Morissette Amon
One positive thing that this lockdown season brought for me was more time on the internet doing updates and research. There I found a wonderful discovery – the newest social media viral sensation coming from the Philippines – Morisette Amon - courtesy of her hit song “Akin Ka Na Lang”.
Morissette Amon is a 24-year-old Cebuana who first came into the limelight at age 14 when she finished runner-up on TV 5’s Star Factor. This led to her first theatre performance Disney’s Camp Rock mounted by Repertory Philippines. In 2013, she competed in the first season of ABS CBN’s “The Voice of the Philippines" where she became part of Sarah Geronimo’s team. The following year, she became a recording artist under Star Records.
In September that same year, Morissette performed in the finals of the Philippine’s most popular song writing and music video competition, “Himig Handog Pop Love Songs” where she interpreted the song “Akin Ka Na Lang” written by Francis Louis “Kiko” Salazar. This song later on became part of her eponymous debut album.
Although “Akin Ka Na Lang” did not place in the competition where it was written for, thanks to Morrisette’s unique interpretation and powerful voice, it is now one of the most celebrated songs boasting reaction videos and covers on YouTube.
On February 7, 2018, Morissette, Asia’s Phoenix Diva sang her 2014 song on the Wish 107.5 bus for the radio’s online show uploaded on YouTube.
Morissette performs "Akin Ka Na Lang" LIVE on Wish 107.5 Bus
Two years later and more than 106 million views, it’s now one of the most watched video which spawned several more YouTube videos:
Foreigners Singing “Akin Ka Na Lang” by Morissette
587,530 views
March 28, 2019
Singers attempting to sing Akin Ka na Lang
216,547 views
August 28, 2019
And loads of reaction videos summarised in a two-part reaction video from vloggers and vocal coaches around the world including Australia’s “Asians Down Under” and “Rise Academy of Music.”
ASIANS DOWN UNDER
V2,544,283 views
Mar 22, 2018
RISE ACADEMY OF MUSIC
51,932 views
Premiered Feb 15, 2020
The Australian Filipina (AF) interviewed* Morissette Amon to ask about her social media success:
AF: Do you know that your song "Akin Ka Na Lang" has been sung worldwide by different foreign singers?
MA: Yes, I am aware, and I am truly grateful for the recognition this OPM song has been getting not just in the Philippines but all over the world.
AF: What can you say to all these people who have been doing covers of your song?
MA: I want to thank all of you out there for your love and support for 'Akin Ka Na Lang' and for generously and passionately sharing each of your beautiful renditions! The song has now become so much more special knowing the many lives it has touched, and that we all share this beautiful masterpiece. Maraming salamat po!
AF: Do you have a favourite among all the covers that you've heard?
MA: I think the ones that really catch my attention are those who sung it in their own language/s, and those who added their different flavour to the song.
AF: What do you feel about the reaction videos that you're getting from voice coaches all over the world?
MA: I have seen a couple, and I just can't help but smile. I am humbled by the appreciation given by these professionals towards my performances.
AF: You are now considered to be one of the biggest voices of Asia (and the world). What can you say about that?
MA: Wow, I am flattered and humbled, and my gratitude just continues to flow. It is indeed an honour to have this recognition, but at the same time I also just want to bring all the glory back to our Lord who has blessed and continues to bless me with this gift.
AF: What can the world look forward to in the near future? Do you have plans to do concerts overseas?
MA: When this pandemic is over, I am definitely looking forward to traveling again, and of course that includes going back to doing shows wherever I'm brought to. But at the moment, I'm currently working on online content and music for everyone to hopefully enjoy during this lockdown.
Also, we're looking into my 10th Anniversary in the industry, so surely there'll be surprises in store, too.
AF: If there is one song that you'd like to sing to everyone to help them through this pandemic, what would it be?
MA: 'Healing" by Denice Williams. A message relevant not only during this pandemic but for every season, and one that we should never forget... Our problems may seem great, but our Lord and His love are greater.
To date, Morissette has already performed with a number of international artists including Australian singing star Rick Price, A1 (and a special Christmas song with the group’s Ben Adams), Jessie J and Jessica Sanchez.
You can catch more of her songs on YouTube including a reaction and review by Demi Lovato for Morissette’s version of “Stone Cold.”
We here at the Australian Filipina are wishing you a fabulous 10th Anniversary celebration, Asia’s Phoenix Diva, Morissette Amon! Congratulations!
* The Australian Filipina would like to thank Stages, Morrissette Amon's management company, and Stages' David Cosico for connecting us with Morrissette for this special interview.