By Henrylito D. Tacio
“A song can be more than words and music. When sung with soul, a song carries you to another world, to a place where no matter how much pain you feel, you are never alone.”—Clay Aiken
One Sunday morning, I attended a church service at Bansalan Baptist Church. It was just another normal church service but the occasion was enlivened when one visitor was requested to do a special number before the pastor would give his message.
I really didn’t know who the singer was, but while listening to his song, I was completely mesmerized. His voice was enthralling and the way he projected himself was so professional.
I learned later that he was no extraordinary singer. He was a grand finalist in some singing competitions in the national arena. And his name is Jovany “Jojo” Satera. Now, does the name sound familiar?
Jojo, who was born in Magpet, North Cotabato, started singing at the tender age of three. As he matured, he participated in numerous singing competitions across various barangays and municipalities.
“When I was still a teenager, I took part in singing contests in distant locations. It served as an additional source of income for us. Sometimes I emerged victorious, while other times I did not. The joy I felt when sharing my talent with others was immense. Singing brings me happiness.”
Jojo was about nine years old when he began participating in singing competitions. “Initially, I did not succeed and believed I lacked talent as a singer. However, my father reassured me that I would triumph in the future, and indeed, I did.”
His father, Joseph, was the primary source of inspiration for his pursuit of a singing career, also serving as his mentor. “My father was the one who taught me to sing, although many of my siblings are also singers. My mother sings as well. However, it was my father who provided me with guidance; he would take me to the river, where I practiced vocalization and singing.”
He recounted that while at the river, he would be fully submerged except for his head. “My father encouraged me to shout and sing,” he recalled. “He also imparted various techniques, including breathing methods.”
Most of his favorite singers while growing up were foreigners: Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, and Matt Monro. Among the local artists, he considered Rey Valera and Martin Nievera as his favorites.
“I used to listen to their songs as they are great singers,” he said.
Like most singers who hailed from the provinces, Jojo faced significant challenges during his upbringing, as he was responsible for supporting his family. He is the eldest of four children. His father worked as a farmer, while his mother was a devoted homemaker, managing the household and caring for the children.
His life underwent a significant transformation upon his participation in “Tawag ng Tanghalan” (TNT), a reality singing competition television program aired by ABS-CBN. It was his family who encouraged him to take part in the TNT.
So, Jojo traveled to Davao City to audition. This was in 2016. After successfully passing the audition, he proceeded to Manila to showcase his talent. He remarked that performing in front of a live television audience was a markedly different experience compared to the provincial competitions he had previously participated in.
“Each time I entered the studio and approached the stage, I felt a wave of nervousness. However, that sensation dissipated as soon as I began to sing. It was as if my sole desire was to perform for the audience,” he said.
Jojo won and held the title of defending champion for nearly two months. In the semi-final round, he achieved the highest average score. Among the songs he sang during the competition were: “Delilah,” “One in a Million You,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Green, Green Grass of Home,” “I Who have Nothing,” and “Beautiful in my Eyes.”
During the finals, he successfully secured a position among the Top 10. “I felt immense joy, as I recognized it as a blessing from God,” he remarked regarding his status as a finalist in the TNT competition. “I give back the honor and glory to Him.”
Despite not clinching the championship, Jojo gained some valuable insights into camaraderie from the experience. “It is essential to show kindness to others and to maintain a reverent fear of God,” he stated.
TNT has played a significant role in advancing his singing career. “People recognize me now. I have participated in numerous events, and I have been able to support my family; in fact, I constructed a house for them,” he stated.
Jojo was also a grand finalist in the Galing Top 3 competition on NET-25, achieving the distinction of being the first finalist to attain the highest average score.
Previously, Jojo worked as a radio disc jockey at 105.7 JoyFm in Kidapawan City. He also served as a mentor for a talent workshop organized by the Association of Creative Artists at Felcris Centrale in Davao City.
Jojo is soon to graduate from college. Now 27, he is set to receive a diploma from Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Jojo takes great pride in being a member of an indigenous peoples’ (IP) group, identifying as 50% Bagobo-Tagabawa and 50% Bisaya. “They are proud of me and they are happy with my achievements,” he said, adding that he always carries his identity as an IP with him wherever he goes.
Looking ahead, Jojo aspires to travel abroad to work as a teacher and has ambitions to audition for “America’s Got Talent.” “I wish to bring my family to another country, but I entrust all these plans to God,” he admitted. “I am also content to be here in the Philippines. Ultimately, I will follow whatever path God has in store for me.”
As a Christian, Jojo finds that his faith supports his singing career. “Being a Christian brings me comfort, as I know God is always by my side,” he said. “He has provided me with everything I have now, and I find peace in the assurance that He will never abandon me.”
Jojo is the composer of the song “Unlad Pilipinas,” which is featured on PTV-4 every Saturday and Sunday. His repertoire also includes original songs such as “Leave it Alone,” “Isasayaw Kita,” “Tungaw,” “Gumawa ng Tama,” and “What Goes Around Comes Around.”
“Let’s continue living and pursue your dreams,” he said. “The real secret to success is that when you fail, you don’t stay there. Put God first in everything that you do.”
Jojo is married to Marby Jane Marquez Ariola, with whom he has a son, Xavier Ronen.
