Chad Borja

Cebuanos certainly know how to love their own. Nearly nine years since Chad Borja first left home to record the now famous “Ikaw Lang”, the crowds fell as deep as ever under the potent spell of his voice. It is a love Chad well deserves.

This veteran of singing contests in San Carlos University (where he used to study), has since been everywhere from sleeping in a bodega in Manila for nine months, to going on nationwide tours, to recording in the U.S. with big stars like Lani Hall and Kevyn Lettau. At this point in his career, the song that he says best describes his life is “A Song For You” by the Carpenters.

His first memory of music is of his father singing the classic “Stardust” at 4 a.m. When a car accident unexpectedly took his father away from him at 13, Chad found consolation in music. He shares he is a loner. But in music, he found a way to express his emotions. That started him joining school-wide singing contests. He won some, he lost some. It was just a strong determination that kept him singing. He had fallen deeply in love with music, and by then, nothing could keep him from it.

While studying accountancy in San Carlos, he continued his music by joining a band that became a hit at local bars. Offers came to record an album and, years later; he was captivating audiences not only in Cebu and Manila but all over the country.

One of the biggest breaks in his life came while doing a show with Kuh Ledesma in the States. He was introduced to Japanese American Jazz artist Yutaka Yokokura, who offered to produce his album. It would lead him to branch off from his usual ballads to a now snappier pop jazz. And even more exciting, it gave him the chance to work with well-known artists in the jazz world.

Chad has been very successful in his singing career that for him, it’s a dream come true.

- Jeneen Garcia