After 20 years in the biz, Mark Bautista dreams of new hit song, Cinemalaya film

As a product of a singing contest, Mark Bautista found it awkward to be sitting on a judging panel.

“I was scared and shy at first—I’m not perfect. I thought I was going to be the one imparting lessons. But most of the time, I was the one who ended up learning from the contestants and my fellow judges,” Mark told the Inquirer at a recent press conference. The singer has had stints as a guest judge in talent searches like “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”

“But I’m happy to be given a chance to discover new singers, see amazing talents from different parts of the country that we can all be excited about,” the 41-year-old singer-actor added.

Because he finds himself among young, aspiring artists, he offers his critiques in a constructive and empathetic manner.

“I don’t want to be needlessly harsh with my comments, because I know what they go through during competition. Some of them lose their voice. Some of them don’t get enough sleep. The pressure before they go up onstage is immense,” he said.

That’s why Mark couldn’t be more grateful to have been surrounded by people who helped him navigate the industry during and after competing in the 2003 contest “Star for a Night,” where he finished first runner-up to Sarah Geronimo.

“I joined the contest back then so I could help my family with the cash prize. That was the goal when I was younger, but God had other plans for me,” related Mark, who ended up becoming a successful recording artist, scoring hit songs, sold-out concerts and regular spots in variety shows.

He also dabbled in acting, landing roles on TV and topbilling such movies as “Lastikman: Unang Banat” in 2004.

‘An unexpected thing’

In 2011, theater beckoned. Veteran Audie Gemora convinced him to join a local staging of “Noli Me Tangere.” Mark fell in love with the craft. After starring in the “Full Monty” in 2013, he scored one of his career’s biggest breaks—a role in the rock musical “Here Lies Love,” which had him holding court at National Theatre in London, United Kingdom.

“Theater was an unexpected thing that paved the way for success. I treasure the opportunity I had at the National Theatre. Lea Salonga once told me that people would sell their kidneys just to perform there. I was very blessed, I was lucky to be one of the few Filipino artists to perform there,” he said. “This is how I learned the value of showing up,” he added. “Sometimes, you just have to show up, so you can get noticed … so that people remember you.”

Mark never planned any of this. While he has goals, he’s not one for overplanning. He takes things as they come. That he’s lasted 20 years in the industry is unthinkable. To celebrate this milestone, Mark will hold an anniversary concert titled, “Mark My Dreams,” on Aug. 31 at The Theatre at Solaire. Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. “Everything started with a dream. I hope to inspire the audience with my journey: how I got to where I am now from my humble beginnings in my hometown in Cagayan de Oro. I had no idea I would last 20 years here in the biz,” he said. “Sometimes, what you think are your plans aren’t really for you.”

Special guests

Directed by GB Sampedro, the show will feature special guests, Arthur Nery, Rob Deniel, Katrina Velarde and Regine Velasquez. “I will talk about the dreams I have achieved, dreams that didn’t come true, new dreams I’m dreaming,” he said.

Given the chance, Mark said he would love to do a film for the Cinemalaya Film Festival. “Something that will test my acting skills,” he said. “I also want to compose songs for other artists. I want to have an original hit that I wrote myself,” he said. “I will just keep on trying because you can’t really predict what the people want. And I would enjoy myself doing it.”

There’s no secret recipe to longevity, Mark said. But two things that served him well are kindness and passion for his craft. “There are so many people who want to be part of this industry. For us who are already here, we have to treasure what we have, take care of it,” he said.

“If you don’t have the passion, you will get burned out. It’s also important that you know how to deal with people,” Mark added. “You have to strike the right balance between what you want and what’s right for you. You have to be realistic. You can’t force something that’s not for you.”