For local musician Walter David Atalig Manglona, however, being born into a family of musicians where the song’s melody is almost often the language in their house, he’s more eager to learn than seeing his father playing different musical instruments.
So, at the tender age of 6, this young man from Rota started to learn how to play the guitar, drums, piano, flute and bass.
And what makes him, what he is now—a successful songwriter, a rapper, singer, producer and chief executive officer of Jade Pro Studios—begins when he practices, practices and practices.
“I didn’t learn what I know now sitting on my behind. I worked really hard practicing my craft,” he said. Walter started singing and performing since he was 5 years old and his father has been his biggest inspiration when it comes to his music. “He taught me everything I know.”
He considers “No Surprise” by Daughtry as his favorite song. Walter, his cousin Dominic Muna and brother, Dean Manglona has started a band. He said after graduating high school in Rota he moved to Guam where he joined a singing competition and won first place. “I got signed and recorded my first album called ‘Snoopy’. After that, I went on learning new things. I learned how to record and edit my own music and music videos.” You could see some of Walter’s work on youtube.com. He produced a few albums like his brother’s “Let me know”. He has traveled a lot—performing in Guam, TV shows and other events here and abroad. This October 23rd, Walter said he and his boys, fellow local musicians, RoccJuan and Badu, will have a concert at Club V at Saipan Grand Hotel. The trio also has a new single released on the airwaves. “I’ve been singing for a while now and I just want to thank all the people who made it possible for me to do what I do. God bless you all.”
Walter, the third of the four siblings of David and Marita Manglona, not only loves writing and producing music, he also likes charcoal drawings, painting, and designing photos.
While he could harmonize entire basic musical instruments like the piano, guitar, drums bass, flutes and others, Walter could also produce music videos, movies and documentaries. “I do a little street magic like Criss Angel,” he smiled.
It was Walter who directed and produced the “The Enchantress” movie, which starred some of the senior citizens of the Office on Aging, where he currently works as a program coordinator. Although, he admits his job at the Manamko Center didn’t improve his talent and musical career, he still loves his job, which includes leading the elderly to sing and appreciate the music. “I have an amazing boss in Rose Mondala and Juan San Nicolas. I love working with our man amko’ because they are so precious and wise. I learn a lot from them. They teach me old songs. Not my genre though,” he laughed.
Walter said his music comes straight from his heart.
And for those aspiring musicians, Walter has this to say, “Never give up on your dream. Keep doing what you are doing. Believe in yourself and don’t let haters put you down.”
