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Jona Viray

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In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Roxas and the surname or paternal family name is Viray.

Jona
Jona in 2013
Born
Jonalyn Roxas Viray

(1989-11-15) November 15, 1989 (age 35)[1]
Marikina, Philippines[2]
Alma materUniversity of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Years active1995–present
Agent(s)Viva Artists Agency (2023–present)[3]
Musical career
OriginPio Duran, Albay, Philippines[2]
GenresPop, R&B, soul, classical
InstrumentVocals
Labels
WebsiteYouTube channel

Jonalyn Roxas Viray (born November 15, 1989), known mononymously as Jona, is a Filipino singer and songwriter.[4] She was catapulted to mainstream prominence after she emerged as the first grand champion of Pinoy Pop Superstar.

She was the lead singer of trio girl-group La Diva, alongside Maricris Garcia and Aicelle Santos following her career as a solo artist. They were chosen to sing the Philippine National Anthem at the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto boxing match in Las Vegas as well as the theme song of Philippine remake of the Mexican telenovela, Rosalinda. Following the group's disbandment and her return as a solo artist, she released her single "Help Me Get Over" which was awarded the Song of the Year Award at the 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music.[5] Jona ended her decade-long exclusivity with GMA in February 2016 and transferred to ABS-CBN, changing her screen name to Jona. On her first project in the Kapamilya Network, Jona sang "I Will Survive", the theme song of primetime drama series, We Will Survive.[6] She also sang the second version of "I'll Never Love This Way Again" from the OST soundtrack of 2016 romantic-drama film Barcelona: A Love Untold and was chosen to sing the 65th Miss Universe theme titled "Confidently Beautiful".

Throughout her career as a member of La Diva and as a solo artist, Jona has won 9 Awit Awards, Aliw Awards, PMPC Star Awards for Music and World Championship of Performing Arts. In 2018, Jona made Awit Award history as the first Filipino artist sweeping all digital categories – Most Downloaded Song for "You", Most Downloaded Artist, Most Streamed Song for "Pusong Ligaw", and Most Streamed Artist – while her self-titled album won Best-Selling Album of the Year.[7] She is known for her belting technique, melismatic singing style, and her ability to sing operatic arias.

Early life and career

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Early life

[edit]

Jonalyn Roxas Viray was born on November 15, 1989, in Marikina, Philippines. She is the only girl and the eldest of four children from Pio Duran, Albay.[1] She started joining singing contests at an early age.[8] She won first runner-up in Birit Bulilit of IBC 13 as a child[8] and one of the finalists in MTB Teen Pop Star where her winning piece was Mariah Carey's "Never Too Far".[8] Jona was 15 years old when she competed at the singing competition Pinoy Pop Superstar held by the local television station GMA Network and hosted by Regine Velasquez. Jona emerged as the weekly champion after singing the Whitney Houston hit song "Run to You". She also sang "Reflection", "I Have Nothing" and "Never Too Far" on the weeks that follow, and after four consecutive weeks of being weekly champion, she qualified to the grand finals.

For winning the title of, Jona won 1 million pesos in cash and became the owner of a Futura Classic house and lot developed by Filinvest and a brand-new Toyota Innova. She also won an exclusive one-year contract with GMA Records, the recording arm of GMA Network, and received 100,000 pesos worth of Belo Medical services, plus gift certificates worth 50,000 pesos from Gandang Ricky Reyes.[9]

Transfer to ABS-CBN

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In February 2016, Jona ended her decade of exclusivity with GMA and transferred to rival network ABS-CBN. Part of her reintroduction was the changing of her screen name to Jona. Her earliest project in the Kapamilya Network saw her competing in the 2016 edition of Himig Handog, a songwriting and music video competition and also singing "I Will Survive", the theme song of primetime drama series, We Will Survive.[6]

From then on she has sung several theme songs for ABS-CBN films and drama series, became a mainstay of the longest noontime musical variety show ASAP, released her first album under Star Music which achieved Gold and Platinum certifications, held two major concerts, and competed and won second place in Himig Handog 2017. On the 31st Awit Award, Jona won 6 awards, Most Downloaded Artist, Most Streamed Artist, Most Downloaded Song for "You", Most Streamed Song for "Pusong Ligaw", People's Voice for Favorite Collaboration for "Till the End of Time" with BoybandPH and Best Selling Album of the Year for self-titled album "Jona". Her collaboration with Regine Velasquez, "Matibay", also won Best Musical Arrangement award for composer Marvin Querido.

ASAP Birit Queens

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On May 15, 2016, ASAP launched a group called the ASAP Birit Queens. The group is composed of Jona, Morissette, Angeline Quinto and Klarisse de Guzman. The group held a concert on March 31, 2017, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The group temporarily disbanded in late 2017, but has since reunited occasionally.

Billboard Philippines

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On the launch of the Billboard Philippines, three of Jona's songs charted in Billboard Philippines Top 20: "Pusong Ligaw" and "Maghihintay Ako" charted at number 3 and number 4 respectively,[10] and "You" charted at number 9.[11]

24th ASIAN Television Awards

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Jona was called to perform for 2 Nights at the 27th Asian Television Awards when it happened for the first time in the Philippines. On the gala night, she performed a cover of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and "The Magic Flute "Queen of the Night aria" ("Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen")[12] On the artist's night, she performed "Love Don't Cost A Thing", "Into the Unknown", "Fifth Element Aria" and her own song "Till the End of Time".[13]

YouTube Music Night

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Jona was chosen by YouTube Philippines to be the first Filipina to headline the YouTube Music Night for the whole of Southeast Asia.[14][15] Jona has been called "one of the industry's top female performers and recording artists".[16]

Artistry

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Influences

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Jona has said that from childhood she has been influenced by Regine Velasquez, Céline Dion, and Mariah Carey for her musical style, and sound.[17][1][18] She also admires to Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Sam Smith.[19]

Voice and timbre

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Jona performing at the Newport Performing Arts Theater Manila in 2022

Jona has been noted for her "melismatic singing style" or use of melodic variations.[20] Her voice has been described "soulful" and "powerful".[21] She is a classically trained artist from the UST Conservatory of Music with a major in classical voice.[22] Critics often lists her among the Top Filipino singers in the world alongside music icons like Lea Salonga[23] for "her powerful vocals and her ability to convey raw emotion through her performances"[24] and has been referred to as the Philippines' "Soul Princess" for her vocal talent.[25][26][27]

Musical Style

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Love is the subject for the vast majority of Jona's music. She is also known for her power ballads which deals with themes of heartbreak, hope, and perseverance.[24]

Discography

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Main article: Jona discography

Studio albums

  • On My Own (2005)
  • Jona (2017)

Extended plays

  • Jonalyn Viray (2013)

Concerts

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List of concerts, with dates, venues and number of performances
Title Date Venue Notes
Fearless[28] February 28, 2014 Music Museum • Jona's first major concert. Guest performers includes Regine Velasquez, Kuh Ledesma and Brenan Espartinez.
Journey Into My Heart[29] November 27, 2015 • Guest performers includes Ice Seguerra, Kyla, Tres Marias, and The Angelos.
Queen of the Night: Jona[30] November 25, 2016 Kia Theater • Guest performers includes Jed Madela, Daryl Ong and Regine Velasquez.
ASAP Birit Queens[31] March 31, 2017 Mall of Asia Arena • Co-headlined with Angeline Quinto, Morissette and Klarisse de Guzman.
Prima Jona[32] November 18, 2017 The Theater at Solaire • Guest performers includes Regine Velasquez and Arman Ferrer.
The Aces[33] March 30, 2019 Smart Araneta Coliseum • Co-headlined with Lani Misalucha and Darren Espanto.

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Notes
1996 Birit Bulilit [34] Herself
2004 MTB Teen Popstar [34]
2004—2005 Pinoy Pop Superstar[34]
2005—2010 SOP[34]
2005 My Guardian Abby[34]
2006 I Luv NY[34] Jenny de Castro
2010—2013 Party Pilipinas Herself
2012 My Daddy Dearest[34] Guest Singer
2013—2015 Sunday All Stars Herself
2013 Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman Guest
Kahit Nasaan Ka Man Herself
2014 Cattleya
2015 Sarap Diva
2015—2016 Marimar Real Ate Corazón
2016–present ASAP Herself
2017 Magandang Buhay
2018 I Can See Your Voice
2023–present Tawag ng Tanghalan Hurado

Awards and nominations

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Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
World Championship of the Performing Arts 2006 Industry Award For Female Solo Won [35]
Gold Medal for Broadway Category Won [36]
Gold Medal for Original Song "Close to Where You Are" Won [35]
Gold Medal for Pop Category Won [35]
Gold Medal for R&B/Jazz Category Won [35]
Gold Medal for Variety Category Won [35]
Overall Champion Female Vocal Solo Awards

Original Category

"Close To Where You Are" Won [35]
Overall Champion Female Vocal Solo Awards

Broadway Category

Won [35]
Overall Champion Female Vocal Solo Awards

Pop Category

Won [35]
Duet: Gold Medal for Pop Category

(w/ Brenan Espartinez)

Won [35]
Duet: Gold Medal for R&B/Jazz Category

(w/ Brenan Espartinez)

Won [35]
Vocal Duet Industry Award Won [35]
Overall Champion for Duet: Broadway

Category

Won [35]
Overall Champion for Duet: Pop

Category

Won [35]
Overall Champion for Duet: Gospel Category Won [35]
22nd Awit Awards 2010 People's Choice Favorite Group Recording Artists "La Diva" Won [37]
2nd PMPC Star Awards 2010 Best Group of the Year "La Diva" Won [37]
Best Music Video of the Year "Kasiping Ka" Won [37]
23rd Aliw Awards 2010 Best Group Performance in a Concert "Only La Diva Concert" Won [37]
24th Aliw Awards 2011 Best Performance by a Female in Hotel Lounges and Bars "Jonalyn Uncovered" Won [38]
ASOP Music Festival 2013 Song of the Year "Ikaw" Won [39]
6th PMPC Star Awards 2014 Song of the Year "Help Me Get Over You" Won [40]
27th Aliw Awards 2014 Best Performance in A Concert "Fearless" Won [41]
RAWR Awards 2016 Favorite Song of the Year "I'll Never Love This Way Again" Won [42]
7th EdukCircle Awards 2017 Most Influential Female Concert Performers of the Year "Birit Queens" Won [43]
MOR 2017 Music Awards 2017 Song of the Year "Maghihintay Ako" Won [44]
FILSCAP Songwriters

Award

2017 Hall of Fame "Maghihintay Ako" Won [citation needed]
Himig Handog 2017 2017 2nd Best Song "Sampu" Won [45]
31st Awit Awards 2018 Best Performance by Female Recording Artist "Sampu" Nominated [46]
Best Collaboration "Till The End of Time ft. BoybandPh" Won [7]
Most Downloaded Song "You" Won [7]
Most Streamed Song "Pusong Ligaw" Won [7]
Best Musical Arrangement "Matibay ft. Regine Velasquez" Won [7]
Most Downloaded Artist Jona Won [7]
Most Streamed Artist Jona Won [7]
Best Selling Album of the Year "Jona" Won [7]
3rd Wish 107.5 Music Awards 2018 Ballad Song of the Year "Ano Nga Ba Tayo" Won [47]
Himig Handog 2018 2018 5th Best Song "Tinatapos Ko Na" Won [48]
Himig Handog 2018 2018 Producer's Award: Best Produced track "Tinatapos Ko Na" Won [49]
9th EdukCircle AWARDS 2019 Most Influential Performer of the Year "The ACES" Won [50]
32nd Awit Awards 2019 Best R&B Recording "Take It To Forever" Won [51]
PMPC Star Awards for Music 2019 Female Recording Artist of the Year "Ngayon at Kailanman" Nominated [52]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Jonalyn Viray Basic Info and Facts from TV Network GMA 7". GMA 7 Philippine TV Network. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
  2. ^ a b "Jonalyn Viray Basic Info from TV Network GMA 7". GMA 7 Philippine TV Network. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
  3. ^ "Will Jona Viray remain a Kapamilya now that she's with Viva Artists Agency?". LionHearTV. November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "56k". The-top-tens.com. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
  5. ^ "'My Husband's Lover' ending theme by Jonalyn Viray named Song of the Year at Star Awards". GMA News.
  6. ^ a b Anarcon, James Patrick (February 24, 2016). "Jonalyn Viray now a Kapamilya; changes screen name to Jona". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h "KZ, Gloc-9, IV of Spades Win Top Prizes at 31st Awit Awards". Inquirer.net. October 19, 2018.
  8. ^ a b c "Jonalyn Viray Singing Competitions Joined Article Source". filipinomusica.com. Archived from the original on December 26, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
  9. ^ "Jonalyn Viray Emerged as the first ever Pinoy Pop Superstar". Findarticles.com. May 11, 2005. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
  10. ^ "Billboard Philippines Launches First National Charts". Billboard. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  11. ^ "3 kanta ni Jona, kasama sa BillboardPH top 20". Philstar.com. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  12. ^ "Anggun napatulala, gustong makacollab si Jona". PH Entertainment | Philippine Entertainment. January 16, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  13. ^ ClickTheCity (January 8, 2020). "Stars of PH, Thailand, and More to Gather in Manila For Asian Television Awards". ClickTheCity. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  14. ^ Corporation, ABS-CBN. "Jona ignites the love month celebration in "YouTube Music Night's" free virtual concert | ABS-CBN Corporate". ABS-CBN. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  15. ^ "Jona Viray feels pressured being the first local artist to represent the Philippines at 'YouTube Music Night'". www.msn.com. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  16. ^ Red, Isah V. (December 12, 2015). "Jonalyn's new chapter in her career". Manila Standard. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  17. ^ Santiago, Ervin (August 5, 2016). "Flashback Friday". Bandera. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  18. ^ "Jonalyn Viray Biography, Voice, Albums". Celebrity Ring. August 22, 2008. Archived from the original on November 26, 2010. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
  19. ^ "Jonalyn singing a new tune". www.philstar.com. December 14, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  20. ^ "The soulful birit styles of Angeline, Morissette, Jona, and Klarisse known as the Birit Queens | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ent.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  21. ^ "Jona Viray, Ready To Conquer Solaire In "Prima Jona" Concert". Orange Magazine. November 13, 2017.
  22. ^ "Jona Viray sings theme song for 'The World of a Married Couple' on ABS-CBN". ABS-CBN Push.
  23. ^ "Lea Salonga named top Filipino singer of 2023". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  24. ^ a b Robinson, Simon (April 11, 2023). "20 Famous Filipino Singers - Singersroom.com". Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  25. ^ "FROM 'KONTESERA' TO MENTOR | Jona helps mold the country's next standout voices". TV5 News. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  26. ^ "Jonalyn Viray, muling bibirit sa Music Museum". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  27. ^ "Makipagkwentuhan online with Soul Princess Jonalyn Viray! | GMA Entertainment". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  28. ^ "Jonalyn Viray chooses "fearless" as title of her concert: "...kahit napagdaanan ko na malait-lait...'wag na lang pansinin and face your fears.'"". PEP.ph. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  29. ^ "Journey Into My Heart at Music Museum". www.philstar.com. November 26, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  30. ^ "Jona will be 'queen of the night' in her first concert on Nov. 25". November 21, 2016. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  31. ^ "'Birit Queens' to separate soon?". cnn. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  32. ^ "Jona returns to concert stage as 'Prima Jona'". cnn. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  33. ^ "Lani, Jona, Darren gear up for Manila leg of 'The Aces' concert". ABS-CBN News. March 12, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  34. ^ a b c d e f g "Jonalyn Viray Filmography". IMDb. August 22, 2008. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
  35. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Pinoys shine in int'l singing tilt". Philstar.com.
  36. ^ "Pinay singer wins 9 medals in WCOPA, receives recognition from hometown". GMA News Online. August 5, 2019.
  37. ^ a b c d "La Diva inspired to give more and better performances after successive awards". pep.ph.
  38. ^ "Complete list of Winners 24th ALIW AWARDS (2011)". rodmagaru. November 10, 2011.
  39. ^ "ASOP TV Grand Finals 2013 Winners". asoptv.com.
  40. ^ "Who won at the 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music". ABS-CBN News. September 15, 2014.
  41. ^ "Jed Madela wins top honor at 27th Aliw Awards; Baby Barredo, Boy Abunda, Lea Salonga & John Lesaca named Lifetime Achievement Awardees". PEP.ph.
  42. ^ "Jona Viray's 'I'll Never Love This Way Again' wins Favorite Song of the Year". lionheartv.com.
  43. ^ "7th EdukCircle Awards". edukcircle.
  44. ^ Cagape, Kristhoff (2017). "Jona, Ylona, Maymay win big at MOR Pinoy Music Awards 2017". ABS-CBN Push. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  45. ^ "Himig Handog 2017 Winners". ABS CBN Entertainment.com.
  46. ^ "FULL LIST: 31st Awit Awards Nominees". One Music PH.
  47. ^ "Full List: 3rd Wish 107.5 Music Awards Winners". Wish1075.com. January 15, 2018.
  48. ^ "Himig Handog 2018 Winners". ABS CBN.com.
  49. ^ "Himig Handog 2018 Winners". ABS CBN.com.
  50. ^ "9th EdukCircle Awards". edukcircle.
  51. ^ "OPM wins! Here is the list of winners at the 32nd Awit Awards". ph.news.yahoo.com.
  52. ^ "Nominees for 2019 Star Awards for Music". news.abs-cbn.com. October 30, 2019. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
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