It’s easy to spot talent when you come across one, and Gello Marquez is definitely a fine example of someone who can stand out when he starts belting out a few notes and telling stories through a song.
Even award-winning composer Jonathan Manalo lauds Gello’s strength as a balladeer citing that he immediately recognized his potential as a recording artist.
“It’s unmistakable because he displayed clarity in his artistic choices and the direction he wished to take with his music. He took a hands-on approach in selecting songs and guiding the arrangement process, a critical aspect for an artist’s long-term success,” the composer said.
“His confidence and innate charm were immediately apparent. When he sings, smiles naturally follow, and his wit and engaging personality set him apart from other balladeers. That’s one of Gello’s distinct advantages – his unique personality,” he added.
The young singer proved this once again when his debut album under Star Music was recently launched. Indeed, the Idol Philippines season 1 alumnus is more than ready to serenade music listeners.
“It’s pressuring in a way because while others release only singles, they believed in me enough to give me my own album. They took a risk and believed in my talent,” Gello told Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview.
“I used to just dream of having my own songs, but now they’ve given me an album. It’s extremely overwhelming for me that all of this is happening,” Gello added.
The album has seven songs; they picked five songs for the album, and the other two were specifically created for him. The songs include “Hanap Kong Baby,” “Kumot At Unan,” “Duda-duda,” “Kaibigan,” “Teddy Bear,” “Torpe,” and his first single “Penpen” released last month. The easy listening tracks were chosen based on his affinity for old songs.
“It’s a modernized version of old songs kasi sobrang love ko yung mga lumang kanta,” said Gello on his album.
The young actor-singer, previously seen in He’s Into Her and Love Bites, compares love to a game of hiding feelings and trying to find it in “Penpen.” Inspired by the Filipino game “Penpen de Sarapen,” “Penpen” was composed by Allan G. Alveyra Jr. and Karl James Fabregas.
Gello also previously released the music video for “Penpen,” which features a love triangle between him, BGYO member Akira Morishita, and former Pinoy Big Brother Otso housemate Ashley del Mundo.