THE IGOROT BON JOVI | Igorotage

Arnold Guiad Valle is a Baguio-based singer/songwriter. If you tell him he sounds like a foreign artist, he will proudly reply he’s an FBI, as he’s fully aware his roots can be traced all the way to Mountain Province.

And some may even say he sounds a lot like the American rock star Jon Bon Jovi. Especially for those sentimental old timers who grew up in an era when the airwaves were dominated by the distinct voice of the said rock star.

“Wow, I’m glad I heard you singing, kailyan…” some would exclaim in amazement, “your voice has taken me back to the 90’s…you sound like my favorite singer!”

Initially, Arnold didn’t know what to make of such comparison, because he was not even trying to imitate somebody, but just trying to sing his songs..

Indeed, for him, he is just trying to sing his songs in a style songs can be best expressed. And over time, as more and more listeners point out to him how his style of singing reminds them of Mr. Bon Jovi, he has learned to take it as a compliment, always reminding himself to say “thank you” every time he hears someone say, “kasla met Bon Jovi banat mo…”

His song, CORDILLERA ROAD, may have something to do with this. Released in May of 2020 at the height of the Covid lockdown. Instead of a video of the singer belting out, the song featured video footage of Cordillera sceneries that left many first time listeners wondering, “why is this Jersey born rock star Jon Bon Jovi singing a song about Cordillera?”

And so those who are in the know have to clarify, that the taraki guy singing is actually an Igorot. His name is Arnold Guiad Valle.

Unlike the Jersey born rock star though, who can only sing in the English language, Arnold can do it in English, Tagalog, Kankanaey, Ilocano, and even Japanese when he is in the mood for it.

You can check him out on his social media platforms for more of his songs:

-SUBSCRIBE to Arnold Guiad Valle Official You Tube channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqCwfJd_UPE

-LIKE & FOLLOW Arnold Valle MTV Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Arnwaltn/

I truly believe that he is but one among the living proofs that Igorots too can rock the world of music if only given the opportunity.

Bag-Iw Lg @IgolinsanBag-iw

Mountain dweller, etag eater, and I love my dog the way a white man loves his turkey on his thanksgiving day.

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