Why Young JV didn’t become a soldier

Rather than following the footsteps of his father, retired Army Col. Eduardo “Red” Kapunan, R&B and hip-hop artist Young JV took to music instead.

The 21-year-old, whose real name is JV Kapunan, is a Star Magic artist who been singing and writing songs since he was 15. He released his debut album, “Ready or Not,” two years ago—earning him the Best New Male Recording Artist award at the 23rd Awit Awards for his song "That Girl.”

“What’s good about my Dad is that he didn’t force me to enter the military. He allows me to do what I want, which is making music,” Young JV said at the press launch Nov. 25 of the song, “Alay.”

The elder Kapunan was an original member of Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), which played a crucial role in the EDSA Revolution that brought Cory Aquino to power. Later, RAM would try but fail to overthrow her government.

Helps orphans of soldiers

So why not follow in his dad’s footsteps, the press wanted to know.

“Ayaw ko po. Ayaw ko po kasing mamatay ng maaga,” Young JV joked.

“My dad helped a lot in revolution, but for me I wanna help out through my music, through people. Iba kami ng linya ng daddy ko,” he said.

But the rapper also conducts programs and fund-raising events for Lahing Bayani, a foundation his family founded to support soldiers’ orphans.  He has pledged a part of the sales of his album to the Foundation.  His new album, “Doin It Big,” is due for release in February 2012.

Rebelling against dad

Being raised by a military dad, Young JV admitted that he used to resent the discipline his dad imposed on his and his three siblings.  They were required to be on time, do well in school and live up to the values of the family.

“Mahirap talaga,” he recalled of how he was raised. “Nagrebelde ako growing up with my Dad. I was against my Dad. Sobrang ayaw ko yung Dad ko dati. Silent treatment, deadma lang.”

But, he admitted, “now, I see (my dad’s) point. It’s easier now lang for me. Like for example pag may ‘ASAP,’ tapings.”

His new single “Alay,” featuring Star Power finalist Akiko Solon, deviates a bit from the hip-hop he favors for something poppier and “dance-y.”

“More friendly to the ears,” he said of the single. “Mas more on singing, although may rap pa rin.” It helps that “Alay” speaks, he says, “of love for family, girlfriend, friends, any kind of love—so parang it’s perfect timing lang with the season.”

He hopes new fans and old followers will like his expanded repertoire.