There is no Filipino here and abroad who doesn’t know the popular viral hit song Pinoy Ako of the Pinoy Big Brother show that is now on its 10th season.

It’s a feel-good song with a dance step that is now a part of all Filipino celebrations.

It was hitmaker “Mr. Music” Jonathan Manalo who wrote and produced this song, done in his capacity as creative director of ABS-CBN Music.

“I love being able to write the songs that make a lot of people sing along to,” Jonathan said when asked about what he considers as one of his major achievements in his two decades in the industry.

Last year, he was awarded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as one of the Ten Outstanding Music Artists in the last decade.

“Mr. Music” also feels privileged that in his place in the music industry, he is able to work with everyone from the iconic legends to the most promising new and upcoming artists.

Jonathan is certainly at the top of his game being the most streamed Filipino songwriter & record producer with the most number of multi-platinum album certifications of all time in the Philippine music industry. He is also the most awarded Filipino songwriter and record producer.

He attributes his longevity to his strong faith.

Jonathan’s message to those who aspire to be like him is: “Don’t lose the fire. It’s your passion that’s going to keep you consistently fired up to become the best that you can be. Equip yourself, learn everything that you can to hone your craft.”

He also said that success is attributed to this equation — 50% talent and 50% character.

Jonathan rose from the ranks. He remained consistent and his staying power can be attributed, he said, to strength of character.

Apart from his professional role in the Kapamilya network, independently he is a multi-awarded songwriter, composer, arranger and record producer.

He was the grand prize winner of the 2001 Himig Handog Song Fest for the song Tara Tena and also a winner of the 2003 Metropop Song Festival by GMA- 7.

He has produced & released more than 200 albums for various artists with 75 multi-platinum and 100 gold PARI certifications.

He is the creative mind behind key albums and full discographies of artists like Erik Santos, Kyla, Charice, Piolo Pascual, Juris, Toni Gonzaga, Jed Madela, KZ Tandingan, Inigo Pascual, Yeng Constantino and Moira de la Torre.

He has released more than 300 recordings of his compositions. Some of his notable Pop hits are Pinoy Big Brother’s theme Pinoy Ako, Gary Valenciano’s Ililigtas Ka Niya, Aiza Seguerra’s Para Lang Sa ’Yo, Itchyworms’ Kabataang Pinoy, Piolo Pascual and Sarah Geronimo’s Paano Ba Ang Magmahal and Angeline Quinto’s Patuloy Ang Pangarap.

He has also produced more than 100 TV & movie soundtracks & theme songs, most recent of which is the theme song of the breakout series He’s Into Her interpreted by BGYO that was awarded the Best National Song in the Asian Academy Creative Awards.

He is also the recipient of more than 200 awards and nomimations from Awit Awards, Katha Music Awards, Star Awards for Music, Metro Manila Film Festival, Catholic Mass Media Awards, New York Festivals, Walk On Water Awards and more.

Asked what is up next for him, Jonathan excitedly announced his co-ownership of the Academy of Rock Philippines franchise in the country with founder, Singaporean businesswoman Priscila Teo-Lim, Artist On A Mission Kristine Lim, Record Producer Rox Santos, businessman Junior Gan and actors Enchong Dee and Joshua Garcia.

It is located at 19 Scout Borromeo in Quezon City.

Secondly, he remains actively working on various passion projects including an all-star 20th anniversary double-album and a musical series titled Lyric & Beat.

Currently, he is planning an anniversary concert in October and is doing a project with missionary visual artist Kristine Lim.

Asked what he is most grateful for, Jonathan replied God’s never-ending provisions, his talent and his loving family.