MY JOURNEY— A Story of Persistence, Passion, and Purpose by Esay Belanio

ESSAY BELANIO

My name is Esay Belanio, and my journey is one of passion, resilience, and an unshakable belief that dreams are built through perseverance. It all began in Iloilo City, a place where love, family, and community shaped me into who I am today. From a young age, I felt the pull of music in my soul. Whether it was humming along to a tune or writing my first song, music was my way of expressing myself. But even as I dreamed of sharing my voice with the world, I faced the harsh reality that success in this industry doesn’t come easily.

I’ve had my share of setbacks, moments where I doubted myself, and times when it seemed like the dream was slipping further away. But I always remembered the words that guided me: “Nothing ever comes easy in life, you just have to rest but never stop.” Those words, shared with me by a mentor who believed in me when I was still finding my way, have been my constant source of strength. I’ve learned that success isn’t about rushing to the finish line—it’s about taking each step, no matter how challenging, with faith and determination.

One of the most transformative milestones in my journey was becoming a Top 20 finalist on Idol Philippines. That experience was not just about being recognized—it was about realizing that I had a voice that could connect with others. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where doors began to open. And as they did, I was met with incredible support from people who believed in me, including my family, my friends, and my ever-growing community of supporters.

I was fortunate to receive recognition in 2023 as the Philippine Pop Indie Artist of the Year, an honor that filled me with gratitude and humility. It was a moment that reminded me that the countless hours of practice, the sleepless nights, and the sacrifices had all been worth it. But beyond the accolades, the true reward has been the opportunity to connect with others through music.

One of the highlights of my journey came when I was given the chance to perform on the iconic Wish Bus 107.5, a stage I had dreamed of since I was a young artist. That moment was not just a personal achievement; it was a testament to how far I’ve come. It was on that stage that I had the privilege of releasing my original song, But Now You’re Gone, which became available on all major music platforms, including Spotify. To see my music reach people across the world was a dream come true, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and opportunities provided by Wish Bus 107.5 and KDR Music House.

Alongside these incredible opportunities, I’ve also had the honor of being involved in some truly meaningful collaborations. I’ve worked with Klubjumpers, whose guidance in music and performance has been invaluable in helping me refine my craft. They’ve taught me the importance of discipline, creativity, and the art of storytelling through music. I’ve also been supported by Artist Venue, a space that gave me my first real opportunity to shine during the pandemic. Their belief in me at the start of my career, and the continued support I’ve received from them, has been crucial in shaping who I am as an artist today.

I believe in staying true to yourself and in giving back. That’s why I started Good Vibes Busker—to create a space for other dreamers to shine. I still bake, I still sing, and I still dream, but more than anything, I’m grateful for the people who’ve believed in me and supported me along the way.

I’m just at the beginning of my story, and I hope to keep growing, learning, and connecting through music and everything else I do. It’s not about being the best; it’s about being better than who I was yesterday.

ESSAY BELANIO

As I continue to grow, my guiding philosophy has always been: “Be better than you were yesterday.” It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. I’ve always been someone who dreams of creating—not just music, but also opportunities, platforms, and experiences that bring people together. Entrepreneurship has allowed me to turn those dreams into something real. I started Good Vibes Buskers with the intention of helping local artists in Iloilo City, especially during the pandemic, by giving them a platform to perform and reach others. an initiative designed to provide local artists with a platform to perform and connect with audiences, even during such a challenging time. The goal of Good Vibes Busker was simple: to bring people together through the power of music, especially when the world felt so divided. It was a way to unite and heal through art, and it became a movement that helped support local talent in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

It has been an incredible journey, and I am humbled by the support from my Patreons and everyone who has been part of this endeavor.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the future. I plan to continue growing my music and business, to reach more people, and to share my journey with others. The road may not always be easy, but I am committed to learning, growing, and evolving along the way. If new opportunities arise, I will embrace them with open arms, but for now, my focus is on staying true to my passions and giving back to the community that has given so much to me.

But none of this would have been possible without the unwavering love and support of my family. They’ve stood by me through every twist and turn, and no matter how busy I get with music and my business, I always make time for them. A simple dinner shared with them is enough to ground me and remind me of what truly matters. They have been my pillars, my greatest cheerleaders, and the reason I keep going every day.

In addition to my music, I’ve found another form of grounding in my love for baking. It teaches me patience, attention to detail, and the importance of creating something with care. Whether it’s writing a song or baking a batch of cookies, I find that these small, creative moments keep me centered and remind me of the importance of balance in life.

As I look back on my journey, I am filled with gratitude. My goal has always been to grow—both as an artist and as a person—and to create something that connects with others. I’ve always believed in the power of progress over perfection. My guiding principle has been simple: “Be better than you were yesterday.” This mindset has kept me focused on continuous improvement, learning, and evolving.

It was a dream to one day become an entrepreneur and create something that not only fulfilled me personally but also helped others. Over time, I realized that through music and business, I could turn my passions into something real, something that has the potential to inspire others to pursue their own dreams.

As I continue to grow my music career and business, I remain open to whatever new opportunities come my way. One of the most meaningful moments I’ve had recently was representing the Philippines at the Migrant Arirang Multicultural Festival (MAMF) in South Korea, where I performed for an international audience. This was a moment of immense pride for me, but also a reminder of the power of music to bring people together, regardless of distance or culture. I’ll forever cherish the support from the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who have always been a source of inspiration for me. Their resilience and love for their home country reminded me of the importance of staying true to myself and my roots.

I’m also deeply honored to have been a part of the Wish Bus 107.5 launch in South Korea, where I not only performed but also connected with other artists and fans who share the same passion for music. These experiences are a reflection of how far I’ve come, but they’re also a reminder that the journey is far from over.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing my business and music, reaching more people with my story and songs. I am driven by the belief that our purpose in life is not just to achieve success, but to inspire others to pursue their own dreams. If I can help even one person believe in themselves and take that first step toward their dreams, I will consider that a success.

To aspiring leaders and dreamers, my advice is simple: stay true to yourself. Trust in the process and be patient. Leadership is about lifting others up, not pushing them down. It’s about serving those around you and staying humble, even as you achieve your goals. Never forget the people who helped you along the way. And most importantly, never stop learning and growing. The journey is lifelong, and there is always more to discover.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey. To my family, my Patreons, Artist Venue, Klubjumpers, KDR Music House, Wish Bus 107.5, and everyone who has believed in me—thank you. Your support has made all the difference, and I will never take any of it for granted.

This is just the beginning, and I’m excited about what the future holds. With each new opportunity, I’ll keep pushing forward, learning, and doing everything I can to be better than I was yesterday.