ATASKA, KUSHIN, Kyle Raphael and more headline Viva Music’s mid-October selection

December 02, 2022

Photos: Viva Music

Clockwise from top left: May-December-January OST (featuring Aiza Seguerra’s “Pagdating Ng Panahon” and mrld’s “Maligayang Pagkukunwari”); “Marupok” by ATASKA; “Kung Wala Na Ako” by Kyle Raphael; “Sinungaling” by Adda Cstr; “Paano Ba? (Umibig)” by Chrstn; “Para Sa’kin” by Chelsea Ronquillo; “PLANO” by Kushin (ft. Rowmee G., Lanzeta); and “T.G.” by Mark Atienza

Viva Music’s mid-October selection boasts of an eclectic collection of angst-filled rap numbers, a coming-of-age song, inspiring love songs, and emo.

Find your mood and pick your song.

“Marupok” by ATASKA

Young music act ATASKA is all grown up. And the former The Voice Kids singer, now a vivacious young and vivacious lady, returns with new mid-tempo ballad, “Marupok.”

This alt-pop leaning song is about those “pa-fall” cuties and those that easily fall for their charms. In this case, it’s ATASKA who fell, hence, she’s the “Marupok.”

“PLANO” by Kushin (ft. Rowmee G., Lanzeta)

Kushin of the hit rap collective HOOD 047 flies solo in this single called “PLANO,” which is a “patama” verse to the envious ones.

Here, he’s simply saying he’s not in to compete but it’s not his fault if he gets ahead of the game.

This thumpin’ mid-tempo rap, which equally dark and moody, is accomplished with the accompaniment of Rowmee G of Soulstice and Lanzeta.

“T.G.” by Mark Atienza

“T.G.” is a personal experience of singer Mark Atienza which he puts into song.

“This is me telling my story on how I caught my ex cheating on me on the spot.”

And sure enough, his angst is evident in this upbeat, 90’s-throwback, pop-rock sounding number. Mark wrote and produced said track in his NYC Home Studio.

“Kung Wala Na Ako” by Kyle Raphael

Fan-fave singer/songwriter Kyle Raphael gives a new reason why he’s one of the most important music artists to come from the South in his latest single “Kung Wala Na Ako.”

This beautifully written and exquisitely sung piece is actually a sad love song, an ode to a beloved he might one day leave behind. Yet its waltzing beat contributes to the song’s ironically uplifting quality.

It only proves how versatile Kyle Raphael is as an artist. And it’s a kind of piece we expect to hear as a romcom movie soundtrack soon.

“Sinungaling” by Adda Cstr

Adda Cstr makes a statement in his rap-pop fusion “Sinungaling.” Adda throws in a mish-mash of emotions in this moody rap song. But those listening might not catch it right away. What with the bouncy rhythms that open and drive this track. A crafty piece indeed.

May-December-January (Original Movie Soundtrack)

The May-December-January movie, which is about a unique and heart-breaking love triangle, boasts of a soundtrack that features one of the greatest hits in modern Pinoy pop: “Pagdating Ng Panahon” as recorded by Aiza Seguerra. This piece sets the mood for the movie.

Ditto, the modern pop piece of singer-songwriter mrld in “Maligayang Pagkunwari.”

A modern classic, side by side with a promising new piece, complement this McArthur C. Alejandre-directed Viva Films movie that stars Kych Minemoto, Gold Aceron, and Ms. Andrea del Rosario.

The romantic drama movie,, written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

“Paano Ba? (Umibig)” by Chrstn

OC Records’ pop and rock music act Chrstn (Christine Kate Taguibao) is the lovely voice behind the equally beautiful sounding new single called “Paano Ba? (Umibig).” According to the pretty singer, the song is about “wondering if your heart will learn to continue to love after getting hurt.”

“It’ like forgetting how to love because the person who made you feel it the most has taken all the love you could ever give,” she adds.

It stings for sure. But with Chrstn singing about heartache this beautifully, one may say there’s a silver lining after all.

“Para Sa’kin” by Chelsea Ronquillo

Singer-songwriter Chelsea Ronquillo lays down a melodic and lovely new tune in “Para Sa’Kin,” which Chelsea says was inspired by her fellow OC Records artist ADIE’s “Paraluman.”

Upon hearing “Paraluman,” Chelsea recalls something immediately clicked thus, she puts pen to paper and wrote her own lovely acoustic-flavored pop song about lovers leaving things unsaid.