This A-Profiler we bring you Mer, a vocalist and musician, who is currently in negotiations with some record labels. Find out more about Mer, what his passion in life is, and how his full name came to be.

What song title best describes who you are?
Home is the song title that best describes me for the simple fact that I am grounded by my family and friends.

What's stopping Asian Pacific Americans from breaking through the music industry?
I don't believe that anything is "stoping" Asian Pacific Americans from breaking through the music industry. Regardless of what race, age, or sex, the music industry is extremely difficult for any up and coming artists. Hard work and determination are the keys towards any successful career. I feel that Asian Pacific Americans haven't tried hard enough or have simply settled for acceptance within the Asian Pacific market. I have never felt disadvantaged by my heritage. Good music is good music. Talent and passion will always prevail in this industry!

What is your second passion in life?
My children are my passion. More so than music. Music is a way for me to provide a future for my daughter and my son. To answer your question properly, my second passion in life is music. My children will always be my first passion!

What's the strangest thing a fan has ever given or done?
I will leave this answer to your imagination.

How did you get into playing and writing music?
I began playing piano in grade school and started guitar in junior high. I slowly started writing my own music during the time that I picked up the guitar. Writing was a way for me to convey my confusion and emotions during adolescence.

Growing up what kind of music did you listen to?
My mother and father always had music playing in the house. Thank God!!! My first musical memories were of The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Don McClean, The Everly Brothers, John Denver and many more! As I grew older, I found new sounds via James Brown, Prince, Dave Matthews, Allman Brothers Band, and more. I have always been a musical sponge. I soak up anything and everything that I hear. The artists mentioned above are the ones that stuck out the most.

What musical artist do you have on your mp3 player?
I have a wide spectrum ranging from, but not limited to, the artists and bands mentioned in the previous answer as well as, Postal Service, Bach, Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Jamie Cullum, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Kanye West, Common, Norah Jones, Soulive, Eagles, Butch Walker, and many more!

Who inspires you?
The people that surround me every day inspire me. I have learned how to look and listen and through that, I have become observant and insightful. The great thing about writing music is that you can write about anything you wish. I draw my inspiration from instances and people that force me to think.

Where do you see your music career taking you?
I envision my musical career taking me to a place where my family and I are financially stable. I envision music taking to places where people are eager to listen and use what they hear to draw inspiration for their own lives. The basic plan since the beginning of all this was to constantly improve. I am always working to get better and I will continue pursue my career with the same conviction. As long as I'm making more money and gaining more opportunity every year, I know that I am doing right!

What does Filipino mean to you? Do you feel you have a tougher time breaking through the music industry because you're Filipino?
Filipino means "foundation." The Filipino culture has taught me the power of hard work and respect. I try my hardest every day to carry those two ideals in everything that I do. I do not feel that I am having a tougher time creating a career for myself because of my cultural background. It's silly to believe that your skin, your nose, and your upbringing would have a negative effect on any career choice. My grandfather didn't get past the fourth grade and yet, he was able to send all twelve of his children to college. Those children are now providing a future for their own in the United States. Because of them, I am able to pursue something amazing here in the US. I am blessed and proud of my heritage and I have never felt disadvantaged!

If you had to choose between bulot and chocolate meat what would you rather eat?
That's probably the toughest questions I have had to answer. In all honesty, I'd have to go with chocolate meat. The beak and the little hairs give me the creeps!

Have you been to the Philippines before? Can you speak?
I have been back to San Pablo and Manila three times in my life. We still have family there and I speak Tagalog very well. I take pride in knowing the national language and it has helped me open doors and gain the respect of Filipino elders.

What future projects do you have in stored?
I am currently in negotiations with a few indie record labels. I am searching out producers for my next record. Currently, we have three producers interested in the new project. These said producers have worked with the likes of Alicia Keys, Hillary Duff, Ashlee Simpson, The Used, Good Charlotte, and many more! The next two years will be very busy and very productive!

Who do you root for: Cubs or White Sox?
Cubs for sure! My parents took me to Wrigley when I was 3 years old. I continue to play frequently at the Cubby Bear which is located directly across from Wrigley Field. Cubbies all the way!

What are some of your pet peeves?
Canceling gigs. I hate missing an opportunity to play music!

What has music given you?
Music has given me my own voice. Music has allowed me to become an individual. Music has given me the chance to inspire others. Music has given me a future!

What separates you from other Asian Pacific American musical artists?
To be honest, I don't see myself any differently from other Asian Pacific American artists. I do what I do and that's all I can do.

Do you have any pre-concert rituals before you perform in front of an audience?
I try to do guitar scales and warm ups for at least an hour and I spend about 30 minutes warming up my voice. Other than that, some simple stretching and push-ups gets me up and running for any gig.

Mer is an original name, is there a story behind it?
My real name is Edmer Abante. MER was taken from the second half of my first name. The story behind my name is rooted in the love story of my mother and father. My father went by Eddie and my mother by Mercy. They dated for almost 10 years and during their time together, they felt that saying "I love you" did you justify their commitment. So, they combined their names [common amongst pinoys]. "Ed" from Eddie and "MER" from Mercy. They used to say "Edmer forever" in all of their letters and greetings to each other. They promised that their first child would be named "Edmer".

Thanks for taking time out your schedule to do this A-Profile, do you have any signature words you like to be remembered by?
I appreciate the opportunity! I am honored to share my story and passion with you and your readers. I want people to know that I love what I do and I don't take any of it for granted. Regardless of the fact that I am Filipino, my work ethic will always prove me worthy of the opportunities presented to me. Any success can be directly attributed to my passion as a singer/songwriter/performer! It just so happens that I can honestly say that I have lived my life by this simple word...MABUHAY!!!

For more info:
WWW.MERPLAY.COM
www.myspace.com/mer
www.sonicbids.com/mer

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Ray Lam.
Special thanks to Mer.

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).