Why RJ Jimenez pushed for ‘Pinoy Dream Academy’ reunion concert after 20 years

Two decades after the show that changed everything, RJ Jimenez is organizing a reunion concert – and the reason why will warm your heart.

If you grew up watching Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA), chances are the music never really left you. The late-night performances, the raw emotions, the friendships forged under one roof — it all became part of a shared Filipino memory. And if you’ve ever typed “RJ Jimenez” into a search bar just to check in on him, you’ll be glad to know he’s been busy, fulfilled, and now, finally, bringing everyone back together.

More than twenty years have passed since PDA first aired, but for RJ, the impact never faded – it just evolved. These days, his social media is filled with messages from fans who grew up with the show’s music as their soundtrack.

“I get a lot of ‘you and your songs were part of my childhood’ in my social media,” he shared. “This means PDA had a huge impact on the Filipino and OPM.”

That sentiment and a nudge from his wife, Tin, is what sparked the idea for a reunion concert.

“My wife triggered the idea of why not have a reunion concert,” RJ recalled. 

“So I said, let’s do it! This is to give back the love and support that our family, friends, and fans gave us – to bring the joy and nostalgia not just for the PDA scholars but for the fans,” he added.

Pinoy Dream Academy first aired on ABS-CBN in 2006. 

If you’re picturing RJ still as the wide-eyed hopeful from the academy, think again. The years since PDA have been nothing short of transformative.

“It opened a lot of doors for me,” he says. “I discovered music inside and out. Music became a part of my life since PDA – naging professional songwriter ako, arranger, musical director, producer, and music teacher, aside from being an OPM artist and business owner na din!”

It’s the kind of full-circle journey that makes you realize PDA wasn’t just a talent competition, but a launching pad. 

“I could have been an engineer,” he admits. “Pero pinili ko ang music. And I think I made the right choice. Kung hindi dahil sa PDA, hindi ko masasabi na I’m living my dream.”

And on a deeply personal note: “Dahil sa PDA, I met my super amazing wife. And God even blessed us with three wonderful kids.”

Not all showbiz friendships survive the test of time, but RJ’s bonds with his fellow scholars have only grown stronger.

He stayed close with the late Davey Langit, guesting on his radio shows, appearing together in TV guestings and FILSCAP events, and sharing the stage at RJ’s own 20th Anniversary concert in 2023. With fellow alumnus Emman Abatayo, the connection was just as real, saying: “I went to his gig after my show in Iloilo and we jammed ’til morning!”

What’s perhaps most touching is what fellow scholar Chad Peralta told him as preparations for the reunion took shape: “We never actually talked to each other this way when we were in the academy.”

“Parang mas ngayon nabuo ‘yung friendship compared nung nasa academy kami,” RJ reflected. “Experienced na kami lahat sa buhay, walang competition, mas masaya ang catch-up namin sa isa’t isa.”

The reunion concert will not only be a celebration, but also a moment of tribute. Davey Langit, who passed away in 2025, will be remembered on stage.

“I miss and I love him,” RJ says simply. “We will give the tribute that Davey deserves.”

For those planning to attend, RJ promises a night that’s equal parts nostalgia and pure joy.

“Ang makita kaming lahat on stage. Yung sama sama nating balikan ang masasayang memories ng PDA — singing the PDA hits and the songs of our generation.”

What excites him most? The freedom of it all.

“To hear and sing the songs come alive after 20 years. Excited din ako na mag perform thinking na hindi na ito competition. ‘Yung masaya lang talaga kami – at ibibigay namin yung saya sa lahat ng manonood.”

When asked about the most valuable thing PDA taught him, RJ’s answer is simple.

“Enjoy every moment. Do your best palagi – on cam or off cam. Don’t take everything personally. Stop comparing and try to beat – improve – yourself to become better.”

To the next generation of singers chasing their own dreams, he offers equally grounded advice: “Be real. Focus kung saan ka magaling. Now kasi nandyan ang AI at massive social media content — so for you to succeed, dapat nag-eenjoy ka at totoo ka sa pagiging artist at music mo.”

Twenty years later, RJ Jimenez isn’t just surviving the post-reality-TV world – he’s thriving in it, on his own terms, with the people he loves. And for one unforgettable night, he’s inviting all of us to relive the magic that started it all.

The Pinoy Dream Academy Reunion Concert will take place on September 19 at the Music Museum.