After a powerful audition and consecutive standing ovations on The Voice of the Philippines, Mitoy Yonting didn’t just win—he became a symbol of the voice of the masses. But the real story didn’t end on the Grand Finals stage. In fact, that was only the beginning of a quieter, yet far more meaningful chapter of his life.
This isn’t your typical “life after fame” story. No exaggerated twists, no scripted drama. What followed was a man returning to his roots—as a performer, an entrepreneur, and a pillar of his household. But questions remain unanswered to this day. Why did a grand champion suddenly disappear from the limelight at the peak of his fame? Was it due to involvement with illegal substances? And where is Mitoy Yonting now?
Michael Mitoy Yonting was born in San Roque, Pangasinan. From a young age, he showed natural talent in singing. But instead of having that talent nurtured early on, his passion for music remained hidden. One major reason for this was the lack of support from his family. Rather than encouraging him to develop his gift, they prioritized the pursuit of a practical and stable career.
So instead of growing up with music as his central focus, Mitoy was burdened with responsibilities. Though he had vocal talent, he lacked the courage and inspiration to seriously pursue it. No one ever pushed him to believe that his dreams could lead anywhere. So instead of jumping into music, he took a more traditional path—he graduated with a degree in criminology, which could have led him to become a police officer or a legal professional.
However, despite the diploma, he never entered the police force or practiced law. Deep down, he knew his true calling wasn’t in public service—it was on a brightly lit stage filled with music and life. Slowly, his interest in music rekindled, especially when he got his first exposure on television.
He started joining singing contests on shows like Eat Bulaga and other variety programs. For the first time, he experienced the thrill of the stage and the applause of an audience. That’s when his passion for music was reignited.
With his band, The Draybers, Mitoy began a colorful journey as part of a local rock group that gradually gained attention in the music scene. They started performing bar gigs in Dagupan around 2004, regularly playing at the same venues every year—signs of strong foundation and dedication to their craft.
From provincial bars, The Draybers made their way to the Eat Bulaga stage, joining a segment called Music Hero. There, Mitoy’s voice—powerful, full, and emotional—began to shine. He wasn’t just belting notes; he forged a deep connection with audiences, especially those who loved classic rock and heartfelt OPM.
The band focused on reviving the OPM rock scene through powerful covers and original songs. Inspired by foreign rock legends like Queen, Aerosmith, and Journey, they added their own flair—a mix of Filipino humor, mass appeal, and world-class performance. Every gig wasn’t just a performance; it was an experience of entertainment, excellence, and raw emotion.
At a time when pop and dance music dominated the charts, The Draybers stayed true to their identity as a rock band. In an interview with The Philippine Star, they shared a simple yet meaningful mission: to bring back the true sound of rock to the mainstream. It was a bold challenge they took on with full conviction, believing there was still space for music with depth and soul.
As the frontman, Mitoy became the face and heart of The Draybers. But his true rise came in 2013 when he joined the first season of The Voice of the Philippines. During his blind audition, he instantly proved his vocal prowess with the song “Bakit Ako Mahihiya?”—a classic ballad he gave new life with his unique style.
Coach Lea Salonga’s chair turned quickly, and she chose him for her team. Still, his journey in the competition wasn’t easy. While other contestants consistently led public votes, Mitoy often found himself at risk of elimination. Many times, he had to rely on his coach’s decision to stay in the competition. Almost every live show was nerve-wracking for his fans, as he repeatedly survived only through Judges’ Saves.
In truth, the coaches loved him—but he wasn’t always the crowd favorite in the polls. This made each round more intense, requiring not just talent, but also courage and grit. Eventually, in the grand finals, public votes and jury admiration finally aligned. With explosive performances of “Help” by The Beatles and “Anak” by Freddie Aguilar, he showcased the full range of his abilities—from rock anthems to emotional Filipino classics.
In the end, despite a perilous path and close calls, Mitoy Yonting was crowned the very first champion of The Voice of the Philippines. His victory was not just a product of talent, but of resilience in the face of adversity. Mitoy proved that even if you’re not the most popular, with the strongest heart—you still win.
After his victory, Mitoy’s fame soared. Opportunities poured in—from concerts, guest appearances, mall shows, to comedy and acting roles. He became a beloved character in the primetime sitcom Home Sweetie Home, working alongside major industry stars.
But suddenly, the name Mitoy Yonting faded. Rumors swirled—some believed his disappearance was due to addiction to illegal substances. This wasn’t uncommon among celebrities who rose to fame overnight. Many speculated he couldn’t handle the pressure and succumbed to drugs.
Mitoy strongly denied these claims. He admitted that he experimented with drugs once in his youth out of curiosity, but he was never addicted and quit on his own. His absence from television, he explained, wasn’t because of any vice—it was simply because his first love was singing.
He enjoyed acting and making people laugh. But nothing compared to the joy of being on stage, holding a microphone, and singing songs that gave meaning to his life. So he gradually left his acting commitments to focus again on his first love: music—with The Draybers.
He returned to regular gigs. For years, they were mainstays at Bar 360 in Resorts World Manila. Night after night, audiences came not just for the music, but for Mitoy’s one-of-a-kind live energy—a mix of rock, soul, and powerhouse vocals. The Draybers weren’t just a cover band; they were a collective of passionate musicians aiming to revive and sustain OPM rock’s strength.
But on June 2, 2017, during a performance at Resorts World Manila, an unexpected tragedy struck. Mid-performance, chaos erupted. A robbery incident occurred, and gunshots rang out. People panicked and ran toward any safe part of the hotel. Fortunately, the organizers ensured their safety. Others weren’t as lucky.
Despite the incident, the group’s dedication to their craft never wavered.
Despite his stage success, Mitoy Yonting remained grounded. For him, music was important—but family was the true reason he worked hard. As a responsible father, he started small businesses, including a milk tea cart he personally drove and managed during his free time.
He wasn’t ashamed of this—he was proud to be hands-on because every sale was a step toward his family’s future. Behind all this stood his wife—his inspiration and strength. Through her quiet support, Mitoy found reason to continue—whether on stage or behind the wheel of his business.
Mitoy is more than just the voice of the masses. He is also a pillar of his home. And in every song he sings, there is love for his family—the true music of his life.