Fresh from their Idol Philippines Season 2 stint, Top 5 Khimo Gumatay, Ryssi Avila, Kice, Bryan Chong, and Ann Raniel have been busy, excited, and understandably feeling pressured as they officially enter showbiz.

They have just been announced as regular ASAP Natin ‘To performers along with their Top 12 batchmates last Sunday, September 25, dubbed as Grand Idol Day. Following that grand welcome, they introduced themselves better at a media conference.

Get to know the stories of these Idol PH Season 2 alums!

Khimo

As he conquers his chosen industry, Idol Philippines Season 2 champion Khimo embraces the fact that winning also comes with responsibility. He must live up to the ‘idol’ tag by serving outstanding performances and being a good example to his fans. Even before Idol PH, he had already raised the flag by being the only Asian contender to make it to the finals of an international singing competition. He used to sing commercial jingles as well.

During his Idol PH stint, Khimo had his fair share of self-doubt that he almost wanted to quit. Admittedly, his voice was in bad shape during the finale showdown. But the overwhelming public support plus Moira Dela Torre’s previous comment about his potential to win brought him motivation. Now he’s riding on waves of joy, thus choosing the worship song “Because Of Who You Are” to describe this moment.

Khimo thinks his first single titled “My Time,” which he performed in the finals and is written by Jeremy Glinoga, is fit for his journey. It’s about pushing forward after every failure believing that dreams will happen at the perfect time.

Khimo will share his winnings with his family, who are very proud of his victory and told him to be responsible with his money and the opportunities he’s being given. He also promised to remain a Kapamilya forever.

Ryssi

As a breadwinner, Ryssi’s life before Idol PH was all about working for the family mostly as a live streamer. With that, she’d prepare a special birthday treat for her brother from her prize money. As loyal as she is to her family, she also vowed to stay a Kapamilya until the end. She maintained that her previous stints in Kapamilya singing contests such as Tawag Ng Tanghalan are proof of her huge preference for ABS-CBN. She’s willing to sacrifice her sleep, love life, and all for her career.

Admittedly, she saw Idol PH as a vehicle to clear up her name from controversies. She wanted people to realize there’s something more about her than her past. Now she’s facing the world head-on, equipped with lessons gleaned from her Idol journey. She’s grateful for the weekly mentoring sessions that immersed her in the awe-inspiring realities of performing – that it takes a lot of rehearsals and teamwork to create the perfect performance. More importantly, she learned to just be her authentic self.

Ryssi thinks she could’ve done better if she took enough rest before the finale. Nevertheless, she’s a fan of Khimo and happy for him. After all, she has found her way to a bigger avenue, specifically the ASAP Natin ‘To stage, after her first runner-up finish in Idol PH. Ryssi’s dreams are finally coming true, hence her first single “Totoo Na ‘To” that’s about breakthroughs after a season of doubt.

Kice

Before conquering the Idol PH stage, Kice, the island guy, used to just write songs at the beach or play sports. One of the best parts of his Idol journey is receiving strong support from his family and relatives.

Kice is here to just share his music. But sooner, he must get the hang of real stardom that involves overwhelming encounters with fans in public places, which he recently experienced in a mall. Asked about the incident, Kice said he greeted each of them as much as he could. He appreciates his fans as they’ve been nice to him.

Although intimidated, he enjoyed sharing the stage with OPM icons on ASAP Natin ‘To. There’s no better song to describe how he feels than Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.” He promises to work really hard for the music industry and stay a Kapamilya.

Kice’s first single “Angels” composed by Jon Guelas is about focusing on the good. For him, the angels represent his supporters while the demons may come in the form of bullying, which he wishes to cancel.

Bryan

Bryan, a breadwinner and seasoned 'kontesero,' knows he will be called upon to make more sacrifices in his career but he’s game to go through all of that.

After all his previous losses, Idol PH taught him to believe in his life’s timing. This is reflected in his first single and supposed finale piece “Sa Wakas” written by Jonathan Manalo. Prior to Idol PH, he tapped Jonathan to help him get into the industry but their plans were halted by circumstances. He’s amazed that their ‘collab’ finally happened, again, at the right time.

Not one to get stuck in his comfort zone, he’s open to taking acting workshops. He thinks Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” would be a good piece should he should an international singing competition.

Ann Raniel

“The Power” is perfectly made for Ann Raniel – from her vocals to the song’s message. She explained the piece written by Kiko Salazar is about having the power to rise above challenges. She has never been this self-assured until joining Idol PH. The mentoring and judges’ comments must have helped her overcome her doubts.

Ann Raniel continued her studies and live-streamed during the pandemic. One song that always makes her emotional during her lives streams is “Take Me Out Of The Dark” by judge Gary Valenciano. It reminds her to always lift everything to the Lord, and it’s also her song choice should she decide to join an international singing contest.

Asked if she’d like to give acting a shot, Ann Raniel admitted she’s not yet ready for it and that she must go through workshops first. As for her first splurge from her talent fee, she took her family out to eat.

The journeys of these Idol graduates have been nothing short of amazing. As they continue to impress us with their superb performances and characters, they also prove themselves to be worthy of the love, support, and opportunities they’ve been getting.