The Revival King Jojo Mendrez’s “Yakap” Earns Praise as the Most Beautiful Version of the Classic Hit
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The Revival King Jojo Mendrez is gaining rave reviews about his latest single, "Yakap," which is originally a big hit in 1979 by Filipino-Spanish crooner Junior. “Yakap” became one of the defining romantic ballads of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. It was used as the OST of the film "Good Morning Sunshine" starring Vilma Santos and Junior himself, directed by Ishmael Bernal.
The song remained beloved through the decades, becoming a nostalgic anthem associated with warmth, longing, and emotional comfort.
Fast forward to the present, Jojo's heartfelt version of "Yakap" gained a lot of positive feedbacks from listeners and netizens. The Optimum Star Claudine Barretto, upon hearing his version said, "OMG I'm Crying! THE BEST RENDITION KAPATID!"
Her reaction carried deeper emotional significance because the song’s original singer, Junior, was the uncle of the Barretto sisters, including Claudine herself. This family connection added another sentimental layer to the revival, making it even more meaningful to her. She has been supporting Jojo for the past months because she truly admires his passion to his craft.
Jojo also recently sat down for an engaging interview with entertainment host and director Ronald Carballo to talk about his latest single, “Yakap,”. The interview gave viewers a deeper understanding of Mendrez’s passion for music, his admiration for timeless Filipino classics, and the emotional journey behind recording the song. Direk Ronald also gave nothing but praises to the song which also gave him goosebumps while listening to it, saying, "ang ganda, ang ganda, gusto kita yakapin!".
For Mendrez, reviving “Yakap” was more than simply recording another classic hit. During the interview, he revealed that the song had long been a “dream project” for him.
The new version of “Yakap” stays faithful to the tenderness of the original while giving it a contemporary emotional depth. Mendrez’s signature heartfelt style transforms the classic into a softer, more intimate listening experience that appeals both to longtime OPM fans and younger audiences discovering the song for the first time. The revival further strengthens his reputation as the “Revival King,” a title he earned through successful reinterpretations of songs such as “Handog,” “Somewhere In My Past,” and “Tuyo Na’ng Damdamin.”
Mendrez also shared his gratitude toward supporters who continue to embrace revival music in today’s fast-changing music industry. He explained that revisiting classic songs is his way of preserving the beauty of OPM while introducing timeless melodies to a new generation.
With “Yakap,” Jojo Mendrez once again proves why he remains one of today’s most recognizable revival artists in the OPM scene. By honoring the legacy of Junior while adding his own emotional interpretation, Mendrez successfully bridges generations of Filipino music lovers. Combined with the support and praise from personalities like Claudine Barretto, the revival has become more than just a remake—it is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring beauty of classic OPM music.
Yakap is now available in all music platforms. Follow Jojo Mendrez's on his official Facebook account for more updates.
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