Artist Spotlight: Vhen Bautista (a.k.a Chino Romero)
Vhen Bautista performs “Sana Ngayong Pasko” in “A Joyous Christmas With FASO” at White Memorial Church, in Los Angeles, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. (Photo/Rick Gavino)
On Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., we'll be celebrating the holidays at White Memorial Church in "A Joyous Christmas With FASO!" That evening, we'll be showcasing amazing talent from our community. So we'd like to introduce you to some of our featured artists before then. Vocalist and composer, Vhen Bautista, a.k.a. Chino Romero, kicks off this round of our spotlight series!
1. Vhen is a social media phenomenon.
Vhen's over 650 thousand (!) Facebook, YouTube and Smule followers know him as Chino Romero. And the Gawad Amerika Foundation crowned him Pinoy Smule King in 2018. Listen to one of the Smule hits that earned him his title.
2. He’s the pride of Ilocanos everywhere.
Vhen's been given the titles of “International Ilocano Balladeer” and “Prince of Ilocano Songs.” He's recorded thousands of Ilocano songs, and popularized Boy Christopher's composition "Walang Ibang Mahal" and Aaron Paul Del Rosario's "Maling Akala."
3. He’s an Awit Award Winner.
Vhen's vocal and songwriting chops have earned him Awit Awards! He won two Awit Awards for Best Regional Recording for his songs "Kantaanka" and "Kaasi a Puso!"
4. Singing runs in the family!
Does Vhen's last name sound familiar, kababayans? His daughter and fellow vocalist Mikaela Bautista performed with us in FASO Goes Pops, Holiday Pops, FASO@10, and A Summer Symphony! And you'll get to hear her again at our upcoming holiday concert. Here's a throwback to her FASO Goes Pops performance back in 2015. The apple definitely doesn't fall far from the tree.
Psst. Vhen even wrote this sweet song about his daughter, which she covered!
5. Check out Vhen’s latest album!
Vhen's latest Ilocano album, “Pakalaglagipan Kenka Nanang,” is a lovely tribute to his mother. It features both Mikaela and his son Keanu! You can give this album a listen on Spotify and on other major music streaming services.
Or you can watch Vhen sing live on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.! Tickets for “A Joyous Christmas With FASO” are available here and are priced at $25, $45, $55, and $65.