Richard Ian Jacinto: Philippines' Jazz Debonair
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It’s not only his royal talent that made him exceptional but also his attitude and his passion for music. Surely most of the people who came to visit Enchanted Kingdom, a world-class theme park in Sta. Rosa, Laguna knows about him. But even before that, he already had TV appearances in Pilipinas Win na Win (a defunct noontime show in ABS-CBN) and in Talentadong Pinoy (a talent-search/variety show in TV5) where he was known as a young musician extraordinaire.
His Music
The sweet and vibrant sound of
saxophone together with Ian’s dynamic style and moves defines his music. His every
performance is very refreshing to watch and not to mention, sexy. It’s simply
mesmerizing. He’ll pull you towards his melody and then eventually entice you to
listen for more. There’ll be a strong yet sugary force that will drive you to a
different dimension. And then you’ll just notice yourself taking deep dreamy sighs,
feeling that special connection between you as the listener and him, the
musician.
“Music IS my life. There’s not a second of my
life that goes by where I’m not humming a tune in my head,” says Ian,
laughing when asked how he would define music.
Much
of us would be wondering why he chose the saxophone when a lot of people his
age would most likely pick up electric guitars or microphones. This young guy
chose a sophisticated instrument instead. He’s definitely a gem in this
generation.
“As a young boy, I grew up in the
States and their music is so diverse. One day, I heard a song with a saxophone
playing solo on the radio. I thought to myself, “What is this instrument?” I
was enamored by its sound; it was so different from any other instrument I’ve
ever heard. It sounded so lush, so vibrant! With that said, I chose the alto
saxophone in my beginning band class during the 7th grade in the
States.” He
explains. “It definitely means the world
to me. Without it, I’d feel kind of empty,” he added.
Given
the situation, Ian said that he would either pick the piano or the guitar as
his “partner” aside from the saxophone, “I
once studied piano as a kid, but I didn’t finish nor pursue it. That is one of
my biggest regrets in life. With piano and guitar, you can sing while
accompanying yourself; or you can go a different path and make it a solo
instrument. Both are very versatile instruments. “
But
hey, we could never tell. With Ian’s talent and perseverance, it’s never too
late for him to strum a guitar and serenade his audience. Wouldn’t it be a
dream come true not only for him but for us too?
His Passion and Journey
Nobody can question Ian’s
dedication, he practices more than one could ever imagine. Moreover, his
passion for music can be reflected through his every performance. He always
performs like it’s his last and gives his audience the feel like it’s their
first time—enchanting, fresh, and delightful.
Despite
all of that, he remains down-to-earth and modest. He even shoves the idea of labeling himself as
the Kenny G of the Philippines and didn’t let it get into his head. He’s
humbled but doesn’t mind. He also never fails to be grateful to everyone that
has helped him in his career.
“My first breakthrough for my career here in
the Philippines would definitely be when I was chosen to play alongside The
Hitmakers (Rico J. Puno, Marco Sison, Rey Valera and Nonoy Zuniga) on the
ABS-CBN noontime show called Pilipinas Win Na Win. Direk Bobot Mortiz called my
dad and asked if I was available to be a part of a big project. We gratefully
accepted!”
“From there, I can honestly say
that Rico J. Puno had the biggest role in jumpstarting my career (besides, of
course, my very own hard-working father and manager, Riki Jacinto). Tito Rico
brought me along to many of his shows, accompanying him in his hit songs and
playing along with his jokes. Talagang “Total Entertainer” siya, grabe! He also
hired me to perform every Fridays at his bar in Makati called Chico Rico
Kitchen (formerly called Bamboo Bar). All-in-all, I’ve performed there for
about a year now. Point is, he never fails to help me in my endeavors to
becoming a success. He has such a big heart, and I owe him a lot!”
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| Ian on stage with Rico J. Puno in University of Makati |
“Another milestone for me was
being able to perform regularly at the world-class theme park called Enchanted
Kingdom! I’ve gotten to know a handful of wonderful people. I don’t actually
perform alone, however. I’m paired up with my singing cousins, the trio called
The Siblings. They were the grand champions of the family-singing competition
aired on QTV11 called Fam Jam.”
Nowadays,
Ian performs along with a wonderful trio, The Marquez Siblings. It is indeed
that talent runs in the family. With this clan, we can see the world in a better
angle. They always give impressive dynamic performances together.
“I’ve been with them for more than a year
now, and we’ve all developed a bond (both on-stage and as a family) that cannot
be broken! They are all so full of energy! There’s never a dull moment around
any of them!”
In
5 years’ time Ian hopes to become a person wiser with his decisions, busier and
more independent in his life. As a performer he wanted to broaden his horizon
and try singing and acting, “Still practicing
for that, but I believe I can get there if I put my 100% into it!” Ian
said, full with enthusiasm and excitement.
His Love and Dream
When he’s asked who the people
that inspire him are, Ian just gave a wonderful smile and said, “My dad, mom, and sister! Of course, Tito
Rico, The Hitmakers and The Siblings,” then with his eyes twinkling he
said, “they make my life full of laughter
and joy.”
For sure many girls were
captivated by this young Jazz Debonair. With his looks, talents, and attitude,
surely he has a number of fangirls haha. So, I took the honor of asking Ano ba talaga [What is it really] his
status. And voila! I’m happy to announce to all women of the Philippines that
our Ian is happily… single!
Yehey!
So
there girls, application is now open. [LOL] Of course I didn’t forget to ask
the most important question next to what-is-his-status query, and that is: what
does it take to sway the heart of the
Ian Jacinto?
With
a crisp laughter he eagerly answered, “Just
be yourself! No need to be someone you’re not. Other than that, I want someone
with a big, big heart.”
Admit
it. This guy made your heart go all dreamy and soft. Well, that’s also part of
his charms. Indeed, a debonair—armed with sexy saxophone. No wonder most of his
fans were composed of beautiful girls, of all ages.
A
friend of mine once said that a person full of music in his/her life has
brilliant philosophies and inspiring stories. Well, getting to know Ian Jacinto
proved my friend right. He has a lot of great experiences to tell even in his
young age.
For sure anybody would
be inspired to strive for their dream once they’ll hear Ian’s dreams and
aspirations: “My dream is to become the
biggest name ever as a saxophonist! As for life aspirations, I want to someday
have a family of my own and pass down what my father’s taught me for all these
years.”
And
not only that, Ian also has advice to give for all those young aspirants in
music. He encourages them to feel comfortable with their own melody and find
their passion through the people who inspires them, “Don’t give up! Practice and practice, and get help from the pros
whenever the chance arises! The seasoned professionals will always have
something positive to say to young artists who are genuinely humble and willing
to learn! “
Photos by Vergel Vergel de Dios Jr. and Aimee Fosana
Arranged and edited by Isabel Laguitan
©All rights reserved 2012
