Christian Bautista honored to write 'Ako Naman' for 'The Clash' 3 winner Jessica Villarubin
Cebu's Power Diva Jessica Villarubin is fitting to release her victory song in The Clash titled "Ako Naman" as her debut single.
It's because it's a reflection of her life which was beautifully written by Asia's Romantic Balladeer and The Clash judge Christian Bautista.
As someone who is also a product of a singing competition, Chrisitian perfectly crafted the lyrics of "Ako Naman" as he can relate to Jessica's journey.
In a Facebook post, Christian wrote, "Writing lyrics and music can be elusive for me. The words can be clear as day and yet as evasive as the wind.
"I was presented with a chance, a challenge-to pitch a finale song to be sung by the champion of GMA'7's singing contest THE CLASH.
"I knew I wanted to take this chance and challenge myself as a songwriter. I've had the words in my head from the beginning of this season's first show, and even from the beginning of my career because I too was once in their shoes.
"Most of the contestants that joined have been contestants on other shows before. With one thing in common, they have all experienced loss; and yet in 2020, amidst a pandemic; a season to retreat, there they were breaking through the pain of the past and reaching out for that elusive opportunity, to be heard once again and maybe this time, win.
"They exemplify bravery, courage, and resilience. Each Clasher has a different story, but they all share the same goal, to win. I felt as if they were all thinking, will it be my turn this time? Will fate allow me to finally have my moment? Personally, I have felt all this before. So I started writing, their story, my story, our story."
For Christian, it's both an "opportunity and honor" to be able to recognize his work as a victory song of his fellow reality show hopeful who is a breadwinner of a family of 10.
He said, "Jessica Villarubin is from Cebu. She has joined many singing contests with multiple outcomes. Even in her childhood years in Cebu she was competing with Golden Cañedo, The Clash Season 1 Champion already."
He added, "You can say she was destined for this because this time on The Clash stage, it was Jessica's turn, to win. When she did, the first word out of her mouth was: “Mama!" This win was for her mother. Their whole life will change from now on.
"When Jessica sang the song, she poured her heart into it and sang it the way a champion would--and just like that from my song, it has become her song now. All the losses are forgotten.
"Today it is her turn."
"Ako Naman" is available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music.
Listen to it here:
Jessica bested 30 other contestants and was hailed as the third The Clash grand champion last December, after Golden Cañedo and Jeremiah Tiangco.
In the final round of the competition, Jessica showed off her powerful voice as she sang Celine Dion's "I Surrender" which led her to earn a seat in the final two together with Makati's Belter Babe Jennie Gabriel among the top five contestants.
Jessica and Jennie battled it out in a one-on-one clash where Jessica sang Wency Cornejo's "Habang May Buhay" while Jennie performed Celine Dion's "All By Myself" to which judges favored Jessica over Jennie.
As grand champion, Jessica received a total prize of PhP 4 million which includes an exclusive management contract with GMA, brand new car, Php 1 million in cash, and a house and lot.
Get to know more about the Cebuana singer in this gallery: