Nearly two decades after first entering the music scene through the GMA Network-produced singing competition Pinoy Pop Superstar, Filipino singer-songwriter Bryan Termulo is looking back on the journey that started it all—while also hoping for a possible reunion with fellow contestants such as Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricris Garcia.
During a video call interview with media from Tennessee, USA, where he is currently based, last February 28, 2026, Bryan reflected on his beginnings in the competition that launched his career, as well as the personal experiences that have shaped his music today.
Looking back at his beginnings
Bryan first gained national attention in 2007 after competing in the third season of Pinoy Pop Superstar, GMA’s singing competition that became one of the major platforms for discovering new vocal talents in the Philippines at the time. The show featured aspiring singers from across the country competing in weekly performances before judges and a national audience.
During the conversation with CinemaBravo, Bryan also realized that he is approaching two decades in the music industry.
“Parang feeling ko nga nauuso yung mga reunion na mga shows ng mga singer from the past,” he shared. “I just hope na merong mga producer na mag-approach one of these days.”
(I feel like reunion shows featuring singers from the past are becoming popular. I just hope that producers will approach us one of these days.)
Bryan even joked that if the opportunity arises, he would not mind helping make it happen himself.
“Malay mo maging hit yung songs ko. Kaya kong i-produce ’yan, ako na magpo-produce, why not?” (Who knows, my songs might become hits. I can produce it myself—I’ll produce it, why not?)
Life in the U.S. and lessons from the pandemic
Bryan has now been living in the United States for about five years, performing for Filipino communities while continuing to develop his music career abroad. The experience, particularly during the pandemic, reshaped his outlook on life.
“Doon sa situation ko nung pandemic, mas na-appreciate ko lahat ng bagay,” he said.
(During the pandemic I appreciated everything even more.)
At one point during that difficult period, Bryan experienced working outside the entertainment industry.
“Naging cashier din ako, so na-experience ko yung maraming customer na minsan nakasimangot na sa’yo pero busy ka lang talaga sa ibang ginagawa.” (I even worked as a cashier, so I experienced having many customers who were sometimes already frowning at you because you’re busy attending to someone else.)
The experience broadened his understanding of people and strengthened his sense of gratitude.
“Parang feeling ko yung life lessons na binigay sa akin ng COVID opened my understanding. Lahat ng tao dapat thankful at maging appreciative kung ano yung meron ka.” (I feel like the life lessons COVID gave me opened my understanding. Everyone should be thankful and appreciative of what they have.)
Wanting his music to connect more deeply
Those reflections have also influenced the kind of music Bryan wants to write moving forward.
“Malaking factor yung tumatanda na rin ako,” he said with a laugh. “Kasi yung mga previous year ko, parang ang kulang kasi sa akin is appreciation.” (A big factor is that I’m getting older [laughs], and in my previous years I felt like what I lacked was appreciation.)
Known to many listeners as the voice behind several teleserye theme songs earlier in his career, Bryan said he hopes his future music will resonate with people on a more personal level.
“Ayoko kasing ma-stuck lang ako na si Bryan was the Prince of Teleserye Theme Songs back then. Gusto ko naman may mag-approach sa akin at sabihing, ‘Napakinggan ko yung song mo, grabe, you got me there.’” (I don’t want to be stuck as Bryan, the one known for singing teleserye theme songs back then. I want someone to approach me and say, “I listened to your song—wow, you really got me there.”)
He added, “Parang gusto ko na may taong lumalapit sa akin at magsasabi, ‘Ang ganda nung song mo, parang nabago yung buhay ko.’” (I want someone to come up to me and say, “Your song is beautiful—it feels like it changed my life.”)
The story behind ‘Almost There‘
Bryan channels many of those reflections into his latest single, “Almost There,” which he describes as one of the most personal songs he has written.
The track was composed during the pandemic and centers on perseverance, resilience, and continuing to pursue dreams despite obstacles.
“Almost There is about chasing your dreams in spite of all the obstacles and not giving up in life. No matter how many times you fall, you need to stand up again, because when you look back, you realize you’re almost there,” Bryan shared.
He worked with Vincent Ortega on the melody, marking Bryan’s first venture into the country music genre—a direction he plans to explore further in future releases.
Released in December 2025, the song also serves as a reflective year-end anthem encouraging listeners to look back at their journey and recognize how challenges build strength over time.
Bryan is currently continuing to promote “Almost There” while preparing another country-inspired track titled “Be Thankful,” a song centered on gratitude and appreciation for life’s blessings.
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