Quotes from Arnel Pineda

My father would make me stand on the table and make me sing. He would give me a P1 reward after every song.

I'm used to the Journey routine now.

I prefer alkaline water. Good for the vocal cords, especially if you take it in the morning.

I may have done an every-night gig in Hong Kong because I was there for almost 16 years, and in Manila, Philippines, I did gigs there.

I didn't think the real Neal Schon would call a guy like me. I'm just a guy from the Philippines.

Journey are very big in the Philippines.

Journey gave me a magic wand, and it's changed the man that I am. I was able to muster this kind of courage that I never, ever had in my life.

The Journey guys were so warm and friendly. I'm learning a lot from them.

Since I was five years old, when my mom was still alive, she would just call me. And we would listen to the radio with Barbra Streisand and Karen Carpenter, and she would ask me to sing with her.

I believe in second chances.

I like to keep my voice going. I don't want it to lose its chops. You know, as you age, it's easier for you to lose it.

I've known what it's like to survive without a steady job. Growing up in the Philippines, I watched my parents juggle part-time jobs at the corner shop and as tailors, barely able to make ends meet for my three brothers and me.

I am a great believer in alkaline water which lessens the acid in my system.

I just focus on trying to please and entertain those who have faith in my talent.

I would hang out with my friends, and they would make me sing in exchange for food. I'd tag along just so I could eat. Then we would go to the park, and I'd sleep there with other homeless kids.

I'm living a fairy tale.

I try to avoid gaining weight as much as possible because it hinders my performance onstage. Touring demands so much energy.

I pray everywhere and with all my heart.

I think my mother was there all the time. Every time I thought I was almost dying and gave up hope in my life, I felt like she was whispering in my ear and asking me, 'Why are you doing this?'

I have a foundation where it caters to street children and entices them to go back to school. The street is not a good school for them. They need to go to a proper school.

Download was one of the best festivals I've ever been to.

A job provides so much more than a paycheck. It provides a sense of dignity and belonging. It gives you the opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of a team - or, in my case, part of a band.

I take small meals three times a day - Breakfast at 6 or 7 A.M., let my body digest what I eat, and then I have lunch. My last meal for the day is at around 6 P.M. No more food after that.

I had to give up a lot of foods that I'm accustomed to eating: dairy products, beer, wine, spicy food.