Jude Gitamondoc

Gitamondoc hailed from Surigao del Sur, Philippines. His musical interests started early at age six when his brother brought home a keyboard. He went to study in Don Bosco Missionary Seminar in Lawaan, Talisay City, Cebu,{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2006/09/25/359755/jude-gitamondoc-profile-songwriter|title=Jude Gitamondoc: Profile of a Songwriter {{!}} Philstar.com|last=de Pablo|first=Rhia|date=September 25, 2006|website=philstar.com|access-date=2018-12-03}} and was mentored by Salesian administrators and musicians who taught him the rudiments of songwriting and piano-playing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-freeman/20140104/282510066404864|title=JUDE GITAMONDOC: Songwriting Savant|last=Espere|first=Queennie|date=January 4, 2014|via=PressReader|publisher=The Freeman|access-date=2018-12-03}}

Later, he left the seminary and pursued his interests in music by enrolling at the College of Music in University of the Philippines - Diliman but quit after two semesters upon realizing that the curriculum was more focused on avant-garde music, and he was more interested in mainstream pop genre. It was during this time that he encountered Katha,{{Cite news|url=http://manilastandard.net/showbitz/143776/philpop-s-final-12-songs-bared.html|title=PhilPop's final 12 songs bared|date=March 26, 2014|work=Manila Standard|access-date=2018-12-03|language=en}} an organization made up of Filipino musical talents including the 1995 World Youth Day theme song composer Trina Belamide and Arnel de Pano, who composed the Basil Valdez hit song Lead me Lord.

Gitamondoc began his professional music career in 2001. He had created several commissioned songwriting gigs such as producing commercial jingles (Casino Rubbing Alcohol, Happy Booster Hotdogs), theme songs (Mantawi Festival Theme Song), school hymns and wedding songs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.reverbnation.com/judegitamondoc|title=Jude Gitamondoc {{!}} Pop from Cebu City, PH|last=eMinor|website=ReverbNation|language=en|access-date=2018-12-09}} His first big break was Gary Valenciano's Relevance album in 2006, to which he contributed five songs: Kailan Pa, Only a Friend, Sana Bukas, Wait Forever, and In Another Lifetime. The album, however, took three years before it was released.

He made the English musical Siddhartha: A Musical Journey to Enlightenment based on the works of Hsing Yun, founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order.{{Cite web|url=http://fgsphilippines.org/Siddhartha/|title=Siddhartha: A Musical Journey to Englightenment|website=fgsphilippines.org|access-date=2018-12-09|archive-date=2017-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503005318/http://fgsphilippines.org/Siddhartha/|url-status=live}} About the life of Siddharta Gautama, it was first staged at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino in 2007. Later productions were staged in Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod, Taiwan, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, New Zealand and Japan.{{Cite web|url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/113340/cebuanos-treated-free-siddhartha-musical-shows-december|title=Cebuanos to be treated to free 'Siddhartha The Musical' shows on December|last=Yasay|first=Dominic D.|date=November 23, 2016|website=cebudailynews.inquirer.net|language=en|access-date=2018-12-09|archive-date=2018-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210063227/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/113340/cebuanos-treated-free-siddhartha-musical-shows-december|url-status=live}} Critic Alphonzo Alegrado of Theater Fans Manila, gave a positive review of the production particularly the musical compositions of Gitamondoc, writing, "Siddharta's composer and lyricist Jude Gitamondoc is a phenomenal artist. The arrangements (some of which are inspired by the poetry of Ven. Master Hsing Yun) have layers upon layers of various instruments, creating full, resonant tones that could only be invigorated when performed by a live orchestra. "{{Cite web|url=http://theaterfansmanila.com/review-siddhartha-musical/|title=REVIEW: "Siddhartha the Musical"|last=Alegrado|first=Alphonso|date=2015-07-19|website=TheaterFansManila.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-09|archive-date=2018-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126125545/http://theaterfansmanila.com/review-siddhartha-musical/|url-status=live}}

He composed for the musical "Song of Bernadette: A Musical of Our Lady of Lourdes Story." About the story of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, its first staging was held at SM City Cebu Cinema 1 on July 5–6, 2008.The production coincided with the 150th anniversary of apparition of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France celebrated by the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Labangon, Cebu City.{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2008/07/05/71047/song-bernadette-lyrics-and-music-jude-thaddeus-gitamondoc|title=Song of Bernadette Lyrics and music by Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc|last=Valeros|first=Maria Eleanor E.|date=July 5, 2008|website=philstar.com|access-date=2018-12-09}}

The musical was later re-staged in the celebration of 60th anniversary of the parish on February 17–19, 2017,{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-freeman/20170216/281724089306468|title=A Cebuano musical on St. Bernadette|date=February 16, 2017|via=PressReader|publisher=The Freeman|access-date=2018-12-09}} and it was produced again in cooperation with Kintar and Divine Mercy of Love Community the next year for the 160th anniversary of the Apparitions. It was held at the Centerstage of SM Seaside Cebu City on February 16–18, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/cebu-daily-news/20180216/281887298777506|title=Catch the Song of Bernadette at SM Seaside|date=February 16, 2018|via=PressReader|publisher=Cebu Daily News|access-date=2018-12-09|archive-date=2018-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209212839/https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/cebu-daily-news/20180216/281887298777506|url-status=live}}

In 2008, he wrote and produced original songs for Zephyrin The Musical, directed by Daisy Baad. Set in 18th century Argentina, the musical depicted the life of Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá and featured the Don Bosco Technology Center talents and Cebuano personalities, including regional TV host Roy Empleo.{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2008/03/13/49865/dbtc-presents-zephyrin-musicale|title=Dbtc Presents Zephyrin, The Musicale|date=March 13, 2008|website=philstar.com|access-date=2018-12-09}}

In 2023, he wrote and directed an updated version of the musical, presented by Don Bosco Technical College and Sanchez Llenos Accounting Office.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/lifestyle/catch-zephyrin-the-musical-at-sm-seaside-centerstage-from-november-10-to-12|title=Catch 'Zephyrin, the Musical' at SM Seaside Centerstage from November 10 to 12|date=November 6, 2023|website=sunstar.com.ph|access-date=2024-02-11|archive-date=2023-12-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216031342/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/lifestyle/catch-zephyrin-the-musical-at-sm-seaside-centerstage-from-november-10-to-12|url-status=live}}

In 2013, he was the playwright, songwriter, and musical director for the musical romantic comedy You've been Facebooked!{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/YOUVE-BEEN-FACEBOOKED-A-New-Musical-Returns-to-Cebu-26-7-20140205|title=YOU'VE BEEN FACEBOOKED, A New Musical, Returns to Cebu, 2/6-7|last=Oliveros|first=Oliver|date=February 5, 2014|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en|access-date=2018-12-10|archive-date=2018-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210111109/https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/YOUVE-BEEN-FACEBOOKED-A-New-Musical-Returns-to-Cebu-26-7-20140205|url-status=live}} Directed by Jingle Saynes, it starred Mark Jude Tenedero, Bea Samson, Jacqueline Chang, Malaya Macaraeg and [https://clarkjolbot.wordpress.com/about/ Clark Van Daryl Jolbot].{{Cite web|url=https://weekend.sunstar.com.ph/blog/2013/10/11/youve-facebooked/|title='You've Been Facebooked!'|date=2013-10-11|website=Weekend|publisher=SunStar Cebu|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-10|archive-date=2018-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210111051/https://weekend.sunstar.com.ph/blog/2013/10/11/youve-facebooked/|url-status=live}} Cebu Daily News editor Eileen Mangubat reviewed the production, "There was no dull moment. The music was a delightful surprise – catchy melodies and lyrical solos that were easy on the ear. For non-theater goers, the experience left many asking if this was a Broadway show adapted for a local audience."{{Cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/505829/on-stage-facebook|title=On stage: Facebook {{!}} Inquirer News|last=Mangubat|first=Eileen|date=October 13, 2013|website=newsinfo.inquirer.net|access-date=2018-12-10|archive-date=2018-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210111218/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/505829/on-stage-facebook|url-status=live}} The show was included in BroadwayWorld Philippines' 13 Unforgettable Plays, Musicals of 2013.{{Cite web |last=Cundangan |first=Lee |date=January 2, 2014 |title=13 Unforgettable Plays, Musicals of 2013 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/13-Unforgettable-Plays-Musicals-of-2013-20140102 |url-status=live |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=www.broadwayworld.com |archive-date=2024-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906233608/https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/13-Unforgettable-Plays-Musicals-of-2013-20140102 }}

Together with Rowell Ucat, Jude Gitamondoc co-wrote the Bisrock jukebox musicale, Gugmang Giatay. Debuted in 2015, Gugmang Giatay was directed by Edison Saynes and staged at CAP Theater Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, Lahug, and BGC Arts Center.{{Cite web|url=http://www.2tincans.ph/gugmanggiataybestmusical/|title=Gugmang Giatay is Inquirer's Best Musical of 2017|date=2017-12-15|website=2TinCans Philippines|language=en|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=2018-12-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207062548/http://www.2tincans.ph/gugmanggiataybestmusical/|url-status=live}} It was chosen by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as the Best Musical in 2017, with editor Gibbs Cadiz commenting, "While it could stand a bit more pruning and polish, this production from Cebu was a joyous blast of authentic musicality and sassy fun. It was performed completely in Cebuano (accompanied by supertitles), but one didn’t mind, because the piquant language itself, along with the repertoire of classic and contemporary Visayan melodies and the exuberant but disciplined performances of the cast, added up to a rockin’ show of unexpected sweetness and charm."{{Cite web|url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/282000/bravo-best-theater-2017-symmetries-swerves-surprises-golden-year/|title=BRAVO! BEST OF THEATER 2017: Symmetries, swerves and surprises in a golden year {{!}} Inquirer Lifestyle|last=Cadiz|first=Gibbs|date=December 16, 2017|website=lifestyle.inquirer.net|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=2018-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235139/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/282000/bravo-best-theater-2017-symmetries-swerves-surprises-golden-year/|url-status=live}}

Gitamondoc was the musical director of Cebu adaptation of the Broadway musical, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which was a production of the Cebu-based theater group Vaudeville Theatre Company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2017/02/02/1668251/youre-good-man-charlie-brown-cebu|title='You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown' in Cebu {{!}} The Freeman|last=Morata|first=Jesson J.|date=February 2, 2017|website=philstar.com|access-date=2018-12-10|archive-date=2021-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514202610/https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2017/02/02/1668251/youre-good-man-charlie-brown-cebu|url-status=live}}

He was also commissioned as musical director of another Vaudeville Theatre Company production, The Addams Family, that was staged in October, 2018. Based on the popular characters by Charles Addams, it was an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name with the music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshal Brickman and Rick Elice.{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/THE-ADDAMS-FAMILY-Plays-at-SM-City-Cebu-This-Weekend-1020-21-20181019|title=THE ADDAMS FAMILY Plays at SM City Cebu This Weekend, 10/20-21|author=BWW News Desk|date=October 20, 2018|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en|access-date=2018-12-10|archive-date=2018-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210154628/https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/THE-ADDAMS-FAMILY-Plays-at-SM-City-Cebu-This-Weekend-1020-21-20181019|url-status=live}}

In 2019, he wrote and directed Monsters The Musical, another jukebox musical featuring the songs of Cattski. The musical, choreographed by Jaggy Gomez and produced by Margo Frasco of MDF Productions, is a coming-of-age love story about two friends, Bea and Elle, and their journey of self-discovery along with battling their monsters together. {{Cite web|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/entertainment/monsters-the-musical-a-brave-endeavor|title=Monsters The Musical: A brave endeavor|author=Monica R. Lopez|date=November 4, 2019|website=sunstar.com.ph|language=en|access-date=2024-02-11}}

In 2024, he wrote and directed Star and Cloud The Musical, a musical retelling of the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Taiwan-based Buddhist organization Fo Guang Shan, based on his biography Bright Star, Luminous Cloud by Fu Zhiying. {{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2024/02/03/2330649/musical-star-and-cloud-pays-tribute-founder-fo-guang-shan|title=Musical 'Star and Cloud' pays tribute to founder of Fo Guang Shan|author=Januar Junior Aguja|date=February 3, 2024|website=philstar.com|language=en|access-date=2024-02-11|archive-date=2024-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202173742/https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2024/02/03/2330649/musical-star-and-cloud-pays-tribute-founder-fo-guang-shan|url-status=live}}

Gitamondoc was one of the founders of the Visayan Pop Songwriting Campaign, a contest for songwriters producing music in Cebuano language with the objective of coming up with Cebuano pop songs that could be aired as part of FM radio playlist. In 2009, Gitamondoc and Atty. Philip Landicho proposed the idea to Ian Zafra, Cattski Espina, and Lorenzo Ninal of Artists and Musicians Marketing Cooperative (Artist Ko), a local multipurpose cooperative for artists, musicians and entrepreneurs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1795363|title=More artists oppose 'Vispop' 2019 project|last=III|first=Luis A. Quibranza|date=2019-03-04|website=Sunstar|language=en|access-date=2019-03-05|archive-date=2019-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304233123/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1795363|url-status=live}} The first Visayan Visayan Pop Songwriting Campaign (Vispop) was slated to be staged in 2010, but it was not implemented due to inadequate funding.{{Cite web|url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/220341/a-co-founders-take-on-the-vispop-controversy|title=A co-founder's take on the Vispop controversy|last=Padayhag|first=Michelle Joy|date=March 4, 2019|website=cebudailynews.inquirer.net|language=en|access-date=2019-03-05|archive-date=2019-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304150709/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/220341/a-co-founders-take-on-the-vispop-controversy|url-status=live}}

In 2012, the first Vispop was launched with the support of the Artists and Musicians Marketing Cooperative (Artist Ko) and the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP).{{Cite web|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/287454/Pop-goes-Bisaya|title=Pop Goes Bisaya|last=Escandor|first=Fiona Patricia S.|date=June 3, 2013|website=www.sunstar.com.ph|access-date=2018-12-10|archive-date=2018-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210202607/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/287454/Pop-goes-Bisaya|url-status=live}} In November 2017, Gitamondoc left Artist Ko and his affiliation with the competition. He also made his reasons for leaving public when Vispop 2019 was launched in 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/220179/vispop-2019-producers-amid-issue-of-vispop-co-founders-leaving-have-faith-in-us|title=Vispop 2019 producers amid issue of Vispop co-founder's leaving: Have faith in us|last=Padayhag|first=Michelle Joy|date=March 4, 2019|website=cebudailynews.inquirer.net|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|language=en|access-date=2019-03-04|archive-date=2019-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304083812/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/220179/vispop-2019-producers-amid-issue-of-vispop-co-founders-leaving-have-faith-in-us|url-status=live}}

Gitamondoc credited his years and the formation he received in the seminary for his decision to pursue music later in his life, acknowledging the influences of Salesian administrators, as well as David Foster, Michael Smith and Diane Warren, as well as Jose Mari Chan, Louie Ocampo, Trina Belamide, Gary Granada, and Ryan Cayabyab.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/superbalita-cebu/20140924/281496454501052|title=Jude Gitamondoc sa Super Ka|last=Ciar|first=Troy|date=September 24, 2014|via=PressReader|access-date=2018-12-05|archive-date=2018-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205200321/https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/superbalita-cebu/20140924/281496454501052|url-status=live}}

Gitamondoc had conducted songwriting courses and workshops such as the Children's Pop Music Festival in 2008{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2008/07/04/70762/20-songs-compete-pop-music-fest|title=20 songs compete in pop music fest|date=July 4, 2008|website=philstar.com|access-date=2018-12-10|archive-date=2024-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914153610/https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2008/07/04/70762/20-songs-compete-pop-music-fest|url-status=live}} and in 2009,{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2009/11/04/519937/3rd-childrens-pop-grand-finals-tonight|title=3rd Children's Pop grand finals tonight|date=November 4, 2009|website=philstar.com|access-date=2018-12-10|archive-date=2018-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210171955/https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2009/11/04/519937/3rd-childrens-pop-grand-finals-tonight|url-status=live}} which was organized by the Cebu provincial government through the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children. In 2010, he facilitated the Harmony Songwriting Workshops organized by The International Buddhist Progress Society of Manila, Philippines,{{Cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/10777/workshop-talents-perform|title=Workshop talents perform {{!}} Inquirer News|date=May 31, 2011|website=newsinfo.inquirer.net|access-date=2018-12-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/370555|title=The new darling of Visayan Pop|last=LOSORATA|first=JESSICA S.|date=October 6, 2014|website=www.sunstar.com.ph|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=2018-12-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045525/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/370555|url-status=live}} and produced the songs that were composed by the participants during the workshop.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fgsphilippines.org/mp3_player.htm|title=Kids In Harmony, For Harmony|website=www.fgsphilippines.org|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=2019-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211024243/http://fgsphilippines.org/mp3_player.htm|url-status=live}}

At the Cebu-based Brown Academy of Music, he taught a course on songwriting.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-freeman/20171003/281711204851653|title=Brown Academy of Music's OPM Jam|date=October 3, 2017|via=PressReader|publisher=The Freeman|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=2018-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206234949/https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/the-freeman/20171003/281711204851653|url-status=live}} He had also facilitated the following: Cebu Music Creators Growth Summit in 2016,{{Cite web|url=http://zee.ph/getting-creative-at-22-tango-records-cebu-music-creators-growth-summit/|title=Getting creative at 22 Tango Records' Cebu Music Creators Growth Summit|last=ZEE LIFESTYLE|date=2016-07-20|website=Zee Lifestyle|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=2018-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235025/http://zee.ph/getting-creative-at-22-tango-records-cebu-music-creators-growth-summit/|url-status=live}} and VISPOP Song Writing Workshop conducted in several colleges and universities in 2012,{{Cite web|url=http://www.pressreader.com/philippines/sunstar-cebu/20121010/281917360307027|title=Songwriting clinic set|date=October 10, 2012|via=PressReader|publisher=SunStar Cebu|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=2018-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206235147/http://www.pressreader.com/philippines/sunstar-cebu/20121010/281917360307027|url-status=live}} in 2014,{{Citation|last=Artist Ko|title=VISPOP 2.0 Behind The Scenes 1 - Jude talks about writing for a purpose|date=3 November 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NhynO7ym-I|access-date=2018-12-06}} and in 2017;{{Cite web|url=http://www.fgsphilippines.org/mp3_player.htm|title=VISPOP 5.0 Song Writing Workshop|last=Mark Jude|date=March 24, 2017|website=The Cebu Theater|access-date=2018-12-06|archive-date=2019-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211024243/http://fgsphilippines.org/mp3_player.htm|url-status=live}} and Tagumpay Songwriting Bootcamp on July 2–4. 2017 organized by the Tagum City government.{{Cite web|url=http://davaotoday.com/main/culture-2/music-album-for-homegrown-composers-pushed%e2%80%8b-in-tagum-city-bootcamp%e2%80%8b/|title=Music album for homegrown composers pushed in Tagum City bootcamp|last=Sambalud|first=Mart D.|date=2017-07-07|website=Davao Today|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-06}}

• Visayan Pop Songwriting Campaign

• [https://soundcloud.com/judegitamondoc Jude Gitamondoc in SoundCloud]

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Category:Living people

Category:Year of birth missing (living people)

Category:People from Surigao del Norte

Category:21st-century Filipino musicians

Category:University of the Philippines Diliman alumni

Category:Cebuano people

Category:Filipino OPM composers

Category:Filipino film score composers

Category:Filipino songwriters

Category:Cebuano music

Category:Cebuano plays

Category:Cebuano language