After winning GMA Network’s multi-platform boy band competition To The Top, Adrian Pascual, Joshua Jacobe, Louie Pedroso, Mico Cruz, and Miko Manguba now collectively known as T.O.P (Top One Project), have a debut album under GMA Records. On May 18 at the Executive Lounge of GMA Network Center, the group faced the members of the press to announce that their freshman album is now out in the market.
“Pag-gising” is the promotional track along with four other favorites from their performances in the competition such as “Bakit Ganon,” “Alaala,” “Kaya Ko Kaya Mo,” and “Somebody.”
T.O.P. also takes prides that their first original composition “San Na” is also in the album. Having imbibed the wisdom of Ryan Cayabyab, the band is humbled to use what they have learned to bring the best out in the album.
Despite having different strengths, the five boys found their harmony in friendship and their drive to reach their dreams. Youngest member Adrian Pascual, 17, shares how fellow member Miko Manguba inspires him to sing with his heart. “Dahil po siguro ako yung pinaka-bata, sineseryoso ko po yung mga tinuturo nila sa’kin. Lalo na po si Miko, siya po yung nagtuturo sa’kin ng mga tamang techniques sa pagkanta.”
Miko M., 22, plays as the Music Man in the group who guides his band mates in their vocals and overall musicality. Although too modest to admit, Miko is considered to be the band’s leader for his mere talent and experience. “Nag-start po ako sa choir, where I acquired an ear for music. And then noong college, my brother influenced me to join an organization that also taught me how to dance.”
Twenty-year old Louie Pedroso is tagged as the bad boy in the group, thus his moniker Medyo Pilyo. Playful in his tone, he admits to have started his passion in singing to impress girls. “When I was a kid, napapanood ko sa TV na mas nagugustuhan ng mga babae yung mga lalaking marunong kumanta. But as I was growing up, hindi na yung mababaw na concept na magpasikat yung naging reason ko. It’s about sharing na what the music portrays and what you can do and to inspire others.”
On the other hand, the group’s Good Boy Mico C., 21, shares how he found his own style. “I tried everything para mahanap kung ano yung bagay sa’kin. Kasi ‘di naman pwedeng gusto ko lang, tapos hindi naman bagay sa boses ko. Nangyari naman na na-enjoy ko yung jazz, at sa tingin ko bumagay siya sa akin and I learned to love it.”
Twenty two-year old Joshua Jacobe was once an intern at GMA Records. After hearing the call for To The Top auditions, he was encouraged to try his luck and fortunately landed the top spot alongside his four “brothers.” Joshua believes that his strong vocals came from his roots as a rock band member. “Nasa underground band scene po ako noong high school. Pero sa tingin ko po, nag-evolve yun habang tumatanda po ako at mas na-appreciate ko yung iba’t ibang klase ng music until I became more comfortable with T.O.P.’s genre.”
T.O.P.’s album has been digitally released and is available for download on iTunes, Amazon, Deezer, and other digital stores nationwide. The physical album is now available at Php 199.00 in various record bars nationwide, as well as through www.Lazada.com.ph.