To hear a performer who made it gratuitously giving back warms the soul. But to know that a singer does it from way back doing the daily grind to debuting as a solo recording artist is a touching tale with added pinch to the heart. It is a blue chip testament to a man’s generosity.
That man is Julius Cawaling who at least to the TV viewing public is best known for having made it to the final four of It’s Showtime’s “Tawag Ng Tanghalan Season 3” and its “All-Star Grand Resbak” showcase. His gift goes beyond his rendition of Guy Sebastian’s “Angels Brought Me Here” that had tallied more than a million views on YouTube. He’s one who knows that giving is sharing part of whatever you have.
While serving as frontman for a hardworking band called Arpie and D’ Multivitamins, he likewise plays a crucial role for Feed Hungry Minds — an NGO committed to donating part of the band’s earnings to people who need assistance. He even goes to some far places to hand over relief goods to their recipients.
“Priceless ang makatulong while privileged yung being able to do what you love,” expressed the perennial contest finalist who also made it to the last round of GMA-7 show Wowowin’s “Will To Win and Karaoke Pinas.”
He’d been around, being a one-time Birit King contender in Eat Bulaga and a weekly champion of Bagong Kampeon and Tanghalan ng Kampeon back in the 1990s. It’s never too late though for a guy with a big heart.
Just recently he was signed by the rising talent stable RJA Productions LLC and released his debut digital single “Ikaw Pa Rin” last Friday (July 23). The power ballad, its official lyric video now also on YouTube, has a chorus that stays long in the ears along with his moving voice. It was penned by Ireland-based Filipino songwriter Nathaniel Cabañero whom he has musically collaborated with for quite some time.
Nathaniel’s view of his vocal character says a lot about the appeal of his range: “Para sa akin, ‘yung boses ni Julius ay napaka-unique and sounds like a combination of the voices of Ariel Rivera and Gary Valenciano.”
Interestingly, Julius joined a Martin Nievera sing-alike competition back in MTB noontime show which should strengthen his case as a voice that knows how to reach out to listeners with sincerity and soulfulness.
The veteran songwriter makes use of his home music studio to work with partner artists like Julius. He found the man’s journey so inspiring that he even completed a song inspired by his ascent from a dedicated showband singer to a viral act.
“Sobrang laki ng nagawa sa akin ng TNT stint ko. It was a hard climb to make it to the last stage and it was really worth it,” expressed the kind-hearted fellow who has since paid it forward consistently on the right note.