Mikko

Mikko wrote his first song when he was 9 years old in Grade 3. He wrote a series of short stories entitled, "Abel's Sister," which became the title of that very first composition. His second and darling brain child, "Hear My Heart," was born in the same manner, after writing a short story. And as he began to experience both painful and joyous things in life, he began to write songs about these experiences as well. And that was the beginning of the call that would make his dreams come true and change his life forever.

He started playing the piano when he was five, and his parents discovered his gift a couple of years later when he heard a song on the radio and was able to play it right away. That moment sparked a dream that would turn into a mission come his teenage years.

Mikko entered the De La Salle University where he was mentored by a theology professor. Following the advice of his teacher, he continued his studies in the seminary, where he was taught in theology and music.

He was eventually given pastoral assignments in the music ministry of his church. He wrote new songs for the choir and for his band- Fresh Fire. They went on church tours to preach and sing. They sang his song, "A Church Worth Dying For" during church anniversary celebrations, and also the more popular, "We're Changing Lives" during the World Missions month (February 2004). By the time summer of that year came his life was already centered on his ministry. He saw this to be the calling for which he was being prepared for as a child. But before that year would end, Mikko must face a test that would shatter his heart and make him write the song that would mark the beginning of a dream come true.

Like being hurled into a vortex, Mikko was caught off-guard in a sudden turn of events that led him to find another church where he could serve. "I lost my friends, I lost my ministry. I lost everything that was important to me at that time." He said. And while he was in his worst, he wrote the song, "Wait Upon The Lord" and sang it on his last day in his home church. "For many weeks since that moment, there hasn't been a night that I haven't cried myself to sleep." He said. He wrote more songs in the remaining months of that year than in the past two years. "and whenever I write songs," he continued "God somehow comforts me through the words." Mikko knew that it was just a matter of time before God revealed his destiny, but he would have to wait. "In your crying, wait a million times on the Lord" was the last line of his song.

In Februuary 2005 he joined a nation-wide search for a new generation of gospel artists in the Philippines-- Shine For Jesus. For a whole year he held on to God's promises as he did his best in the competition. On September 10, 2005, he sang the song that says, wait a million times on the Lord, and on his last note, his long wait was finally over. He won along with 11 others among hundreds of participants from all over the country.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Their first album, Shine For Jesus vol. 1 is now available at PCBS and Odyssey outlets nationwide.

Mikko is currently working on his first solo album, Hail The Call, which will be released in October 2006. He has written more than fifty songs in the last two years. He has recently received an honorable mention in the 13th Annual Billboard Songwriting Contest for his song, "Tomorrow We Will Sing."

He is also finishing his theological studies at the Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary.