‘HINDI Ka Nag-iisa’ is the second single of 24-year-old new singer-composer Jeri Violago, who was introduced last year with his debut single, ‘Gusto Kita,’ under ABS-CBN’s Tarsier Records.

“I will be releasing more of my songs in the coming months,” Jeri granted. “I have a Tagalog song in collaboration with Jonathan Manalo in May. After that, I will come out with my original (English) song this July. I hope you will anticipate those songs and enjoy them, as well.”

The first time he heard his debut single on the radio, Jeri was simply driving and listening to the radio as he was also switching stations.

“Then I heard my song and it was surreal,” Jeri admitted. “I had to pinch myself that was happening. It was unbelievable for me. Muntik na akong mapatigil.

“I really felt great when it happened and I really felt so supported, especially when my friends sent me videos. ‘Kanta mo ‘to,’ When they hear my songs while they were in a Grab ride, they tell the driver, ‘kaibigan ko ‘yang singer na ‘yan.’

“I get thrilled when that happened. Grabe ang suporta sa akin. Related to my new single, hindi talaga ako nag-iisa.”

Veteran composer Vehnee Saturno described Jeri’s sophomore outing. “Maganda siya, detalyado,” Vehnee commented. “Pinag-isipan ng director how he executed ang cutting niya. Very happy ang dating ng music sa akin. Simple but cute.”

Vehnee added, “At the time we were recording his second single, masarap katrabaho si Jeri. He was so down-to-earth. I’m very happy to write some of the songs for him.”

Jeri, who attended an acting workshop with veteran entertainment columnist and TV talent Ogie Diaz, contributed to his growth and development as an artist.

“Simula ng mag-workshop sa akin si Jeri, hindi ko pa siya nakikita ulit,” granted Ogie. “Pero sabi ko sa kanya, kahit hindi ka mag-artista, kailangan marunong kang umarte. Para marunong kang makipag interact sa mga tao.

“Kung mag-mall show ka o mag-concert ka, lahat ng tao naka tingin sa ‘yo. So kailangan maramdaman ka nila, yung presence mo. Si Jeri naman ay masunurin.

“In fairness to him, pangarap niya talagang maka-penetrate sa music and entertainment industry kaya good luck sa kanya. Napakahirap ng industriya namin dahil ang dami-daming magkakalaban. TV and movie stars versus digital stars.

“Ano ang pagkaka-iba ni Jeri sa kanila? Siguro ang music niya dahil hindi naman lahat nakakanta at nagko-compose. ‘Yung iba nagpapa-cute lang. Sana wish ko para kay Jeri, makilala siya at sumikat siya.”

What is important is the support of Jeri’s family to his chosen career. “Ang hirap ‘pag gusto ng bata pero ayaw ng parents,” Ogie informed. “Pero mas mahirap kung gusto ng parents, ayaw ng bata.

“So dapat pareho nilang gusto. Sa nakikita ko, very supportive naman ang Violago family to Jeri’s career.”

In Jeri’s mall shows, his family shows up in full force in every venue. He has been busy the past year, going into every radio listenings, TV guestings, mall tours and school performances.

Jeri’s manager, Emy Domingo, insisted she will run out of adjectives to describe Jeri. “He is not just a singer, but a good composer, as well,” said Emy. “His third single will be his own composition.”

Ogie insisted that with the support of fans and netizens, Jeri will not lose his followers. Vehnee commits his full support to Jeri every time the young singer will be needing him.

The first time Emy was approached by Jeri’s mom, Chiqui Violago, who is her fellow member in the CWL (Catholic Women’s League) organization, she was readily asked to handle Jeri’s career.

The first thing I did was to ask Jeri if he really wanted to pursue singing professionally and enter the local entertainment industry. He told me singing is his passion.

“Magaling siyang kumanta at mag-compose,” Emy said of her 24-year-old talent. “He has that ‘it’ needed by any artist. I’m sure he will make it.”

Compared to the launch of his debut single, Gusto Kita, in June last year, Jeri is more relaxed now.

“I felt so shy and agitated then,” he recalled. “I easily got nervous when I was asked questions, but now being able to answer so many questions in my interviews numerous times, I realized the answers should really come from the heart.

“Once you become your real self, it comes naturally. I think being able to hone my craft, finding my sound and creating more and more the music that I like to make, I really am enjoying singing more.”