Megasoft exec Aileen Choi Go says they have to get more talents since their company has 8 to 10 events every month. “Kung minsan, nauubusan kami ng artista. We got Aljun because he’s not only very talented but has a life story that can be a good inspiration to others.”
Last July, Aljun competed in the 22nd Annual World Championship of Performing Arts or WCOPA and won a total of 14 medals for singing and modeling, the most number won by a representative of Team Pilipinas. The 25-year old Aljun can sing pop, gospel, ballad, native Manobo songs and even classical songs ala-Pavarotti. His parents separated when he was just two months old and he grew up under the care of his maternal lola, Bae Agong, the leader of their tribe. “She raised other children and there were 16 of us na pinalaki niya, so I come from a very big family. I’m a prince, but not of wealth but of responsibility. Responsibilidad kong tumulong sa mga katribu ko. Lagi kong sinasabi na isa akong katutubo and I’m proud of my heritage. I want to end the discrimination against tribal people.”
As a child, Aljun had to cross two rivers just go get to his school. “To help get food for my family, I’d join singing contests and I give my prizes of cash and rice to my Lola to feed the rest of the family.”He became a scholar representing the Sibagat Elementary School in regional singing competitions. In Sibagat High School, he became an athletic scholar as a swimmer. He finished business administration at Arellano University also as a swimmer and president of their school chorale. Standing 5’10”, he joined the Mr. Philippines pageant and landed 2nd runner up before joining WCOPA where he became division champion. Also a Catholic youth leader, he will go to Thailand soon representing the Manobo tribe and his faith.
He’s open to joining showbiz. “I’d like to be a part of ‘Ang Probinsyano’,” he says. “But I’m a prince first before being a singer. God gave me the talent to sing to help others, so priority ko pa rin ang responsibilities ko to my people to help improve their lives, especially the children. Pero, siguro, puede namang pagsabayin.”
He’s so focused on his being a prince and on his career he doesn’t even have a girlfriend at the moment. “The last one was in December. Ayoko munang ma-distract sa pagkanta ko at sa responsibilidad ko sa mga katribu ko.”