Gaga for Gabe

We’ve all seen them before: the grainy webcam shots, the whiny nasal trill, the over-the-top and under-talented belting of the same clichéd heartache songs. It’s death by acoustic guitar.

But there, sitting in the incandescent light of his San Mateo bedroom, warding off all evil (and bad pitch) is our savior: Gabe Bondoc.

He doesn’t look like much. His surroundings are bleak, his hair is disheveled, and his t-shirt is faded. But as his eyes shyly meet the camera for the first time, his sincerity is riveting.

Then he opens his mouth and you’re hooked.

This 23 year-old Californian Filipino acoustic crooner has a voice you can’t ignore. Performing his signature “One Take Sessions” from his bedroom, this guy has covered everything from classic Disney and Frank Sinatra to 90’s pop to Katy Perry and Estelle. He even puts his own spin on the arrangements, telling the female-driven stories from a male point of view. His rendition of “Take a Bow” is enough to send even the most hardened relationship cynic back to their crappy ex in a heaving, tear-stained heap.

Of course, Gabe also has about 20 of his own songs, but if you’re a YouTube talent skeptic like me, I highly recommend you check out the covers first. Build some trust with some tunes you know before you invest any time in the unknown (which, believe me, you will).

Although Gabe is currently unsigned, he’s well on his way. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, or, of course, MySpace. His personal website is not up and running yet but stay tuned.