Armand TJ did the concert ‘Boracay Meets the World’ in Amsterdam last Nov. 28.

I had the privilege of meeting Armand while shooting a travel documentary in Boracay in 2007. He gave my companions and I a complimentary tour of the island a couple of days before leaving and what struck me most about him was his passion for his craft.

He was constantly toying around with new ideas for the next song, album cover, promotional material or concepts for his next performance on the beachfront of his family’s resort, all while playing host and tour guide. We almost wore out our knees taking a million photos of us doing jump shots on the beach during the day and another million right before the sun set behind us into the night. (Then we got really creative and borrowed an underwater camera from a friend and took another two million photos.) It was truly a memorable experience for the books!

What sets Armand apart from other upcoming musicians is his unique sound. Each song is a little bit different from the next with strong influences of reggae and alternative. Catchy, fresh and interesting, this combination best accentuates the beauty that surrounds the island. Watching any one of his videos makes me want to pack my bags and head back there!

On the whole, it really is a little bit of everything. This raw talent still has ways to go but I believe that he has the determination and talent needed to make it to the top as one of the Philippines’ best. To me, he’s one of Boracay’s best kept secrets!!!

Here’s a list of gathered testimonials from travelers from all over the world who’s come across the artist known as Armand Tj. May their words echo the sentiments of the thousands more out there who continue to celebrate the timeless spirit of Boracay through his music.

Now this is what we call global synergy!

The Testimonials

“Armand is not only a musician, he is an entertainer. His performances during my first visit to Boracay have left me with memories to last a lifetime and wanting to return as soon as possible. My friends and I couldn’t stop singing “Bora Bora Boracay” after our trip. I hope everyone has a chance to see him perform.” – Hana Ros, 21, Indiana, USA

“Armand is definitely the most global musician/artist. He brings us, the travelers from all over the world together as one with his music. In my experience, he invited my friends and I to be on the stage and sing with him. Then he made us connect with all the other travelers with different cultural backgrounds by letting us share the pleasure of music with them. I think of Armand as the bridge between friends across continents. – Naho Fujisawa, 23, Japan

“Not only is Armand passionate about his music but he is also passionate about meeting the various people from around the world who get to hear him when passing through Boracay – the crowds love him! During our time in Boracay, Armand’s music was the perfect soundtrack to accompany the stunning location that is Boracay.” – Carmel Kent, 27, Ireland

“While on vacation in Boracay, I was fortunate to attend several of Armand’s performances. He has a great voice and the crowd loved him! I still listen to his very catchy song – Bora -Bora-Boracay. It embodies the spirit of the friendly, hospitable inhabitants of a little piece of paradise that is Boracay. I hope I will see Armand in concert in SA or Korea some day soon! Mooi Loop Armand! (Afrkaans: Go well!)” – Marétha-Michéllé Cillié, 30, South Africa

"Armand, keep going, the world needs you!”  – Aurore Aillet , Shanghai/France

“I came to bump into Armand at the CFC-ILC in Boracay Jan. 2005 soon after his brief performance on stage. We barely had a minute’s conversation with him, but I was knocked with his light humor. I was the only black person in the crowd – and am not in the habit of warming. But Armand… is no stranger to strange people! Up to total strangers I was instantly infused with his unmistakable smile and soft voice. His polished nature is almost entirely contagious.” – Peter Kato, Uganda

“Armand is the kind of person that really can get the best of yourself out of you… my friend and I were in Boracay only for three days, but meeting Armand got us to know the best things about his island, to jam all the time, and even to work on a new song.” – Julien Manini, 22, Switzerland

“I met Armand at my boss’/his dad’s yacht, and we connected right away because of personality. And he’s got a strong one, multi-talented! Every time you see him perform, you can really see he put his soul in it! He’s one in a million! The Philippines is lucky to have him!” – Christine Vasskog Waernes, 22, Norway

“Armand is an amazing and talented singer, songwriter and musician whose music takes you on a journey and offers you a glimpse into his soul. He speaks from the heart about that which is important to him; love, family, friends and his beloved Boracay. He is a people’s person with an unquestionable passion for life!” – Sandra Kolae, South Africa

“As a Midwestern musician from the USA, I have never had the opportunity to jam on a tropical island. The rolling tide, white sands, tiny bikinis and orange sunsets provide energy to Boracay music. Armand uses that Boracay energy in his music and encourages all foreign musicians to contribute their own energy to Boracay.” – Tim Badley, Arkansas, USA

“Armand is a great artist who sings with his heart, hearing his songs is just like listening to the song of the wave on the beach while looking at the sky. So peaceful... an artist for heaven. Wish you a long road.” – Didier Novo, 25, France

“My fondest memory of Boracay is without question listening to Armand perform every night with the energy and passion of an artist doing what he loves.”  – Rafael Smith, 22, Indiana, USA

“Armand and his music embody the spirit of Boracay, radiating a powerful energy that invites us to connect to something universal, and by extension, to each other. He encourages us to experience our respective journeys with greater freedom and passion, knowing we are always part of this sustaining and invigorating current.” – Megan Gell, 27, Australia

“It’s always a real pleasure watching Armand perform. I love that he takes the time to get to know and connect with his audience, which makes the experience all the more special and personalized!” – Gemma Burgess, 24, United Kingdom

“Mi viiiiiiiiiiiiida!!!! Your music is the best, always I heart your music!!! Un beso!!!” – Marianne Puglia, 23, Venezuela