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Michael Yonting (born on January 5, 1970 in Pangasinan, Philippines), more popularly known as Mitoy Yonting, is a Filipinosinger, comedian, and lead vocalist for his band, The Draybers. Yonting rose to fame after winning the first season of The Voice of the Philippines in 2013.

 

Background

Yonting was born on January 5, 1970 and was raised in the province of Pangasinan.^[1] His passion with music started at the early age of 13, where he often listened to radios and made his own singing routines. During high school, he began joining several local competitions. During college, he took up Criminology at the Philippine College of Criminology. During this time, his singing career took off where he joined a band. He eventually gave up his education in order to focus in his singing career.^[3]

Career

Beginnings

He was discovered after competing in the 1990s televised singing competition "Ikaw at Echo", a segment of the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga! on GMA Network where he competed as a voice-a-like of Air Supply's Russell Hitchcock. Though he did not win the title, he gained popularity. In 1997, he and his brother, Mylo Yonting, formed a band called 'The Draybers' and joined Rockstar: Bakit?, a sing-alike television show.^[4]

Through his television appearances, Yonting pursued a career as a comedian in GMA Network's sitcom called the Ful Haus, and the comedy sketch show H3O: Ha Ha Ha Overaired on QTV. He later on became a regular host in Eat Bulaga!.^[4] This stint, however, was short-lived and he decided to go back in his band.

Later on he travelled abroad with his band. They travelled around several countries around the world, such Japan where he met his wife,^[3] to play for various Filipino communities. By late 2011, the band came back to Manila and performed in Resorts World Manila.^[1]

The Voice of the Philippines

In 2013, Mitoy was invited to join the first season of the The Voice of the Philippines. During the blind auditions, he sang "Bakit Ako Mahihiya" of Didith Reyes. His audition piece made Bamboo Mañalac and Lea Salonga, who got excited after hearing his voice, turned their respective chairs for him.^[5][6] After he finished his audition piece, Salonga requested that he sang a non-English song. He then replied and sang a Japanese song.^[7] As one of the mechanics of the show, once two or more coaches turned their chairs for the artist they wanted to include in their respective teams, it is the artist who will choose the coach he want to work with. In the case of Yonting, he had to choose between Mañalac and Salonga. At the end, Yonting picked Salonga as his coach.^[5][6] During the Battles, he was paired up with Chien Berbana. Both did a vocal battle of the song "Alone" of the American rock band Heart. Their vocal performance was considered by Salonga as battle royal. Even Mañalac commented that their performance was excellent, and they have both made Salonga, their coach, made a hard time in picking who will she choose to advance for the Live shows. Eventually, Salonga picked Yonting for his experience and prowess.^[8]

Albums

• The Voice of the Philippines – The Final 16 (MCA Music, 2013)
• The Voice of the Philippines – The Final 4 (MCA Music, 2013)
• The Voice of the Philippines: The Complete Season 1 Collection (MCA Music, 2013)
• Hanggang Wakas (Until Forever) (2014) 

Singles

• Bulag (2013)

Film

• Love on Line (LOL) (OctoArts Films and M-Zet Films; 2009)
• Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! (OctoArts Films, M-Zet Films, APT Entertainment, and Star Cinema; 2011)

Television

• H3O: Ha Ha Ha Over (QTV; 2005)
• Ful Haus (GMA; 2007)^[4]
• Eat Bulaga (GMA; 2007)^[4]
• The Voice of the Philippines (ABS-CBN; 2013)
• Home Sweetie Home (ABS-CBN; 2014)

Awards and recognitions

• Best Male Performer In Hotels, Music Lounges, Bars (26th Aliw Awards, 2013)

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