James Patrick Romero Bondoc (born 31 May 1975) is a Filipino singer‑songwriter, music producer, lawyer, and former government official. He is known for a series of pop and acoustic recordings, including the hits “Let Me Be The One,” “I Believe,” and “Hanggang Dito Na Lang.” In addition to his musical career, Bondoc has held several appointed positions at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and has been active in political advocacy, notably supporting the presidential campaign of Rodrigo Duterte.
Early life and education
Bondoc was born in Quezon City, Philippines. He attended Ateneo de Manila University from elementary through college, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He later pursued legal studies, beginning at San Beda University in 2017 before transferring to the University of the East, where he completed his Juris Doctor in 2023 and passed the Philippine Bar Examination.
Music career
Bondoc entered the Filipino music scene as an acoustic performer and composer. He founded Magis Productions in 2002, serving as its president until 2016. His discography includes the albums Jimmy Bondoc (2000), Musikero (2004), Undercovers (2005), and Fight for the Write (2015). He has written and produced songs for other artists, performed as a resident juror on the television show Twist and Shout, and served as a mentor on the Bida Kapamilya segment of It’s Showtime. He also hosted a radio program, “The RnB Show,” on 97.9 Home Radio.
Government service and politics
In July 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Bondoc as Assistant Vice President for Entertainment of PAGCOR. He later served as Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Group (October 2017 – July 2021) and, from September 2021 to June 2022, as a member of the PAGCOR Board of Directors. Bondoc’s political activities include campaigning for Duterte in the 2016 presidential election, organizing the “Palit‑Bise” rally in 2017, and publicly commenting on the 2019–2020 shutdown of ABS‑CBN. He filed a certificate of candidacy for the 2025 Senate election under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), placing 17th in the official results.
Personal life
From 2002 to 2005, Bondoc was in a relationship with singer Nina. He married fellow lawyer Isabel Torrijos on 2 February 2025. In August 2022, a fire destroyed his recording studio, causing significant equipment loss.
Awards and recognition
Bondoc has received multiple honors, including the Aliw Award for Best Acoustic Male Performer, the Awit Award nomination for “Let Me Be The One,” and recognitions from the Business Excellence Awards and IFM Pinoy Music Awards.