In Retrospect: Bugoy Drilon Looks Back on His Decade-Long Musical Journey

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Bugoy Drilon’s rags-to-riches story seems like it was taken straight out of a movie script. From being a farmer’s son hailing from Camarines Sur and working as a university canteen janitor, to joining the reality show Pinoy Dream Academy, he remained unwavering in chasing after his ultimate dream of becoming a successful singer.

And hard work does pay off, like what the OPM act’s journey chronicles.

Since he first caught the ears and hearts of Pinoy televiewers with his audition piece -- his rendition of Guy Sebastian’s “Angels Brought Me Here” back in 2008 -- he has already gone a long way. With albums and numerous performances in and out of the country, the then 18-year-old lad has transformed to become one of the most versatile music stars today.

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On Never Giving Up

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In less than a week from now, Drilon is set to fulfill yet another wish: To star in his own major solo concert. The elegant-looking Kia Theatre will serve as an intimate venue where the proud Bicolano will recount and narrate his decade-long musical journey.

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“I think the audience will have a great time because [I will be sharing] my life’s story...This is my story, my 10 years in the industry. It will encompass my milestones and struggles, as well as the genres I’ve tried and performed throughout the years,” he shared in an interview with Wish 107.5.

Drilon admits that the past decade wasn’t an easy ride.

Like any other name in the show business, he wasn’t exempted from getting involved in rumors. Like any other star, his brilliance and sparkle were meant to wane, or be outshined by newcomers, at some point. But with a heart as determined like his, it was only a matter of never giving up.

“The past 10 years was a roller coaster ride. But at the end of the day, if you have the passion to go after your dream, you will have to fight hard for it,” he mused.

With this mantra in mind, he learned how to explore the rather broad spectrum of his artistry.

“I’ve learned a lot of things in my 10 years in the industry. I’ve learned how to enhance and hone my talent and my music; from ballad, I’ve ventured into reggae. Like what people say, ‘Don’t be contented. You always need to learn new things.’ In this industry, there are new and better talents who will surface, that’s why you have to keep honing your talent and keep being innovative.”

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On Welcoming A New Chapter

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As if on cue, his foray into a new genre has helped commence another exciting chapter in his career -- a chapter punctuated by yet another milestone.

In September 2016, Drilon boarded the Wish 107.5 Bus for the first time. Granting the requests of many of his fans, he delivered a poignant take on Matisyahu’s international smash, “One Day,” a song that has been a staple in his repertoire since he started doing reggae.

Matisyahu himself praised the viral Wishclusive performance and even invited the OPM singer to share the stage with him.

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Even though the realization of this surreal series of events only happened a year later at a concert in Los Angeles, California, Drilon’s eagerness did not waiver a bit.

“When Matisyahu invited me to perform and sing along with him, I grabbed the opportunity -- not all artists are given a chance like this. To sing on stage with him was overwhelming. People who didn’t even know me cheered. It was a great experience and I’m very thankful that I had the opportunity to show what Filipinos can do.”

The 28-year-old artist did not only share the spotlight with the American reggae star abroad. When the latter made his long-awaited Manila debut last year, Pinoy music lovers were able to witness the two’s musical rapport unfold right before their eyes.

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One Day, One Decade

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Drilon’s upcoming concert is aptly billed “BUGOY: One Day, One Decade.” The show is a fitting commemoration of an eventful decade; a celebration of a story filled with wishes coming true.

The success that the canteen janitor-turned-recording artist has been reaping came from years of prayers and perseverance. And if there’s one single lesson he’d want to take in the next chapters of his lustrous career, it would be humility.

“In my 10 years in the industry, I think the greatest lesson I’ve learned is to always keep your feet on the ground,” he remarked.

“You always have to remember the people who were with you even before you started in the industry. And as what they say, ‘The more you become successful, the more you have to become humble.’”

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Carrying the same burning desire to become a successful singer from a decade ago, Drilon sets his eyes to continue making his musical journey a legacy that people would remember him by.

“It’s hard to be remembered. But that’s the one thing that I want -- for people to remember who I am, and for people to remember my music.”

“Bugoy: One Day, One Decade” is happening on September 25, 2018 (7:30 PM PHT) at the Kia Theater. This concert is produced by Wish 107.5, with the support of its partners UNTV, Radyo La Verdad, Star Music, and Star Events. For ticket inquiries, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph.

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