Arnel Pineda continues to build his legacy in the international music industry as front man for the legendary American rock band, Journey.
After he was discovered on YouTube singing the hits of Journey and became a singing sensation, Arnel Pineda remains grounded as evidenced by his many returning gigs in his homeland like his recent show at the Hard Rock Cafe in Manila.
Good News Pilipinas interviewed Arnel Pineda to check out why the man is a true source of Filipino Pride.
Here are just 5 of the many reasons why Arnel Pineda is a Filipino Pride Icon for our youth and people.
HE IS A CHARISMATIC STAGE PERFORMER.
Journey’s lead singer Arnel Pineda made everyone stand on their feet when he graced the stage and performed at the grand opening of Hard Rock Cafe at the Conrad Manila last April 30.
The international Filipino singing sensation wowed the guests and members of media in his performance of classic hits of Queen such as Bohemian Rhapsody.
Arnel Pineda shared in a media interview that he considered himself as a Hard Rock Cafe alumnus as he had previously performed regularly at the cafe with different bands – with 9mm from 2001 to 2002, and with Zoo from 2005 to 2007.
HE IS A HUMBLE FAN.
Filipino singer Arnel Pineda posted a video on his Instagram saying that despite being the Journey’s front man since 2017, he maintains that former Journey lead singer Steve Perry is “the only true voice of Journey.” Pineda released the video on January 22, 2019 as birthday greetings to Perry who turned 70.
HE HAS AN UPCOMING HOLLYWOOD MOVIE.
After his rise to fame was chronicled and released as a documentary in 2012, Filipino musician Arnel Pineda follows it up with a Hollywood film.
The movie will focus on Pineda’s own journey to becoming the band’s front man replacing Steve Perry.
The upcoming biopic is under the helm of Jon M. Chu, the director of the groundbreaking all-Asian-cast hit movie Crazy Rich Asians.
HE SUPPORTS FILIPINO MUSICIANS.
Arnel Pineda shared in an interview with media after his recent gig in Manila that he dedicates his upcoming Hollywood film to unknown Filipino musicians.
Pineda said, “Let’s cross our fingers. I hope it happens because I would like to dedicate this to all the unknown Filipino musicians who are losing their hopes. They thought hindi na sila magsa-succeed (they will not succeed). I think if they see this, they would feel na hindi pala masamang mag-hope (it is not hopeless) and then work hard.”
In media reports, Director Chu described the proposed Arnel Pineda biopic as “a true fairy tale and triumph of the human spirit.”
A self-confessed Journey fan, Chu expressed his excitement for the project.
“I am excited to be bringing the audience along on this incredible story with my partners at Warner Bros who have been a leading champion of diverse voices in front and behind the camera,” Chu said.
HE IS A PROUD FILIPINO.
Good News Pilipinas had the opportunity to ask the Journey lead singer what makes him proud as a Filipino.
He responded, “(As a) singer for the band Journey… because every time I go up on stage I carry our flag and I’m very proud of that I am really representing the whole country.”
Pineda also gave a message to the Filipino people and emphasized discipline as a tool for progress.
“Keep striving. Keep working hard,” the Filipino singer said.
“And sana more discipline kasi it’s what we need. We need more improvements sa sarili natin (in ourselves). We need to believe more in ourselves kasi I think we’re losing it. That’s why medyo stagnant ang pag-akyat natin (we stay still and fail to rise up).”
And to keep positive, he shared one tip: “When I’m not doing this rock and roll life with the band, I try to stay with my family.”
Send your cheers to Arnel Pineda, the Filipino Pride Icon who surely knows what is his priority!
With reports from Krizzia Nieva, Angie Quadra-Balibay
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