By Personal desires can often drive the development of businesses, because, after all, someone needs to do it properly. And this is exactly how Karl Zarate began his business of putting rhinestones on everything. His knack for making everything sparkling led him to launch BlingItOnMNL. “Nagsimula lahat sa kabaklaan,” the professional singer explained. When everyone borrowed ballpens and failed to return them in high school, Karl became frustrated with not getting his back. “I covered my ballpen with bling and explained that if someone borrows it, they’ll identify it right away because it’s already ‘blinged’ and customized. I even put bling on my tumbler and phone case; that’s just how I am,” Karl says. When he mentioned this, I instantly imagined going into his room and finding everything rhinestoned, which would be fantastic.
His humble business, which he initially only serviced to his friends, gained traction after he decided to showcase some of his work online. Elha Nympha, a vocalist and The Voice Kids alumna, was one of his first clients. Karl “blinged” Elha’s first microphone before repainting her second. Aside from rhinestoning, Karl began repainting his microphones and established ColorHuePH, a business that offers this service. Karl, a professional singer who has performed at events and weddings as well as recorded and released his own music, understands the importance of investing on your own microphone. He owns many and practiced repainting them before establishing ColorHuePH as a full-fledged business. “The person who also works with me taught me how to repaint since, according to my marketing professional buddies, if you’re going to start a business, you should strive to learn the actual task that has to be done rather than simply hiring someone to do it for you. Do the actual work to gain a better understanding of the physical tasks and procedures involved in your company,” Karl says. Currently, ColorHuePH has repainted and modified mics for hip-hop artist Skusta Clee, Gian Bernardino from Cup of Joe, vocalist Carissa, singer Arthur Miguel, and SB19’s Josh Cullen, to name a few. Continue reading to learn more about Karl’s plans for ColorHuePH.
When did you start singing?
I began singing at a young age. My mother first noticed that I could sing when I was four years old. She was a vocalist in Japan. When I was four years old, I still couldn’t read or write, but my family noticed I had a talent for singing when I sung my first song in Japanese rather than Tagalog or English. We had Japanese music on repeat in our house every morning, so I learned those songs early on. I began singing professionally when I was about nine years old. I would join in small events that required singers and sing in competitions. Nowadays, I sing at parties and weddings.
Is it necessary for a vocalist to use his or her own microphone? And why?
Yes, owning my own microphone is a great investment for me. When I purchased my first microphone, I said that I had fulfilled my dream of owning a microphone like other great singers. I believe Gary V advocated to invest in your own microphone for sanitary concerns.
My first mic was a Shure. My pals said, “Sure, ka sa Shure.” Because of my interest in microphones, I ended up purchasing five wireless microphones. It’s an investment that’s worthwhile because I use it frequently. Mabilis siya ma-ROI. I appreciate being able to test different microphone manufacturers to see which one is best.
When I have an event, I always remember to bring my microphone. Carrying one has already become common practice in our industry. Possessing your own equipment shows that you are not cheap and adds value to your brand. People will view you as a professional since you have invested in your skills and equipment, giving them a reason to compensate you more.
Do you have a dream microphone? If so, what makes that microphone your ideal choice?
Sennheiser SKM 6000 is a high-end wireless microphone from Sennheiser. Just the microphone costs P250K; the receiver is not yet included. The receiver costs roughly P300K. The entire set costs between P550K and P600K. Our client and singer Elha Nympha has this top-of-the-line microphone, which we repainted for her.
Tell us about how you started ColorHuePH. Why did you decide to start this business?
Elha Nympha encouraged us to try our hand at repainting. I’ve been singing for a long time and know people in the industry, so I have artist friends who have seen what I do with BlingItOnMNL, and my former Road Manager for the company where I worked is now the new RM for Elha Nympha. Elha wanted to invest in a microphone. She bought one and had it delivered straight to my house, where I received it. She placed her trust in me, which I much appreciated, and I made certain that the microphone we customized for her was the best. She invested on another microphone. She is a fan of BTS and bought the same microphone they use. So, when I got it, all I could say was “wow”. Elha encouraged us to start repainting because she loves her bling microphone. We ran several beta testing before repainting Elha’s actual microphone. Elha had a color analysis done, and the outcome was exactly what she wanted for the color of her microphone. We followed what seemed to be a faint grayish tint. She was thrilled when she saw her repainted microphone, and I was as well.
Why is it important for a performer’s microphone to be visually appealing?
I often tell my clients that if they are going to invest in their own microphone, they should personalize it so that it represents their brand and reflects their individuality. Display your favorite color and the narrative behind your microphone’s design. I often tell them that if they are vocalists, the microphone is the most photographed item they carry to a performance. That’s your best friend on stage. It is one of the most consistent objects you will bring with you. It will also make it easier for sound technicians, who typically mark the ends of microphones with tape so they can immediately coordinate with their mixer. Since the technician will already know who the microphone belongs to, marking it is unnecessary.
Whose microphone would you want to color?
Locally, Ms. Regine Velasquez, Mr. Ogie Alcasid, Mr. Gary Valenciano, and Ms. Lani Misalucha are the ones I listen to; maybe, we can collaborate with them soon. I established a goal for this year. I’m hoping to collaborate with artists from three major companies: ABS-CBN, GMA, and VIVA. We also want to collaborate with a full P-Pop group and customize all of their mics. That’d be fun.
How can people get in touch with you for your services?
If you have any inquiries, please contact us through all of our social media accounts at ColorHuePH. We are on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
What goals do you have for ColorHuePH this year?
I’d like to see ColorHuePh on a concert poster as one of the sponsors. If the artist holding the concert has his or her own microphone, we can repaint it for free as long as they mention ColorHuePH on their show poster. It would be an incredible experience if our name is announced during the concert. Even though I am not the one on stage performing, I’d be happy since I’d still be a part of the artist’s journey.
If you want your mics personalized and repainted, contact BlingItOnMNL on Facebook and Instagram or ColorHuePH on Facebook and Instagram.
Denise J. Mallabo 