Arzen Rose Dulzura

‘TNT’ champ Mark Michael Garcia’s journey, a testament to ‘perfect timing’

Article (news)

Clarence Roi Gillego

Push Team

Mark Michael Garcia, the first ever Tawag ng Tanghalan Grand Resbak Edition champion, is a testament that success comes to those who wait and never give up. Just when he thought he had already reached the peak of success when he won in 2019, the pandemic happened and turned everything upside down.  Mark, who now goes by the name MMG, never imagined that he would one day be given the opportunity of a lifetime. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1751168734891Thumb (24).jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>The R&amp;B charmer is set to release an alternative version of Whitney Houston’s hit song “Run to You” on all digital streaming platforms on July 4.  According to a press release, this upcoming version is a never-before-heard “breakup version,” which turned out to be destined for Mark.  <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/6/27/mark-michael-garcia-to-record-version-of-run-to-you-by-whitney-houston-1125">READ: Mark Michael Garcia to record version of &#x27;Run to You&#x27; by Whitney Houston</a></div>Award-winning composers Jud Friedman and Alan Rich, the song’s original composers who are both based in Los Angeles, USA, saw enough potential in Mark to grant him permission to record it. Still in disbelief with this unexpected milestone in his music career, Mark can’t help but be grateful that, among many skilled musicians, he was the one chosen to give the song a new life.  “Siguro ‘yung right timing. Hintayin mo talaga ‘yung panahon, perfect timing kumbaga kasi ‘yun din ang sabi sa akin: ‘Itong song na ‘to ang tagal na sa amin, walang ibang taong binigyan nitong song na ‘to, bakit sayo?’ Kumbaga parang oo nga noh, perfect timing nga talaga,” he told PUSH ABS-CBN, reflecting on his experience.    In a virtual interview with reporters, Alan shared how he learned of Mark through a certain Alex Reyes, his personal physical therapist, who happens to be a Filipino.  According to Alan, it started with his physical therapist encouraging him do a concert tour in the Philippines. His concern was he had no connections, which led to him being introduced to Mark. “When I looked at the videos, he sang a song that I wrote, ‘I don&#x27;t have the heart.’ So, I reached out to him. I called him and said, ‘I love what you’re doing. Jud and I wrote ‘I don&#x27;t have the heart.’ We love your voice, and I’d love to send you some songs.’ So that’s how it started,” he told reporters. For Mark, it still feels “surreal” that he was trusted with the great opportunity, adding that he and his manager couldn’t believe it at first and even did a background check to make sure it was legitimate.  Aside from the soon-to-be-released “Run to You” alternative version, Mark also shared with PUSH ABS-CBN about a collaborative project with the foreign composers that his supporters can look forward to.   “Meron pa kaming bagong niluluto, actually tapos naman na,” he shared. “Tapos na ‘yung song na to, composed din nina sir Alan Rich, Jud Friedman, and Chris Walker. Ang title ng song na ‘to is ‘Your Love is All I Know.’ After this, hopefully, ilalabas na rin namin very very soon.” Mark will be having his breakthrough concert titled Code Name: MMG on August 2 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura.

Tawag ng Tanghalan Resbak champion Mark Michael Garcia waited long enough to make his way through the spotlight.

Tawag ng Tanghalan Resbak champion Mark Michael Garcia waited long enough to make his way through the spotlight.