The Rivermaya band is now complete as they welcome their newest
vocalist, Jayson Fernandez. The 18-year-old Bicolano won over fellow finalist Hans Dimayuga during
the grand finals of the search for the band's new member called Bagong
Liwanag. The competition was held last October 24 at the Music Museum in San Juan
City.
The finals night looked like a showdown between the two remaining finalists, Jayson and Hans. The former did a very good rendition of the Rivermaya classic "Himala" while the latter showed off his own composition, which garnered the most number of text votes and got the judges' approval for best original song.
However, it was Jayson who really got the nod of the panel of judges—composed of The Dawn's guitarist and NU 107 In the Raw host Francis Reyes, Razorback's bassist Louie Talan, and Rivermaya's co-manager, Lizza Nakpil. "It was as if he was asking the whole world for a miracle to make his dream come true," commented Francis after Jayson sang "Himala."
When it was already time to give the final decision, Jayson
dropped to the floor as Lizza announced, "I'm going for a leap of faith so,
Jayson, we love you! Welcome to Rivermaya!"
Jayson later on explained that he wanted to jump for joy, "pero nanginig
ang tuhod ko at napaupo na lang ako."
Rivermaya's drummer Mark Escueta, guitarist Mike Elgar, and bassist Japs Sergio
rushed on stage to help him to his feet and welcome him as the
newest member of the so-called "Banda ng Bayan."
The new Rivermaya vocalist gave his advice to other
aspiring musicians. "Ang gusto
ko lang paratingin sa lahat ay huwag mag-give-up sa iyong dream," Jayson
said. "May nag-text sa akin na kaibigan
na naniniwala siya na kaya kong maging part ng Rivermaya, so naglakas-loob
akong sumali. Ang sinabi ko sa sarili
ko, walang mawawala naman sa akin at kung matalo, at least may picture ako na
kasama sila."
Jayson then had his first performance with his new band mates when he sang another Rivermaya classic titled "Awit ng Kabataan." While singing, the audience greeted him with wild cheers and a standing ovation. In the middle of the song, Jayson excitedly told the crowd, "Salamat sa inyong lahat. Dati pinapanuod ko lang sila, tinitignan sila sa litrato, ngayon kasama ko na sila!"
The native of Bicol beat 13 finalists who were chosen among the 500 aspirants who came during the two-day auditions at the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus two months ago. Jayson also revealed that his mother, who is a fan of the Juan dela Cruz band, taught his first song performance "Balong Malalim."