It was eight months ago when Sparkle charmer Kim Perez turned into a full-fledged singer with his debut single “Huling Hinto.” Just this April, the Bulacan-born artist released his second single under GMA Playlist in “Wag Nang Mangamba” –  a piece about finding peace amid anxiety. 

In an interview with GMA Regional TV News, Kim, 27, shared insights on how he overcomes anxiety, how being an actor helps in internalizing song lyrics, and what helps to stay grounded in show business.

RTV News: As a singer, do you have any particular routine or creative process to get into that emotional groove when feeling and expressing the emotions of your song?

Kim: May part as an actor na parte ng pagiging singer, kasi as an actor may mga emotion akong kayang puntahan, naacquire ko through workshops. Same thing sa pagkanta, yun yung natutunan ko kay Ms. Bambi– yung una kong vocal coach, Yun yung parang edge na actor tapos singer ka, may mga part don [na emotions] na kaya mong puntahan, may iba’t ibang napupuntahang emotion. 

Different sila, pero yun yung most similar between being an actor and being a singer. Once na alam mo na puntahan ang emosyon na yun. For me, yun yung preparation ko, yung imagination.

RTVN: What for you is more challenging, working on a script for television acting or feeling the emotions of your song’s lyrics?

Kim: As an actor ok ako sa script, pero minsan talaga sa pagkanta nagsstumble ako sa lyrics. Siguro napapangunahan ako ng kaba kasi live performance, kesa sa pag-arte. Sa pag-arte kasi pag nagkamali ka, pwede mo i-cut, unlike sa pagkanta… siguro may kaba pag live, yun yung challenging.

RTVN: What is your personal message and advice to people experiencing isolation and having feelings of aloneness? 

Kim: Yung song na to, pwede ko to i-relate hindi lang sa relationship, pero sa daily life kasi lahat naman tayo dumadaan sa ganitong state, naa-anxiety tayo. It is a reminder to ourselves and loved ones na hindi tayo nag-iisa. You can make it through. Wag mo sarilinin ang problema mo, and I think yun yung part na makakarelate ang kahit sino. From the title itself, wag nang mangamba.

RTVN: As someone in show business, where spotlight and exposure are a required aspect of daily life, how do you maintain sincerity and stay grounded?

Kim: As an actor, ayun din sa tingin ko yung edge ko, relatable ako, galing ako from humble beginnings. Nagiging grounded din ako kasi ito yung core value na tinuro sa akin ng parents ko, and sinabi din sa bible, lalo nung nabubuhay pa yung father ko– pastor kasi yung father ko– yung reminder na hindi ko malilimutan: ‘ang taong nagmamataas, ay ibinibagsak, ang taong nagpapakumbaba ay itinataas.’

Ayun yung nagpapa-stay grounded sa akin, yung core values ko kini-keep ko pa rin at ino-honor ko. Kagaya rin ng tinuro sa amin sa workshop eh, sabi ni Ms. Ana [Feleo], ‘kung gusto mo maging good actor, maging mabuting tao ka.’ Dun pa lang sa word na pagiging ‘mabuting’ tao, makakarelate ka sa bawat isa, tataas ang empathy mo, mas maintindihan mo sila. I think yuny ung way ko para manatiling grounded in this industry.

RTVN: What is your advice to people experiencing deep anxiety and feelings of aloneness?

Kim: Ang anxiety kasi normal na sa life yan, like uncertainties, even me nakaka-experience ng ganyan, lahat naman siguro nakaka-experience nito. Ang way ko to overcome anxiety and uncertainties is through taking action, nag-iisip ako ng solution agad. Sa industry na ‘to, may uncertainties like what’s next na sakin, after 2 years, 5 years– that’s why pinagsabay ko yung school at career ko ngayon. Instead na parang yung mind mo malunod sa anxiety, keep it busy. Take action, make a solution. Instead na mabuhay ka at malugmok ka sa part na yun. Mag-isip tayo ng solution.

"Wag Nang Mangamba” is now available on major streaming platforms worldwide.