Otan Vargas

Singer | Songwriter

Tondo, Manila is a place where people struggle on a daily basis.  It is well known as one of the poorest regions in the Philippines. Born and raised here, singer/songwriter Otan Vargas spent his formative years surrounded mostly by poverty and despair. It is this humble background that helps motivate him to this very day.

Vargas’ music is a powerfully simplistic combination of soul-stirring vocals accompanied by an acoustic guitar. He writes songs about man’s struggle, sorrow, and pain and finding the strength to continue on. What started out simply as a means of personal therapy for himself has transformed into an inspirational beacon for adoring fans worldwide.

He has shared the stage with well-known artists like members of the band Staind, Slipknot, Megadeth, Evanescence, Seether, Three Days Grace, Saint Asonia, Tesla, Tantric, and many more.

His song “Hollow Destination” was featured on a documentary film called “Battlefield of the Mind“ Directed by Fran Strine(Hired Gun, Who You Gonna Call? Pantera, Staind, Slipknot, Seether, Dolly Parton) and narrated by David Ellefson ex-Megadeth Bass Player. Battlefield of the Mind is a documentary film focusing on homeless Veterans that suffer from PTSD.

He was invited to perform at the Battlefield of the Mind film premiere at the legendary rock venue Whisky A Go GO in West Hollywood, CA. Proceeds from that event went to The Boot Campaign, a charitable organization dedicated to helping US Veterans.

Otan continues to be involved in many charitable acts and events across the United States like The Boot Campaign Foundation , Fire Fighters Association events, PBA charity events, Johnny Damon Foundation, and many other charity events helping underprivilege children across the US and the Philippines.