Arnel Pineda, former lead singer of the band Amo, is now the new lead singer for popular band Journey.
When my officemate first told me the story behind Pineda’s discovery, I thought “Wow! That’s really cool!!!” Journey’s Guitarist Neal Schon was looking through YouTube for a new lead singer when he stumbled upon a video of Pineda, with his band The Zoo. Not only is Pineda’s voice spectacular, it bore a great resemblance to Journey’s former singer, Steve Perry. An e-mail here, a call there, and Pineda was in the States, auditioning for Journey and then signing a deal. Amazing rise to international fame.
And then I read Meeya’s entry about Filipino talent making it big, complete with videos. I was blown away by Pineda’s rendition of “Faithfully.” My gosh! Astig nga! Ang galing! Mabuhay ang Pinoy! Watch the video below!
Read more about Arnel Pineda’s rise to international fame at Wikipedia, Journey’s website and Rolling Stone.
Thanks to the max to Meeya for the lead.
MABUHAY ANG PINOY! 
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
reyna elena
December 16, 2007 at 12:29 am (16 years ago)hey! thanks for the comments dun sa site ni empress, otherwise, i would have not got in here! nice! be back here of course! thanks!
Meeya
December 16, 2007 at 12:51 am (16 years ago)you’re welcome, toni.
hubby and i are big journey fans (from our beerhouse days, haha!) and the news about arnel was a really big and exciting deal for us. 
i’m so happy for arnel, sobra! from what i have read about his life, he’s worked his butt of for the past two decades perfecting his craft. so i guess, this is what God has been preparing him for all this time. 
i’m sure a lot of die-hard perry fans won’t accept him kaagad, but i know naman he’ll bring his own flavor to the band and also help rejuvenate the group for the benefit of the present generation of rockers and the enjoyment of nostlagic old rockers like, uhm, our dads, hehe.
have you seen his new look? blondy! 😀
R
December 16, 2007 at 8:50 am (16 years ago)I wish Arnel Pineda all the success in the world. All the years of hard work and singing before near-empty clubs has finally paid off. He’s been given a great break by a great band. Go Arnel!! Itayo mo ang bandera ng ‘Pinas!!
Monina
December 16, 2007 at 11:00 am (16 years ago)isn’t it prophetic how he mentions “pag na-approve yung visa ko sa America” towards the beginning of the video. ang galing!!!
thanks to toni and meeya for sharing and more power to Arnel and all the other Filipino talents out there!
Via
December 16, 2007 at 5:55 pm (16 years ago)STUPENDO!!! Omigod ang galeng niya, nakakaiyak! Ang galeng talaga ng Pinoy!!!!!
Noel and I were truly astounded ever!!! 
cyberpunk
December 16, 2007 at 6:01 pm (16 years ago)hehe naaliw nga ako sa balitang ito.
it’s an honor that the band chose him, without him auditioning or having someone to refer him to the band.
Vic Lucenada
December 24, 2007 at 1:31 am (16 years ago)Amazing bilib ako. proud to be a filipino
Vic Lucenada
December 24, 2007 at 1:34 am (16 years ago)first time I saw him in you tube singing ever since the world began by survivor
may dating talaga, may ibubuga, matindi
Vic Lucenada
December 24, 2007 at 1:36 am (16 years ago)first time I saw him in you tube singing ever since the world began by survivor
may dating talaga, may ibubuga, matindi
AMAZING!!! proud to be a Filipino