Mitoy’s journey

Michael “Mitoy” Yonting

The first-ever “The Voice of the Philippines” champ Michael Yonting or Mitoy has been singing all his life. His father, who sang during celebrations and played old vinyl records of Elvis Presley or Paul Anka during Mitoy’s childhood, is his inspiration.

Mitoy often sang in school for the fun of it or whenever prompted by his teachers. After graduating from high school, Mitoy wanted to become a policeman but found himself singing in a band instead.

At 20, Mitoy worked in Japan. Four hours prior to his set, Mitoy would be at the work place to wash dishes and wait on tables.

Later, Mitoy was able to sing in Malaysia, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

Indeed, he was meant to go far, literally and figuratively.

Meet the Draybers

Mitoy has been singing with the band Drayber for 15 years now. He describes his relationship with them as “anim na mag-aasawa.”

The name of the band was chosen randomly and out of necessity when they registered for the first battle of the band contest they’ve ever joined. Remembering the road trip they took en route to the venue, they named themselves so and just like that.

“Kung may konduktor doon sa sinasakyan namin baka ayon yong pangalan namin, konduktor kaso ang haba. Walang dating,” Mitoy recalled.

Draybers won and the name stuck.

The ‘Raketero’

Aside from fronting a band, Mitoy makes ends meet by joining singing competitions. For him, it was the fastest way to earn money because win or lose, a contestant gets some sort of prize. Back then, Mitoy channelled April Boy Regino and Air Supply.

In one of the competitions, Mitoy met TAPE Inc. President and CEO Tony Tuviera who offered him to join an all-male group to sing in comedy bars. It was then that Mitoy discovered his talent in comedy. This led to appearances on various TV shows and in movies.

Mitoy with his band continues to perform regularly at Resorts World Manila’s Bar 360.

King of the Kitchen

Mitoy enjoys cooking for his family and friends. He likes watching cooking shows and improvises on ingredients. His specialty dish is sinanglao, a traditional Ilocano cuisine of a soup dish made of beef innards. Although he is not Ilocano, his wife is Ilocano and Pangasinense and many of his band mates are Ilocanos.

In Retrospect

The singer considers “The Voice of the Philippines” as the hardest competition he has ever joined—and the most rewarding, obviously.

He says could not ask for more at this point.

“Kontento na ko. Kung madagdagan man eh di maganda pero kung hindi, maganda pa din.”

Mitoy’s journey

Source: Mb.com.ph (October 02, 2013 at 11:55AM)

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