Every night at 6, Kristopherson Madrigal settles in front of a convenient store on P. Noval Street, belting out tunes with his guitar.
It’s something Madrigal, a UST senior high school student, loves to do, and needs as well.
“Ginagawa ko ito para at least man lang may pangbaon o ipon na ako for the future kasi ilang taon pa ako mag-aaral,” says Madrigal, whose performance has gone viral on social media.
“Ginagapang talaga ng mother ko para makapag-aral ako rito sa UST.”
The family has been struggling to make ends meet since Madrigal’s father passed away in 2011.
His mother works as a caretaker of apartments, while occasionally joining singing competitions.
Music is something that runs in the family, Madrigal’s late father being a musical arranger and vocal coach.
“I can see his father in him, especially when it comes tomusic,” his mother Jo Ann said.
Father and son used to compete in local and international singing competitions.
They joined the second season of Pilipinas Got Talent and the World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California.
Madrigal serves in the music ministry of their church. His fellow member, Nesta Ip, commends Madrigal’s “bravery.”
“I’m very proud to see that he fights his fears or insecurities to make it through life. You see, it’s not easy to go and sing in the streets. This is a big adjustment for him,” he said.
For his street performances, Madrigal usually plays a combination of pop and worship songs. His covers of “When We Were Young” by Adele Adkins and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz got the most attention.
Aside from performing, Madrigal also conducts house-to-house voice lessons in Cubao twice a week.
Although shy at first, Madrigal found confidence and company among the street vendors on P. Noval Street who would offer him food and water.
“Kung hindi nila ginawa ‘yong tumulong, lagi akong mai-ilang. Isa sila sa mga nagiging drive ‘ko para patuloy pa rin akong kumanta,” Madrigal said.
A Grade 12 student, Madrigal expressed interest in pursuing a degree in the University’s Conservatory of Music. LOUISE CLAIRE H. CRUZ and DAPHNE YANN P. GALVEZ
