By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

CPU alumnus and singer-songwriter, Ethan Loukas, continues to make waves in the local music industry. Just recently, he was nominated for Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist and as Favorite New Male Artist by the Awit Awards on October 10, 2019 at the New Frontier Theater, Quezon City. photo by Mfore studios

For singer-songwriter Ethan Loukas, music isn’t just a career; music is the backbone of his existence. “It was something that I have always loved to do”, he shares. However, having a career in the industry was something he never thought he’d pursue. Ethan took a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Central Philippine University and graduated in 2017. “I remember there was a time when I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do in life, and so I prayed. I said Lord, if it’s your will for me to be a teacher, a pastor, or a singer, then so be it. It was a long wait, and I am beyond thankful for being at this point in my life. It was really an answered prayer.”

Born Jahlel Hope Lorezo, Ethan was born and raised in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. He came from a family of pastors and church workers. “I am proud to say that I am a pastor’s kid. My parents and most of my family members are active in the ministry.” He also confessed that he had a very strict upbringing. Most of his time was only spent in school, in church, and at home. “As a teenager, I had a 5 pm curfew, so I never really went out.”

“I started singing in church. It was also there that I learned how to play the guitar,” he says. Wanting to be more independent, Ethan decided to leave his comfort zone and left for Iloilo to study college. “During that time, I’d like to believe that I’ve led a very sheltered life. I just wanted to learn how to live on my own and gain new experiences.”

It was at Central where Ethan says he was “molded” as a person. “It was a whole different world to me, I was from Negros, and I never knew anyone. But I got to meet awesome people that guided me and inspired me to be where I am now.” In his student days, Ethan was a vocalist for “The Seeds of Faith.” Most Centralians would recall seeing him as a worship leader for several Christ Emphasis Week convocations.  He also represented the College of Education for Mr. and Ms. CPU in 2010 and eventually won as Mr. University Day.

“The values that Central has instilled in me really helped a lot now that I’m starting out my career as an artist. In an industry where there are so much pressure and toxicity, it’s important to know your morals, where you really stand,” he says.

While he was still in school, Ethan never stopped performing. “When people would invite me to perform, I’d say yes. Whether it was a big event or just a small event, I would still sing because I just love doing it.” He mentions that he seized every opportunity to perform because it made him happy. “At the end of the day, it won’t be about fame or money. It will always be about whether what you decided to do with your life made you happy or not.”

It was Ethan’s love and passion for his craft that made him continue. And eventually, he was discovered by Warner Music. From Jahlel Hope Lorezo he changed his screen name to Ethan Loukas. “I was called El by my friends and that’s how I came up with Ethan Loukas. Ethan means courage and Loukas means light.” His debut single “Dance with me” was digitally released on March 2018. He has more than four songs on Spotify, and he has performed for Wish FM, GMA, and ABS-CBN. He also performed alongside other artists, namely Clara Benin, Leanne and Naara, Unique, and Barbie Almalbis. Just recently, he was nominated for Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist and Favorite New Male Artist during the Awit Awards on October 10, 2019 at the New Frontier Theater, Quezon City.

“The OPM Scene is very much alive, and I feel blessed to be part of a thriving community,” he says. Ethan hopes that Filipino Music will also be known internationally, and he encourages young artists to be more original with their music and to continue writing songs. When asked about his advice to aspiring singer-songwriters, he says “Just continue to love what you do, learn and immerse from your experiences in life because they will shape you for who you are and will give you that kind of depth that will inspire you to communicate your story through your songs, and never ever give up.”