MimaiScribbles

For Kagay-anon artist David Mercado, the year 2020 was all about blessings in disguise. True, the pandemic took us out of our comfort zones and forced us to adapt to the new normal. But for David, these changes paved the way for opportunities that allowed people to discover his world-class talent.

I’ve known David since 2013. The first time we met was when we worked together in a special show for the group “Pagbantog Kagayan.” He was one of the performers in the show. He was also one of my actors for “The Vagina Monologues/A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer.” I was amazed at his passion and dedication to his craft, and his versatility as a performer impressed me.

On August 20, David will get the spotlight he so deserves as he releases “Sweet Lips”, the first track of his much awaited EP Secrets Revealed. Produced by Swedish producer Omkast , the Extended Play has three original songs plus one bonus acoustic version of one of the tracks. It is David’s first album.

Before 2020

Kirt David Bravo Mercado has been performing ever since he can remember. He joined and won several singing competitions, but his professional career started in 2006 when he co-hosted the 2006-2007 edition of Mindanao Pop Idol. The show was aired in a local channel here in Cagayan de Oro.

In 2008, David auditioned for GMA’s Pinoy Idol, a franchise of the globally popular American Idol. He passed the nationwide auditions and was the last remaining Mindanaoan auditionee before the top 24 contestants were chosen.

More determined than ever, David auditioned for the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in 2009 and was chosen as part of Team Philippines. He was supposed to represent the country in Hollywood, California with fellow artists Oreo Vamenta and Rhap Salazar. David wasn’t able to join the team because of problems with his U.S. visa.

Ten years later, David auditioned again for the World Championships of Performing Arts and he was chosen as one of the Filipino artists for the 2019 WCOPA international talent Olympics in Long Beach, California. David brought home multiple awards: four (4) gold medals, one (1) silver medal, two (2) bronze medals, and three (3) division champion plaques.  

From then on, David’s star continued to rise. The Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board sent him as one of the country’s delegates to several renowned events, including the Philippine Business Mission to North China, Busan International Trade Fair in Korea, and the 2020 ASEAN Travel Forum in Brunei.

Himig Handog

Last year, David joined “Himig Handog,” one of the country’s largest and most respected songwriting competitions. Two of his entries made it to the Top 800. It was the first time for David to have any entry recognized. Then, as the competition progressed, his composition “Kahit Kunwari Man Lang” was shortlisted to be part of the Top 12 grand finalists. Interpreted by popular artists Moira dela Torre and Agsunta, the song was awarded the “Most Streamed Song Award,” with more than 12 million overall streams.  

Secrets Revealed

David went through a lot of ups and downs before reaching the success he now enjoys. With the release of Secrets Revealed, he is guaranteed to hog the limelight again, this time through beautiful stories that he wove into heartfelt songs. What secrets do you think will be revealed in the songs? Your guess is as good as mine!

Be one of the first to discover David’s secrets on August 20. Follow his social media channels and find out how you can get a copy of/listen to Secrets Reveled.

Listen to David on Spotify, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram. David is also on Sessions Live.

David Mercado is a member of the CDO-based non-profit talent organization DreamBoard Artists. He is also a sough after events host, speaker, and mentor.

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