MANILA — “He needs to do more than best.”

These were the words of Journey frontman Arnel Pineda when asked about the televised audition of his son, Angelo, in “Idol Philippines” — an echo of the judges’ feedback to the aspiring singer’s bid to join the competition.

In the April 27 episode of the ABS-CBN program, Angelo admitted his performance wasn’t his best, as the panel debated whether to hand him a ticket to Idol City. Ultimately, he got three “yes” votes, but received critical comments, particularly from Vice Ganda, about failing to “seize the moment.”

Pineda, known for his inspiring story of being once a struggling bar singer to becoming world-renowned through Journey, said he has in fact told Angelo similarly, often without mincing words as he would coach him on performing.

“I need to give him more tips about emotions, because I think that’s what he lacks,” he told ABS-CBN News on Tuesday on the sidelines of the grand opening of Hard Rock Café Manila, where he was a special guest.

“Kino-coach ko siya kung ano pa ang kulang sa kanya, kung ano pa kailangan idagdag, kung ano pa kailangan niyang gawin. Ako father niya, so mas critical ako sa kanya. Para sa akin, he needs to do more than better, more than best,” he added.

Pineda clarified that he’s “not trying to give my son a hard time,” but constructive feedback will only serve to better an artist, he pointed out.

“Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Angelo, you don’t have to sound like somebody else, you have to sound like you, and you have to build your brand,’” Pineda recalled.

That Angelo would pursue a career in music was admittedly a surprise for his father, who had all along thought that singing, for the 22-year-old, was just a passing hobby.

“He surprised me. I thought he was just quiet in Digos, trying to finish his studies. And then suddenly dumating siya sa Manila, and he said mag-join na siya, kakanta na siya. I was kind of shocked,” he said.

“I’m going to support him, of course. He’s my son. I hope he makes it farther… I want him to be the best he can for himself. Sana mag-succeed siya,” Pineda went on.

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During his audition, Angelo said his motivation for joining “Idol Philippines” is to make his father proud, sharing that they do not see each other often with the setup of his separated parents.

Pineda made an appearance in the episode through a video call, and was instantly recognized by the judges, who were all surprised.

“Thank you for inspiring me, Pa.” Angelo told his father during the call. “I love you. You’re the reason na nandito ako.”

Pineda’s reassuring words moved judge Regine Velasquez, herself a parent, to tears. He told Angelo: “I’m already proud of you for being the young man that you are now. Just be yourself, Angelo. Don’t let anybody put you down.”