Nonoy Zuñiga and Joliane Salvado
ORIGINAL Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Nonoy Zuñiga and “The Voice Kids” alumna Jolianne Salvado have released their own version of the popular Visayan pop song, “Pero Atik Ra,” originally sung by Jacky Chang.
In a press conference at the Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu, Zuñiga told Cebu media that this is his first time to record a Cebuano song.
“We tried looking for a good song para maging duet and we came up with this,” he said.
Zuñiga admitted that he recorded the Visayan pop song as he also thought of working on a Visayan album.
“I’ve been in the business since 1981. Matagal na ‘eh and it’s always Tagalog and English (songs). Wala bang iba? How about Spanish? I thought of Pilita Corales. She (Pilita) has Spanish, Visayan, Tagalog, and English (songs),” he added.
He said he also wanted to promote Visayan songs as he recognized his Visayan roots since his mother is a Waray, a native of Samar province.
Until he came here in Cebu because of other business ventures, he tried searching for a nice song and came across of Jacky Chang’s “Pero Atik Ra” which became a hit since 2016.
“Merong Visayan Pop and Cebu Pop Music Festival ang Cebu. Yearly ‘yun at ang daming songs. We are wondering, where are all the songs? Sana umabot sa Manila and other parts (of the country),” he added.
Another reason why he wants to promote Visayan songs because he believes in the talent of the Cebuanos and what they can offer to a wider market.
“It is just a matter of promoting it and breaking it into a larger market. There were old Cebuano songs like ‘Usahay,’ and ‘Matud Nila.’ Kay tagal na nun, mga 1950s, 1960s pa ‘yun ‘eh. From there, after those, songs wala ng Cebuano or Bisaya songs.”
Duet with Jolianne
Zuñiga described his singing partner, Salvado as a talented young lady.
“I am really impressed because at the very young age she has a beautiful voice and style. I think she does not know it yet.
Maganda ang boses mo ‘ah,” he told the 14-year-old Cebuana singer.
“She is going to develop that voice. Years from now sobrang galing na ‘to. She is doing more vocal lessons in Manila,” he added.
Salvado earned a name in the industry after being part of “The Voice Kids” in 2015 under coach and Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo.
She also served as a front act in several concerts by Manila artists in Cebu, such as Ian Veneracion and Jed Madela, and even international singing duo, Air Supply.
“Prior to the duet I actually worked with him in concerts. Sometimes I’d forget he is an OPM icon because I am so at home with him. He is like a friend to me. Working with him is great. I don’t feel so scared,” Salvado said.
The song’s official music video has already been uploaded on YouTube.
It features Cebuano actors Dan Sy Lopez and Shawna Irizari and was edited by Crisanto Etorma of Campo Santo Design Studio.
The duet version of “Pero Atik Ra” is available for download via Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Google Play, and Amazon.