Khimo prepares for first major concert
EVERSINCE Idol Philippines Season 2 grand winner Khimo Gumatay or simply known as Khimo, was proclaimed winner in the singing competition in 2022, he never had a major concert that showcased what he has to offer.
“It has been two years since Idol Philippines and I’m still beyond grateful dahil kasama ko pa rin kayo,” Khimo said, expressing his sincere appreciation for his fans and supporters.
“Idol Philippines became my identity as a singer as well as my bread and butter. The victory opened a lot of doors for me. That gave me recognition as a singer who merely aspired to perform before a lot of people.”
The ideal time is now that Khimo is ready to mount the stage for his solo concert, KH1MO: Emerge, Energize, Elevate, slated for October 25 (Friday), 8:30 p.m., the second anniversary of Khimo’s winning moment when he bagged the Idol Philippines Season 2 trophy, cash prize, house and lot and other prizes. Season 1 grand winner was Zephanie Dimaranan.
Khimo’s concert promises to be a celebration of music, passion and growth reflecting his remarkable journey since his victory on Idol Philippines.
Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, a mentor and judge at Idol Philippines and a staunch supporter of the young singer songwriter, described him as a “singer who knows how to play their cards, how to hit the high notes and charm his audience.”
Joining Khimo onstage is a stellar line up of guests that include Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets grand champions JM de la Cerna and Marielle Montellano (JMielle), the Elvis Presley of Japan Douglas Masuda and Manila Band lead singer Joey San Andres.
Khimo’s guests, all talented performers, will add their unique flair to the evening, making it a memorable event for fans of all ages.
Together with concert director Carlo Jan Landrito and musical director Elmer Blancaflor, Khimo, who turned 25 last September, ensures the audience an exhilarating experience full of singing, dancing and an unforgettable night of energy, inspiration and soulful performance.
Tagged as the Bruno Mars of the Philippines, Khimo started singing when he was only five years young. The middle child in a brood of three, he took the music genes from his father, who was previously with the Singing Cooks and Waiters at Barrio Fiesta.
The dad performed in the branches in Makati, Roxas Boulevard and SM Megamall. “From time to time, my dad would bring us along in his job, so I really learned how to sing,” Khimo shared.
“That was where we all got our fascination towards music.
“We were encouraged to try singing at a young age. As time went by, my talent was developed since our household often had people who sang and performed.”
While Khimo was growing up, he often heard the songs of Martin (Nievera), Gary (Valenciano), Ogie (Alcasid). He and his siblings adapted the flair for performing.
Surprisingly, Khimo was not prepared for the entertainment scene. “It was our youngest (brother) who was being pushed by my parents to really pursue singing,” Khimo offered. “I was set to pursue military service. I was mentally and physically prepared.
“That was in my mind, but it was my sister who joined the military as active member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). I pursued showbiz. I think God led us respectively to those purpose.”
Khimo graduated from University of Makati, where he earned a scholarship to finish college taking up Political Science Major in Paralegal Studies. He earlier set his sights to becoming a lawyer.
“That’s why I took up Political Science because we study basic law, the Philippines, in general,” he explained. “It’s not too late to still take the bar exams. I’m still enjoying the moment of my winning and victory. I love what has been happening to my career lately.
“I enjoy the full support of my family, friends and all my supporters. That is a huge blessing. I will give being a lawyer enough time. It’s not yet too late. I am still enjoying the moment. I’m still on a mission to fulfill my dreams. I still manage it.
“I want to be prepared for law school. I will save for law school so I am mentally, physically and financially prepared. I am grateful for everything happening to my career and the support of fans. But I’m still on a mission to join the military service later on.”
Gary Valenciano, who mentored and supervised Khimo in Idol Philippines, was someone the latter looked up to. “He’s one of my biggest influences,” said Khimo about Gary. “He is my idol since I was young. I love performing his music.”
Gary’s ballad, Di Na Natuto, is Khimo’s favorite song, as well as Gary’s dance hit, Hataw Na, which Khimo loves to groove to. He writes his own music, which are now under Star Music and carried on Spotify, too.
“Sir Jonathan Manalo helps me to flourish the songs that I write,” Khimo said. “Nasunog is all about heartbreak. The second one is Happy Ending, about the girl I was with way back. I had a long distance relationship (LDR) but didn’t push through.”
When he was a second year college student, Khimo joined Tawag ng Tanghalan in 2019, but merely went as far as the daily rounds without much luck.
He did not intend to really join Idol Philippines. In 2021, he earlier joined an international online singing contest on Instagram hosted by Wayna Morris, one of the members of Boyz II Men. He competed for almost five months.
Out of 200 contestants from all over the world, Khimo was the only Filipino who got in and landed on Top 6, where the rest who made it were African-Americans. They rendered soul, R&B tunes organically coming from the young artists.
The second in a brood of three children, Khimo’s parents are Rudy and Marie, who have been married for 28 years now. He has an older sister, who joined the military and a younger brother. All of them are singing, too.
For this year’s Himig Handog song competition, Khimo will interpret the song given to him by Kevin Yadao, who wrote the piece, Ghostwriter. The finals will be in November. Other interpreters are Johnoy Danao and Moira de la Torre.
“For me, singing the song of others is like wearing a mask,” said Khimo. “I needed to find out the real meaning of Ghostwriter from the composer. He’s someone ghosting. That best describes what someone is doing in a relationship.”
