Forever Yours, Faithfully: Remembering the First PGT Winner, Jovit Baldivino

After being comatosed for several days, one of the most popular singers since 2010, Jovit Baldivino, has passed away.

As we mourn the loss of yet another young artist, we wish to do right by him by focusing on the great memories he left, instead of the tragic circumstances surrounding his final days. 

The chosen one

Arguably the most jam-packed season of PGT, the first season introduced to us the likes of Ruther Urquia, Alakim, Gerphil Flores, Baguio Metamorphosis, the Velasco Brothers, and a whole lot more. Despite the ridiculously stiff competition, 16-year-old Jovit managed to come out on top and became an instant sensation.

From humble beginnings

But it wasn’t always like this for Jovit. Coming from a poor family, the Batangas native had to help his family by selling siomai to make ends meet. Even when he met success through winning PGT, he still persevered and studied Criminology in hopes of becoming a lawyer.

The most ambitious crossover ever?

Move over, Avengers Endgame. With current Journey frontman Arnel Pineda and Jovit being both Filipino, it was just a matter of time before the both of them did a duet of “Faithfully,” a Journey original that helped catapult Jovit to superstardom, as well as the lead singer and title of his first studio album.

Making covers his own

While Jovit isn’t well-known for original songs, nobody can deny that his signature pieces have become more than just karaoke covers. He’s breathed new life into all of them and made them his very own, and it’s that ability to turn a classic into something just as memorable that we’ll always remember him by.

Sustained success

While he was not always at the forefront when it came to prominence, nobody can deny what Jovit had was sustained longevity. He managed to last in the industry for 12 whole years without ever really wearing out his welcome, and considering the highest of highs he has managed to accomplish, that’s no mean feat.

His most fascinating hit

“Pusong Bato” is simply the most memorable song out of Jovit’s entire discography. As a cover of what was originally a cult classic, Jovit’s take on the song turned it into a crossover sensation, making an impact not just with the masses as expected, but even with the elites, thanks to his sheer force of personality. 

A second life through memehood

Jovit had a career resurgence through no fault of his own when, in 2020, his covers of “Pusong Bato” and “Ika’y Mahal Pa Rin” were turned into memes, being remixed and mashed up with other hit songs, including K-Pop hits like “Ice Cream” and “What Is Love”, as well as “Baby” by Justin Bieber. As funny as the memes were, it put him back at the top of the Pinoy consciousness and made him popular all over again.

An undeniable Legacy

As the first-ever winner of Pilipinas Got Talent, as a popular meme, and overall nice guy, Jovit Baldivino leaves a lasting legacy in his 12 years in the music industry.

Here’s to one of the greats. Thank you for the music.