the Edward Benosa Loyal Supporters.
He is relatively young in the music business, so for him to earn those two nominations, have an album and a hit song in so short a time is nothing short of a miracle.
But winning his first award in the span of only nine months was the most memorable and incredible thing to happen to him this year.
Sometimes even he can’t believe it. The night of the award ceremony, he went there, not expecting anything. He honestly did not see himself winning because he felt he was too much of a newbie, and had no right to do so. So when his name was called, Edward was shocked, and when he got onstage, he forgot to thank so many people, including his manager.
“Di ko talaga in-expect. Sobra akong nagulat, sobrang surprised,” he says. “Kasi alam ko naman na bagong-bago ako na artist, halos nine months pa lang ako sa business, ang dami ko pang hindi nagagawa, eh ‘yung iba ang dami nang napatunayan, kaya nu’ng matawag ang pangalan ko, nagulat talaga ako.”
He is grateful, though, because winning the award definitely gave his career a big boost.
“Sa isang nagsisimula na tulad ko, o kahit sinong nagsisimula, ‘yung mabigyan ka ng Best New Artist of the Year, parang enough reason na ‘yon na ipagpatuloy mo itong ginagawa mo, na kailangan mo sundan, at ipagpatuloy ang sinimulan.”
Another achievement of Edward in 2015 was appearing in his first stage musical, Chuva Choo Choo, inspired by the music of multi-awarded songwriter and record producer Vehnee Saturno. He played the love interest of Morissette Amon and also co-starred with former Miss Saigon star and stage veteran Joanna Ampil. The musical produced by STAGES will have an extended run in mid-2016.
Being given all these opportunities to stretch himself and his craft make Edward feel that this is where he was meant to be.
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| Edward Benosa accepting his award (2015 Star Awards best new artist of the year) |
Now, he says, he is really serious about wanting to build a career as a singer, songwriter and performer.
Edward is thankful for all the blessings and breaks he’s been getting—and the timing, with the holidays just around the corner—couldn’t be better.“Napaka-gandang Christmas gift ng taon na ito, ang gandang bonus galing kay Lord,” reflects Edward.
So now, the game plan is just for him to keep moving forward. He dreams of releasing a second album, and maybe even staging a concert in 2016, as a way of giving back and thanking all his friends (he prefers not to call them ‘fans’, but friends) for their support.
There is so much ahead of him as 2016 approaches, and Edward is excited to experience everything.
