Wazzup Pilipinas!
Acoustic guitar-flavored pop music acts are a dime-a-dozen. But every now and then, somebody new comes along who just coaxes you with the easiest melodies and the catchiest of original songs.
Say hello then to Kito Romualdez.
This singer-songwriter is originally a native of San Juan, Manila. But he's lived most of his young life in Canada. Now that he's back in the land of his birth, all he wants to do is sing you his songs. His musical influences are John Mayer, Jason Mraz, John Legend, Alicia Keys and a few more choice singers. The common denominator here is that he's into artists who write their own songs.
Maybe that's why Kito is into creating his own material. In fact, the first track off his self-titled debut is a self-penned tune. And incidentally, it's also one of the best tracks in his album.
An imaginitive piece of pop writing, “Ready Ka Na Ba?” is a call to action as Kito asks, are you ready to be in a relationship? It's plain as day as Kito sings “ready ka na ba lumipad, sumayaw at umikot-ikot sa mundong kong ito? ready ka na ba magsaya, kumanta sa mundong nakakahilo?” It's obvious what Kito's asking---are you ready for the rollercoaster ride of love?---It's exciting and nerve-wracking for sure. But you're assured here as Kito ends that little verse with “kapit lang, andito ako.” Coupled with a head-bobbing melody that you can't escape, “Ready Ka Na Ba?” is an excellent way to start an album.