Khimo Gumatay (born September 24, 1999), known mononymously as Khimo, is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He is the winner of the second season of Idol Philippines.[2]
Early life
Gumatay, the second of three kids, was born and raised to a clan of performers; his father was a member of the famous "The Singing Cooks and Waiters" and a sister who also sings but settled into the military.[3] On his teenage years, Gumatay was advised by his family to enter the police or the military service, but his love and passion for singing prevailed which resulted to music trainings, joining competitions,[4] and singing commercial jingles.[5] In College, he became a member of the UMak Chorale[6] that helped him to get the scholarship, eventually finished his studies.[7] In a media conference, Gumatay shared that during the pandemic he became a live streamer to generate funds that leads him to be a part of an international singing competition held on Instagram organized by Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris.[8]
In 2019, Gumatay contended in the fourth quarter of the third season of Tawag ng Tanghalan with his version of Jason Derulo's hit "Marry Me". That same year, he also participated on Your Moment as part of the duo called "Binary".[1] In 2021, Gumatay released his debut single "Where the Sun Goes" featuring singer-songwriter and composer Dotty.[9]
Tawag ng Tanghalan sa Showtime Season 3 performances and results
In July 2022, his audition piece "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder garnered praises from the judges; with Regine Velasquez saying "the hopeful knows how to play his cards well, how to hit the high notes and charm his audience".[3] In August 2022, his performance of Brian McKnight's "One Last Cry" received an approval from Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris.[11] On September 18, he was announced as the grand winner of Idol Philippines after garnering 89 percent of combined judges scores and public votes with his journey song "Bagong Simula"[12] and winning piece "My Time",[13] earning a ₱1 million cash prize, a franchise from Dermacare worth ₱3 million, a house and lot worth ₱2.5million from Camella Homes, and a contract with Star Music.[14][15]
Idol Philippines Season 2 performances and results
The day after winning the Idol Philippines, Gumatay appeared on the morning show TeleRadyo.[19] On September 23, Gumatay performed "My Time"[20] on It's Showtime.[21] On September 25, Khimo together with Ryssi Avila, Kice, Ann Raniel, and Bryan Chong officially launched as a new addition on the Philippines' Sunday variety show ASAP Natin 'To,[22] where he performed "My Time".[23] On September 28, Khimo made an appearance on the morning show Frontline sa Umaga.[24]
↑"Together with Mayonnaise, Janine Teñoso, UMak Jammers, UMak Dance Xtreme, Eygee De Vera, Kyle Philippe Mallari, Juniel Morillo, JAMArineros, Synco, KIJ, Keryx Krisha, Stacey Balut, and Roda Dizon; with special appearance of Ian Pangilinan, Arkin Del Rosario, Miguel Echano, Mr. and Ms. UMak 2020, and Ms. Makati 2019 Beatrice Santos."
↑"Alongside Idol Philippines Season 2 alumni Ryssi Avila, PJ Fabia, Ann Raniel, and Bryan Chong"
↑Glen P. Sibonga (2022-09-26). "Idol PH champ Khimo hindi magsasawang magpasalamat"[Idol PH champ Khimo never gets tired of being thankful]. Entertainment (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on 2022-10-27. Retrieved 2022-10-27– via Abante Tonite.
↑"'Idol PH' changes lives". Entertainment. 2022-09-28. Archived from the original on 2022-10-27. Retrieved 2022-10-27– via The Manila Times.
Salve Asis (2022-11-05). "Teaser ng ABS-CBN 2022 Christmas ID, ipinasilip"[Teaser of ABS-CBN 2022 Christmas ID, previewed]. Newsen (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on 2022-11-13. Retrieved 2022-11-13– via Philippine Star Ngayon.
