‘This year marked a high point as Khimo guested in the concerts of not just one but two OPM icons: Randy Santiago and Dingdong Avanzado.’
Since Khimo Gumatay, or simply Khimo as he is known now, won “Idol Philippines” Season 2 in 2022, his career has been steadily rising. He was signed up by Polaris, ABS-CBN Star Magic’s affiliate that handles the careers of the winners of the company’s singing competitions.
This year marked a high point as Khimo guested in the concerts of not just one but two OPM icons: Randy Santiago and Dingdong Avanzado.
And, in a surprising development, the 25 year-old singer is going to have his first major solo concert, “KH1MO. Emerge. Energize. Elevate,” to be held on October 25, 8:30 p.m. at the Music Museum.
Khimo did not think he would get an offer to do a solo concert this 2024. As he told Malaya Business Insight, “Parang ang goal ko lang this year is makapag-perform abroad and magkaroon ng hit song.” The first goal was achieved in March when he sang to Filipinos in Dubai with other Star Magic artists for a special show with TFC (The Filipino Channel).
Born and raised in West Rembo, Makati, Khimo has always called Makati City his home. His mother is a BPO employee while his father, a former chef at restaurants and hotels, has his own modest catering business.
Aside from being a chef, his father, Rudy, is also a singer. In fact, he was part of The Singing Cooks & Waiters, Atbp. that captivated diners with their delicious food and sweet melodies. Rudy instilled in Khimo a love for singing.
“Simple lang ‘yung buhay namin growing up,” says Khimo. “’Yung trabaho ng tatay ko ang nag-serve sa aming pamilya na makakain kami ng tatlong beses sa isang araw… Pero sa tatay ko rin nakuha ko ang fascination na pwede palang maging trabaho ‘yung pagkanta. Nakita ko siyang mag-perform sa trabaho niya. Kaya palang gumawa ng pera out of singing.”
When Khimo became older, he took on gigs, playing the guitar and singing at debuts and birthdays, and at bars. His smooth voice also became his ticket to a scholarship at the University of Makati (UMak). “Sumali po ako sa choral group,” he shares. “Sa school namin, kapag nakapasok ka sa choral group, equivalent po siya sa isang scholarship.” In 2023, Khimo graduated from UMak with a degree in Political Science, Major in Paralegal Studies.
As his younger sibling is a working student and his older sister is a full-fledged military personnel, Khimo does not feel pressured to be a breadwinner. In any case, he enjoys giving back to his family who nurtures him. Through his “Idol Philippines” prize money and other earnings from singing, Khimo has invested in properties in Bulacan and Antipolo. “I sing for my family,” the young man says with pride. “Bilang anak, it’s my responsibility to help. Iba pa rin ‘yung feeling na nakakatulong. Siguro ito ‘yung best way to give back sa family.”
There are more dreams that Khimo wants to fulfill for his family and for himself. One of these is to have a hit song. He’s working towards that target. Khimo is one of the interpreters of a Philpop Himig Handog song finalist, “Ghostwriter” composed by Kevin Yadao. The announcement of the winners of this songwriting competition is tentatively set for November.
Khimo is thrilled to be among the roster of Philpop Himig Handog 2024 interpreters that include Ice Seguerra, Johnoy Danao, Maki, Moira dela Torre, Jolianne, Ferdinand Aragon, VXON, Lyka Estrella and many notable names in the Philippine music industry.
In the rapid age of social media and digital platforms, Khimo knows he must work doubly hard to find his niche.
“Parang recognized ako pero hindi ko masasabi na sikat ako. For me, success is a process and it is something that must be earned. Fuel ko ‘yun to strive further and move forward,” he concludes.
