Boholano proves one can succeed in Hollywood
Hollywood is not just a place where entertainers are found; it is also a place where dreams are fulfilled. One of these dreamers, is a Boholano, who strived to make a name for himself in Hollywood.
Nathan Lagahit Ipanag or known in Hollywood as NATEY, said he had to
overcome a lot of challenges before he made it. Known as a vocalist, producer, filmmaker and a songwriter, he was able to work
with big brands like Adidas and Reebok and with celebrities such as Toni Braxton, Nick Jonas and Magic Johnson.
NATEY guested at Balita FM’s 91.1’s Open Forum with the sister tandem of
Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Araneta to answer some questions about himself and also shared some information with The Bohol Tribune in an email interview.
NATEY is 29 years old and currently single who is in Los Angeles, California
but was born and raised in Maryland. From timeto time, he would spend his vacations here in Bohol.
“Both of my parents are originally from Bohol. My mother, Mila Lagahit Ipanag was
raised in Valencia. My father, Fred Fernandez Ipanag was raised in Makati,” NATEY said in an email to The Bohol Tribune. NATEY said that he grew up speaking Tagalog in his household but he
can understand a good amount of Bisaya. He identifies himself as an ordinary kid who grew up in the United States and was nurtured by Filipino culture.
He also said that being in Bohol allows him the opportunity to touch the roots of his family. He added that he is the product of a beautiful upbringing of Filipino culture. He said that he may not be a great singer, but he makes it a point to sing passionately
and constantly improve his singing prowess as he aspires to be as good as the other singers in his family.
NATEY is a multifaceted artist working in Hollywood. His main source of livelihood is
in the film industry. He works as a sound mixer for film and television. He is also involved in logistics where he helps productions run. In the music industry, he records, writes songs and helps other artists hone their craft.
He describes himself to be wearing a multitude of hats so that he doesn’t
get limited in his endeavors. This 28-year-old guy is a huge advocate of independent films. He believes that it is not too late to start and there is no better time than today.
NATEY’s latest single Taillight is available for streaming on Spotify.
BEING IN HOLLYWOOD
“For my first official paid music gig, I had the honor of performing with a
live band at a small venue in Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles called “The Lost Knight”. It was a humbling experience that gave me the confidence and fulfillment to believe that I was on the right path,” he told The Bohol Tribune.
However, as an Asian-American he had to endure some challenges as a
professional working in Hollywood.
“In the US, there are several stigmas revolving around Asian-Americans.
There is a certain style associated with Filipino-Americans that has limited the ability for many of us to explore our individual uniqueness. Professionally, it was a big challenge for me to break the mold and begin paving my own way,” he narrated.
He counts Bruno Mars as one Filipino-American who he’d like to work with someday.
“I have always had dreams to work with Bruno Mars, who is obviously one of the most
distinguished American artists with Filipino DNA. But on a smaller scale I have already had the pleasure of working closely with several Filipinos, some being born in the Philippines and most others being raised in the States. It is important to me to unite with them, and contribute to the growth of more Filipinos being given good paying jobs in the industry,” he explained.
PASSION
NATEY shared with us his passion and that is to carve a platform to help others. “Since I was younger, my passion has always been to be an entertainer. I have
always felt a calling to make a positive impact on others through different mediums of art. At this point in my career, I can safely say I am living my dream being able to make a living solely through my music and jobs in the film industry, but more importantly my dream has come true being able to use my platform to help others,” he quipped.
FILIPINO SIDE
NATEY shared some of the things he likes about Filipino culture and food. When asked what his favorite Filipino food, he said he likes pork barbecue,
“It is very difficult for me to pick one specific food
and to even show love to strangers,” NATEY mentioned in the email.
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS
NATEY made it big in Hollywood and he wants others to be able to achieve
their dreams as well.
“I believe that God has called me to use my gifts to inspire and help others.
By being proactive about sharing my journey, I hope to convey the message that if I am able to find success in following my dreams that anyone can. I will continue to use my platform to remind others how short life is, and that we all owe it to ourselves to turn our dreams into a reality,” he said.
He narrated how he has been sharing his talents and time with other Filipinos especially those in the Motherland.
“During this visit to the Philippines, I had the honor of conducting a seminar for
youth interested in pursuing a career in entertainment at the Bohol Institute of Technology. I explained many different roles within in the film and music industry, in hopes to educate and inspire them to take the next step towards their dreams. When I return, I hope to organize similar events on a much larger scale. It feels only right to give back to the place that (through my parents) groomed me to become who I am today,” he revealed in his email.
When asked about his advice to young people, here’s what NATEY has to say:
“My advice for any young people hoping to make it in Hollywood would be to find a group of like-minded individuals that share mutual support of your endeavors. There is truth to the quote that ‘it takes a village’, and trying to succeed in the industry by yourself can be dangerous and insanely overwhelming. Network as much as you possibly can and always maintain your self respect. There are
people out there who will not have your best interest in mind, so be mindful of who you choose to keep close,” NATEY said.
IMPRESSIONS
NATEY also shared his impressions of Boholanos and Bohol. He said: “The lasting impression I have always had from Boholanos is their beautifully
simple approach to life. Coming from the US, we have a tendency to require high maintenance and to take many things for granted. It is always a breath of fresh air to be around such peaceful people who don’t need much to find joy,” he said. He then went on to describe Bohol in three words: ” Peaceful, beautiful, and pure.”