About Me

I attribute my success to three elements: hard work, passion and a little bit of luck. When I first heard about Rockstar INXS, a new reality show on CBS, I decided to audition. After years of trying to make it as solo artist, I thought this opportunity might provide my big break. Well, I didn’t win the competition to be the singer for INXS…I did one better and got my very own deal with Universal Classics.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Sydney, Australia, I began playing the piano at age seven, but was quickly discouraged by my teacher, who informed me that without practice, I would never become a virtuoso. However, a chance meeting with a jazz musician opened up a world of possibilities! I was finally able to play the music I wanted, in the style I chose. I even wrote my own songs and played piano without having to perfect my Mozart! Who cares if I was never going to be a concert pianist? Stick that up your metronome, I was going to be a ROCKSTAR!

After high school, I played in a number of bands (Sohcahtoa, The Honkies, Lovetown, Randy Badass & The Slickmaster Five) while trying my hand at acting. I was only 19, but I got the chance to jet-ski through the Amsterdam canals in a TV pilot about teenage spies called Mission: Top Secret.

The acting bug took me to London for several years where I landed onstage in the lead role of Ritchie Valens in The Buddy Holly Story. I was just a kid from Sydney, but I found myself entranced by the bright lights of London, starring in the smash hit musical Rent, and playing Galileo, the lead role, in the musical We Will Rock You, based on the catalogue of glam rockers, Queen.

Despite my success on stage, I began to think that I would never achieve my true dream of fronting a band. So, I decided to take one more shot at a solo career. I rekindled my love of both writing and recording on a four-song EP that even featured Queen guitarist Brian May on one of the tracks.

It was at this time that I heard about Rockstar: INXS, a pilot centered on the Australian band's search for a new lead singer. As I was a lifelong fan of the band (which provided the soundtrack to my first kiss), I decided to make the trek from London to Los Angeles. After an exhausting round of auditions, I made the final cut and was ultimately chosen as a finalist on the show. I was the only one that made Rockstar from the UK, and the only Aussie to make the final 15.

I came into Rockstar: INXS with all guns blazing, full of bravado and confidence, and left in third place but with a Universal recording contract. My experience on Rockstar INXS was a dream come true. In fact, I often say that it was the greatest thing I will never do again.

My self-titled debut CD has finally been released in the US and Canada through Decca/Universal. It’s composed of soulful interpretations of classic rock and roll staples, including some of my favorite songs: The Police's "Wrapped Around Your Finger," The Rolling Stones' "Angie," David Bowie's "Life On Mars," and "Baby I Love Your Way," which features a guest performance by Peter Frampton himself. I have also included three original songs I wrote called "She Loved", "Could It Be" and "You And I".

Another dream came true when I got to work with two of the most incredible producers, Matthew Wilder (No Doubt, Christina Aguilera) and Rob Mathes, with string arrangements by the renowned Paul Buckmaster (Elton John, Train). I recorded the album near my new home in Los Angeles, with additional sessions done in London and New York. I still can’t believe how beautifully it turned out. It has some of the world’s greatest songs coupled with amazing arrangements and a superb sound

So, my piano teacher was actually right on two counts; I never did become a virtuoso, but the dedication he taught me did lead to success. Going out on my own as a recording artist has surpassed my wildest dreams. I finally feel like I belong, like this is what I'm meant to do in this life.

The best part? This is only the beginning…

Interests

Create a playlist with this video on imeem

Favorite Movies

THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, all STAR WARS fils, JAWS, TWELVE ANGRY MEN, AMADEUS, SCHINDLER'S LIST, INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE, WEST SIDE STORY, anything THE GODFATHER, THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy

Favorite TV Shows

24, LITTLE BRITAIN, EXTRAS, NIP/TUCK, ROCKSTAR:INXS

Favorite Books

BIOGRAPHIES, J.D. SALINGER, STEPHEN KING, JANE AUSTEN, DR. SEUSS

Journal

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SING, SINGAPORE! : Apr 25, 2008

can’t believe we are almost at the end of our time in the Lion City. It has been such a spectacular season in so many ways. The Singaporean public have embraced WE WILL ROCK YOU like nothing I’ve ever seen. The flags still fly proudly, lining the streets of this beautiful city, heralding our triumphant stay at The Esplanade. We have but four shows left, before we depart for our next destination of Hong Kong. I will never forget the warmth and enthusiasm of the Singaporean people. I have felt so welcome here, I cannot wait until I next return. I am yet to meet a rude Singaporean or one who I dislike. This is a beautiful country blessed with beautiful people.

I am so thrilled that Singapore has also embraced my solo CD project. It has been selling at every good record store and hearing my songs on the radio has been a dream come true. The fact that MTV has picked up the video for SHE LOVED has thrilled me to no end. It is as though my career is only truly starting now, and I am so grateful for the love of the people who come to the show, listen to my music, watch my videos and greet me on the streets of Singapore with always a smile and a welcoming greeting.

Thank you Singapore. You are a great way to fly. I will never forget my time with you. Let’s do this again!!

Always love,

MiG