Who doesn’t love an OPM artist who can do a bit of everything?
The Voice Kids Philippines alumnus Darren Espanto just dropped his second album “Ikaw Pa Rin”—the first one in eight years—and we can say, it’s truly a testament to the growth of a singer who’s been in the industry for 11 years.
In the album launch last July 4, hosted by MYX’s very own resident VJ Samm, he delivered D’ Total Performances for six out of 13 tracks from “Ikaw Pa Rin,” namely “Bibitaw Na,” Can’t Buy Me Love” teleserye single “Iyo,” “Paano Kung Tayo Nalang,” Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition eviction song “Paalam Muna Sandali,” “Di Makaramdam,” and “ANNAB.”
Following the album launch, the official music video for ANNAB—a certified fan favorite—was also released on July 4.
According to Espanto, this new album signifies a new era and a more mature side for him as a musician who has grown with the industry. “I used to be someone who didn’t want to sing his original songs [...] but as an artist you’re supposed to produce your own songs and content—I have that in my mind now,” he opened up.
He also shared that he’s now more hands-on and not afraid to experiment with his music, evidenced by the versatility of themes and genres in “Ikaw Pa Rin”—ranging from pop, ballad, to retro songs.
“I really like the songs on this album kasi ako yung nagsulat nung ibang kanta,” Espanto said.
In working on his latest album, the teen pop sensation mentioned that they did not realize how long had passed since his last album. However, he believed that this unexpected turnout was also a way for the fans to hear the difference in his voice from a 16-year-old to a 24-year-old musician.
As he embarks on his new era as an OPM artist, Espanto dedicates “Ikaw Pa Rin” to the Darrenatics who waited eight years for new music, to everyone who loves music, and to those who just want to listen to something easy to listen to.
In the near future, the young musician hopes to release a song internationally and host a concert where 80 percent of the setlist is composed of his original songs.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
British singer-songwriter James Vickery is entering a new era in his musical artistry with the upcoming release of his self-titled album ‘James’, out on September 12. Known for his soulful ballads and rich R&B vocals, he described his upcoming album as deeply personal and genre-bending–combining musical exploration with emotional depth, personal growth, and sense of identity.
With his album ‘James’, Vickery pivots towards something greater where he embraces the artistic freedom to evolve and explore. “I’m at this point in my life where I exhausted all avenues, explored every sound that I need to make, ” Vickery said. “I think it represents me not just as an artist but also as a man growing up in London.”
For Vickery, this album is the best representation and most authentic version of himself and he is proud of it.
Introducing himself with this self-titled album is a freedom from expectations and a commitment to growth that didn’t happen overnight. “I really don’t want to be one of the artists who just drops the same album every two years”, Vickery explained. Sharing his journey as an artist, Vickery also shared that he is open to evolving sounds while writing songs that he can sing without any limitations.
“It was definitely a tough decision and it took me a long time to write this,” Vickery expounded.
As Vickery steps into a new decade of age, introspection and personal journey led him to choose this title that feels rooted and authentic. “I want this to be the defining project that when I look back in 20 years, this is who I was and hopefully this is still the representation of the core essence of my personality.”
Releasing and naming this album after himself felt like the right moment for Vickery, both as an artist and as a person. “I’m much more mature now to look back and I want this to define where I am,” Vickery shared.
The result of his artistic exploration manifests with the album that traverses genres– from classic R&B to ‘70s funk and soul, synth-pop, and the pop sounds of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, where he turned to the music that shaped him especially with musical influences from Westerman and Vandross. “In order to get the true, authentic sound from things that inspired you, you have to go back and listen to the people before you and pay homage,” said Vickery.
Amidst all his musical and personal journey, Vickery remains grounded as he marks a turning point in his sound. “I would always call myself a soul singer but right now, I am more than that,” Vickery affirmed as he indicated that the thing he is not afraid to do is to experiment with sounds that are around him. And together with the people that surrounded him from growing up, he shared that it grounds him because people still believe in him.
Over the years, James Vickery’s music has been grounded in passion and built on emotional truth and resilience. His experiences have refined his songs into translating messages he hopes to resonate with the listeners. “To write authentically is to write about things that are passionate to you,” Vickery said while stating that being true to yourself is the way to get the best music.
Pre-Save and stream James Vickery’s upcoming self-titled album JAMES, this September 12 and experience a journey of his sound, self, and soul.
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Words and interview by Leana Infante, a Communication Arts major in Speech Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
R&B sensation Denise Julia is joining the stellar lineup for MYX's TFW ("That Feeling When") event in Chicago.
Denise Julia is the viral artist behind chart-topping hits like "NVMD" and "B.A.D.," known for her smooth vocals and commanding stage presence.
After its successful debut in Los Angeles, MYX, the online music hub from ABS-CBN, is bringing its live concert experience "TFW" to Chicago on August 16, 2025, at The Riviera.
Also performing in MYX's TFW are P-pop group BGYO, singer-songwriter Gabe Bondoc and R&B artist Jeremy Passion.
For more info, visit https://myx.global/tfw/.
See you there!
Pinoy folk-pop band Ben&Ben is resuming their The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour and adding three new stops to the Philippine leg of their tour in Bacolod, Baguio, and Davao City.
Following their Cebu show last May 24, the band announced that their drummer Jam Villanueva was suffering from De Quervain’s tendinosis and “Drummer’s Wrist” and has been resting her left wrist for the entirety of June since then.
“I’m still working on the strength [of my left wrist]. The goal is to do [recovery] right,” Villanueva said. She mentioned that she really appreciated the team’s support for her healing journey.
Delving deeper into their tour and album’s theme, vocalist Paolo Benjamin discussed the three dimensions in their setlist—Light, Energy, and Feel. He explained that Light represented discovery, Energy portrayed the dimension of struggle, and Feel was for the realizations.
Relating these dimensions to the band’s current situation, he shared that Ben&Ben is currently in the Energy dimension. “Darating talaga yung seasons ng challenge. It doesn’t always have to be catastrophic situations. Sometimes, yung pagkasabay-sabay lang ng mga pangyayari [...], challenge talaga siya,” Benjamin expounded.
When asked about their plans to add more international stops, Ben&Ben stated that they will bring their shows wherever they’re meant to go.
“Through this tour, we want to break the misconception na mas okay ‘yung international kaysa sa local,” they said.
As they resume their album tour, Ben&Ben mentioned that they are looking forward to a setlist where the songs accompany the narrative that they are trying to convey, as opposed to their previous concerts where visuals usually served only as accompaniment to the songs.
Liwanags and new listeners who hope to catch Ben&Ben live in their Philippine shows may avail for tickets through smtickets.com
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
K-drama actor Lee Do Hyun is gracing Filipino fans with his presence as the final stop of his [Re ▶ DO HYUN] fanmeet tour is happening on Aug. 2. The fanmeet will happen at the FYM Hall, EVM Convention Center located in Quezon City.
“[Re ▶ DO HYUN] in MANILA promises to be a special experience packed with surprises that Lee Do Hyun is hard at work preparing for his fans,” a press release from Lunari Global stated. Filipino DOHYUNs are among the first to meet the The Glory and Hotel del Luna actor in person since his military discharge.
This fan meeting tour also marks the fulfillment of a promise Lee Do Hyun made before he enlisted in the Air Force. “I'm preparing a space for personal interaction with you fans, I want to share stories I haven't been able to share in a while,” the actor said in an Instagram post following his release from the military.
Lee Do Hyun will traverse across Asia for his [Re ▶ DO HYUN] fan meeting tour—South Korea, Jakarta, Osaka, Tokyo, Taipei, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Manila.
Following his two-year mandatory military service in the Air Force, Lee Do Hyun returned as a civilian last May 13. Before his enlistment, the actor played critically acclaimed K-dramas such as Exhuma, Youth of May, 18 Again, Sweet Home. He also played Go Chung Myung from Hotel del Luna—a certified scene stealer that still lives rent free in most fans’ and K-drama watchers’ minds.
Filipino DOHYUNs and K-drama watchers who hope to see the star-studded actor may avail tickets via at lunari.global/leedohyun.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Pinoy pop rock superstar Yeng Constantino just dropped her new single titled “Lumulutang Lumulubog,” and it’s about being high on infatuation, but also afraid of the uncertainties that it entails.
Constantino’s new single verbalizes the contradicting feeling of wanting to fall, but holding yourself back from doing so. Such a bittersweet meeting to a rather upbeat song.
@yengconstantinoofficial Ikaw ba to? Aguy! #lumulutangnahuhulog #yengconstantino ♬ Lumulutang Nahuhulog - Yeng Constantino
However, the renowned singer stated that the song was inspired by her current situation. In fact, the inspiration behind the song is quite unexpected.
“[Lumulutang Nahuhulog] is not about me in the present time, it [was inspired by] the cuteness that I saw from TikTok,” Constantino said. She revealed that her husband was even the one who suggested the push-and-pull theme for the song.
Expounding more on her fascination for TikTok, Constantino shared that her favorite trends on the app are one with soundbites and skits because these allowed her to see that acting can also portray emotions in different colors.
Recently, the OPM veteran has been active in her TikTok account, posting her own versions of the soundbites. “I’ve gotten more comfortable showing that side of myself because of TikTok,” she mentioned.
@yengconstantinoofficial Enebeeee 😆
♬ original sound - MAX REGUCERA
With nearly two decades since her entry to the OPM scene, Constantino advised aspiring artists and musicians to make use of their resources and connections to make their dreams come true. “[For example], kung ano yung money na meron ako, binabalik ko sa music ko,” the artist exemplified.
Constantino added that confidence is only built when you repetitively participate in competitive activities, stating that this is how integrity within is formed.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Imagine this: You’re in the car on a road trip to somewhere you don’t even know. It starts raining heavily and the ride is still long, so you put your earphones on and stare into the window, relapsing about the what ifs and what could have beens.
As if on cue, these are the songs that start playing:
Since its release in 2023, Raining in Manila has been a staple for when the weather starts feeling cold and nostalgic.
This song will make you think about your friends who you’ve lost contact with—whatever the reason may be—and how they’re doing, much like Lola Amour’s Pio Dumayas did when he wrote the song as he thought of his friends who left the country to pursue better lives in other countries.
“heather is the kind of song that deserves “heather - conan gray (crying alone in the rain)” edits” — Conan Gray.
The relapse does not end with friends, because as Conan Gray said, we all have a Heather in our lives. Someone we despise, but do not really have a reason to. Heather is for the brokenhearted lads who wish “Heather” was them. If that hit a bit too close to home, we hope you have tissues with you to wipe those tears away.
Melancholy and nostalgia, all in one song.
V of BTS perfectly encapsulates the feeling of the rainy season with “Rainy Days,” as he sings of being unable to fall asleep, reminiscing about a relationship that has become a fragment of bittersweet memories. This song will make you vividly remember the happiest times in a relationship, but it will also remind you of a connection forever lost in time.
Of course, this playlist won’t be complete without the OG hit song for the rainy weather.
As the pitter pattering sound of the rain transforms into loud thrums over the roof, Basang-Basa Sa Ulan is the perfect song to belt your heart out—as if in a battle for dominance with the droplets of water. This song by Aegis mirrors the hopelessness we face in many setbacks, yet we choose to desperately fight on.
“I’m still with you, even if you’re no longer with me”
There’s a certain kind of longing, holding on, and letting go that continuously lingers and whispers in the hush of memories. “Still With You” by Jungkook is a song that encapsulates the emotional in-between—where love still lives vividly in our hearts even after they’re gone, while stillness replays the words left unsaid. The sound of the rainfall, combined with the jazzy R&B instrumental, creates a rhythm of yearning between what ifs and what could have been—still reminiscing, still feeling, and still hoping. For the kind of days when rain drips down the window, this track sounds like a memory you never really moved on from.
While it plays like a cozy rainy day tune, this track hits just right for nostalgia and emotional relapse. “I Think I Like When It Rains” by WILLIS is a soft indie track that is perfect for unraveling thoughts you are not ready to forget. Like the lyrics. “And all that I can do is stop and think about the day”, This track is indeed introspective and conversational–where rain is a metaphor for the feelings that don’t just fall, but remember. This song indeed feels like a smile through the rain because it perfectly hits and sits with you, while it cradles you in a strange kind of comfort.
POV: You said you’re over them, but somehow, their presence still lives rent-free in your mind.
You swore to yourself that you had moved on, deleted all the chat conversations and photos, and suddenly “Isip” by Healy After Dark starts playing, like a memory on shuffle. Like the title of the song, one thing is for sure—they are stuck in your mind as you’re back at square one, mentally reliving your love for them. This track lingers on the thought of why a heart can’t forget what the mind constantly refuses to stop reminiscing. And even though you know that the person you like will never feel the same way anymore, you still think about them like a dream you didn’t want to wake up from.
“Umaasa” by Calein is the ultimate anthem for every person who still clings to that hope of rekindling the love, even though it tells you to “let go.” Together with the guitar riffs, emotional, nostalgic, and melancholic lyrics and vocals, the song indeed feels like a confession wrapped in pain as you wait for someone who might never return and be with you. This song is the perfect soundtrack for holding on, while it quietly haunts you with all of the memories and heart-fluttering scenes of the past. Kahit alam mong wala na talaga—umaasa at umaasa ka pa rin.
As the last few notes of the last song fade, the sun may already be shining again above the sky. But when the weather turns gloomy once more, let this playlist be your companion, sitting with you through the storm.
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Written by Leana Infante, a Communication Arts major in Speech Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Cover art by Leana Infante
This is for everyone who tries their best to be their truest selves.
Chloe SJ just launched her debut EP titled “Chloe Anjeleigh…For Real,” and we’re being for real when we say that she might just be the next rising OPM artist. Composed of seven tracks, the album touches on themes of authenticity and love.
In her grand EP launch last June 24, Chloe SJ mentioned that her debut EP is about being “for real,” as well as protecting your peace and yourself.
“I hope that [the listeners] are able to connect more with me, especially [since] it talks about being for real and authentic, and also [it talks a little bit about] mahal and I’s love story,”
During the launch, she embodied her album’s theme as she performed “FR FR.” She also played her rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”—an ode to where she started: doing cover songs.
Touching on the transition from doing covers to releasing her original music, Chloe SJ revealed that it took a while getting used to the feeling of recording songs she could call her own. “When I started performing it live, [that’s when] I started to feel that ‘this is is me’”
Touching a bit more on the production process, the singer also shared that she initially did not know what to title her EP. “I was [initially] thinking ‘yung usual na cheesy stuff, but when I listened back to all the tracks, I [thought of] ‘Chloe Anjeleigh…For Real.’ It explains itself. It’s so me,” she said.
Throughout the night, she showcased her stage presence as she performed “Nonchalant” with guest singer and composer Trisha Denise, “Something Right,” “Dulo ng Bahaghari,” and “Iyo” which she mentioned was dedicated to her boyfriend and Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
P-Pop group 1621 also took to the stage during the launch, with performances of “Ikaw at Ikaw” and “Stuck.” They also gave an exclusive live version of their Bababa challenge with Chloe SJ.
If you’re looking for songs to ignite your self-discovery journey, stream Chloe SJ’s “Chloe Anjeleigh…For Real.”
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Videos by Leana Infante
After its successful debut in Los Angeles, MYX, the online music hub from ABS-CBN, is bringing the electrifying live concert experience "TFW (That Feeling When)" to Chicago.
The event where "music moves you and vibes connect you," is set to happen on August 16, 2025, at The Riviera.
MYX, known for championing Filipino artists and music on a global scale, is bringing together a stacked lineup of favorite Filipino and Asian-American artists in the said event.
Joining the list of performers are pop group BGYO, singer-songwriter Gabe Bondoc, R&B artist Jeremy Passion, and more artists to be announced soon.
Tickets for the said event are available via https://myx.global/TFW/.
MYX is thrilled to announce the premiere of "BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL" starting Thursday (June 26), 7 PM PHT on MYX YouTube Channel. It is an exclusive three-part series offering an unprecedented look into the phenomenal girl group BINI's groundbreaking venture into the Los Angeles global music scene. Fresh off the massive success of their hit songs "Cherry on Top" and "Blink Twice," this special invites fans to witness BINI's exciting journey as they conquer new international stages last year.
"BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL" takes viewers behind the curtain, showcasing the raw energy, dedication, and undeniable talent of BINI as they navigate a series of pivotal moments in the entertainment capital of the world. Each episode promises an intimate glimpse into the group's experiences, from high-stakes performances to candid moments off-stage.
The three-part special includes:
· KCON: Witness BINI's electrifying debut at the highly acclaimed KCON Los Angeles, an experience that marks a significant milestone in their global expansion
· ASAP: Go backstage and on stage as BINI rocks the sold-out ASAP California show, delivering a show-stopping performance for their adoring fans.
· PRESS TOUR IN LA: Follow BINI as they navigate a whirlwind of press appearances, charming media outlets and expanding their reach to new audiences across Los Angeles.
"We are incredibly excited to share 'BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL' with BINI's growing fanbase worldwide," said Nino Llanera, Head of Content for MYX. “BINI has truly cemented their status as a global force, and this special allows fans to relive every pivotal moment."
This special serves as a powerful testament to BINI's accelerating international momentum, offering an exclusive look at the dedication that powered their recently concluded, triumphant Biniverse World Tour 2025. Fans who immerse themselves in "BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL" will gain a deeper appreciation for the journey that led to their global stage takeover.
Don't miss the Premiere of "BOOKED: THE BINI L.A. SPECIAL":
@MYXGlobal YouTube Channel
Part 1 - June 26, 7:00 PM PHT
Part 2 - July 3, 7:00 PM PHT
Part 3 - July 10, 7:00 PM PHT
MYX Cable & Satellite
Part 1 - June 28, 07:30 PM US/DUBAI/PH
Part 2 - July 5, 07:30 PM US/DUBAI/PH
Part 3 - July 12, 07:30 PM US/DUBAI/PH
Prepare to be inspired by BINI's resilience, passion, and unyielding spirit as they continue their meteoric rise.
About MYX
MYX is an online music hub and a subsidiary of ABS-CBN. It is dedicated to showcasing Filipino music and artists to a global audience. MYX plays a crucial role in promoting OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and connecting Filipino communities worldwide through music and entertainment.
For more details, follow, watch and subscribe MYX @myxglobal on YouTube, Facebook, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, and visit myx.global.
OST singers of VivaOne series Ang Mutya ng Section E graced their fans with games and special performances during the Ang Mutya ng Section E OST Live In Concert held at the New Frontier Theater on June 21.
During the event, hitmakers and rising OPM artists Earl Agustin, Amiel Sol, and Rob Deniel performed their songs from the series’ OST “Tibok,” “Bawat Sandali,” and “Miss Miss,” respectively. Earl Agustin also sang “Dalangin,” “Dito Sa’kin,” and “How You Feel” with guest singer and original singer Aubrey Caraan.
Meanwhile, Amiel Sol serenaded the audience with his songs about simple, everyday love—”Di Na Akin,” ”Nahanap Kita,” and “Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan.” Sol’s performance of “Bawat Sandali” was also sung in duet with Ashtine Olviga (Jay-Jay), followed by Olviga’s performance of “Duyan.”
Rob Deniel hyped up the Section E nation with five songs for the night—”Sinta,” “Happy Ending,” “Ang Pag-ibig,” “Miss Miss,” and “RomCom.”
The night also featured special performances by members of the P-Pop group GAT and cast members GAT Ethan David (Calix), Derick Ong (Blaster), Michael Keith (Eren), and Charles Law (Ci-N). The group performed their rendition of Sarah Geronimo’s “Ikot-Ikot,” South Border’s “For You,” their pre-debut single “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit,” and hit OST from the series ‘Daleng Dale.”
Ang Mutya ng Section E Girls also showcased talents beyond their acting prowess as Angela Muji (Rakki), Heart Ryan (Ella), Rafa Victorino (Mica), Sara Joe (Freya) gifted the fans with two dance numbers—and a sneak peek of Season 2.
To promote their ongoing series Seducing Drake Palma, Muji and Rabin Angeles (Yuri) also blessed fans with their duet performance of “No Erase.” Angeles also showed his charm with a dance number of “Haharanahin Kita,” where he personally went down the stage to give some fans roses.
The concert concluded with a performance from all the cast and musicians in attendance, as well as the grand announcement of Viva One’s Vivarkada: The Ultimate Fancon and Grand Concert on August 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The grand concert will feature the cast of VivaOne’s hit series like Ang Mutya ng Section E, Seducing Drake Palma, and Safe Skies, Archer.
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Written by Ana Rufa Padua, a fourth-year Communication student from the Ateneo de Manila University. With a passion for storytelling, she hopes to shed light on the various realities, lives, and phenomena surrounding the communities she covers. In her free time, she indulges herself in watching movies and listening to K-Pop.
Videos by Ricabelle Bayanin
She came. She saw. She sautéed. Sautéed?!
Before Klarisse De Guzman entered the Pinoy Big Brother house, she was known for her songs like “Wala Na Talaga” and “Ikaw Ay Ako” which cemented her place in the local music scene. But when she stepped inside the Pinoy Big Brother house, the nation saw another side of her. One that is more than just a soulful diva, The Voice Philippines runner-up, Your Face Sounds Familiar champion, and Tawag ng Tanghalan hurado. She showed a side that served us with great and big mowm energy!
Inside the PBB Celebrity Collab kitchen, you’ll find more than just delicious meals made on a tight budget and random conversations on any given day. It’s where Klarisse, better known as Klang, truly shines as the Nation’s Mowm!
@pinoybigbrother63 HAHAHAHAHAHHA NILARO hudyat ng ina ni Ate Klang ang narinig ng housemates na mag luto na si Klarise #pbbcelebrityedition #pbbupdates #pbbcollab #pbb #klarissedeguzman #davidlicauco #makeitviral #viralvideo #viral #trending ♬ original sound - PBB COLLAB EDITION
In Filipino homes, mealtimes have always been sacred. It’s when families sit down together, share stories, and reconnect. That’s exactly what Klang brought into the house. Every time she called out, “Kain na!,” it was an opportunity to pause, be present, and feel like a family—in the midst of all the tension and competition—even for just a while.
‘yung sarap na sarap si brent sa luto ni klang 🤣 his reaction is so funny hahaha pic.twitter.com/bzghplFIgD
— luv ♡ (@ultklang) May 3, 2025
She naturally stepped into the role of nurturer, checking in on housemates, cracking jokes during meal prep, and sometimes throwing playful shade while stirring the pot (literally and emotionally). Of course, who could forget the now-iconic “OA, sobrang OA!” line? Delivered with full-on mowm frustration and flair, it was Klang at her most unfiltered which was really a moment so real, so MOWM, that it instantly went viral. Because let’s be honest, only a true mother figure can call something out as “OA” with that much honesty and still have it come from a place of love.
@pin0ybigbrother ♬ Funny - Gold-Tiger
But whether she’s portioning rice from Ralph’s beloved kaldero for the housemates or giving them hard-truths during meal time as any mowm would, Klang’s secret ingredient has always been the kind of warmth she had that made people open up, not just their appetites but their hearts, too.
Until Klang stepped in, food prep was more budget-focused chaos than a coordinated routine. Now, evidently, housemates waited around the table not just for the food but for the conversation, the laughter, the presence of someone who made everything feel lighter. Even viewers at home felt it. TikTok edits, X threads, and Reddit discussions all say the same thing, that Klang is the glue that held the celebrity household together.
"Wala silang ulam sa loob!!" - Klang after eviction
byu/Huhuhellyeahh inChikaPH
Even in the middle of a high-pressure, competitive environment, she found a way to create a sense of home. In a house full of cameras, confessions with Kuya, and competition, Klang reminded everyone, housemates and even viewers, that care can be quiet, simple, and still incredibly powerful.
Because in truth, it’s not just about the cooking. It’s not just the food on the table, but the very act of preparing it. Having to wake up earlier than everyone else, the careful budgeting, the constant thinking of what to cook next, and doing it all again the next day. It’s the kind of effort that takes time, energy, and heart. (And probably a strong back, kasi girl, imagine cooking for how many housemates?!)
klang wasn’t just the cook. let’s not reduce her to that.
— Opinionated Sarah | PBB Collab Era (@letspillthetea) June 14, 2025
if it were just about knowing how to cook, sure, most hms could make something up. but managing food inside the house? that’s a whole different skill. figuring out what to cook when there’s barely a budget, turning scraps…
She didn’t just make food. She made space. For rest. For laughter. For healing. For comfort.
@pbbcollabupdat KLARISSE, NAGING EMOSYONAL SA PAGBAHAGI TUNGKOL SA KANYANG HILIG SA PAGLULUTO! BIG APPRECIATION DIN KAY ATE KLANG SA PAGLUTO SA MALAKING KALDERO NG PARES! NASA KANYA NA LAHAT @klarissedguzman #foryoupage #gma #abscbn #foryou #pbbcelebrityedition #pbbupdatetoday #pbbhousemates #pbbcollab #pbb #klarissedeguzman ♬ original sound - pbbcollabupdate - pbbcollabupdate|mjpedits
And Klang didn’t even have to do it, especially in a house filled with people who aren’t her own blood. That says something. You don’t willingly take on that kind of task unless you have the kind of care, patience, and quiet strength that mothers, titas, and true nurturers have.
Ate Klang and Will Ashley, never beating the Nation's Mowm and Nation's son allegations.#PBBCollabDuoMatch pic.twitter.com/jG8mfVRx6s
— PBB 2025 Multi Stan (@KennethAlter6) June 19, 2025
And perhaps the most heartwarming example of this nurturing side? Her unexpected yet endearing bond with Will Ashley, quickly dubbed by fans as the “Nation’s Son” to Klang’s “Nation’s Mowm.” It wasn’t loud or showy, but in the little things: the way she’d check on him, tease him in true motherly fashion, or simply sit beside him during quiet moments. Klang and Will’s bond gave the show its most wholesome mother-son dynamic. It was the kind of bond that felt familiar, like home away from home.
will and klarisse has been the best duo so far. klang helped him to get out of his shell, and now, weeks later, he jumped in the pool for her without hesitation even held her to calm her down. that “ate klang please…”🥺🥺🥺
— nicki (@airplaininncity) May 2, 2025
nation’s mowm and son fr!! #PBBCollabNightOut pic.twitter.com/j2dvvGShNe
Cooking for yourself is survival. Cooking for a household of different personalities, moods, and appetites? That’s love. That’s presence. That’s selflessness. (Yes, she didn’t only cook, but ATE!)
From stage lights to late-night deep talks, microphones to ladles, and standing ovations to standing up for other housemates, Klang has proven that she truly ‘mothered’ just by simply being real, strong, and loving.
Proof that Klang sees herself as just the “taga luto.”
— namaine 🧟♀️ (@skuztaklang) May 2, 2025
The way she told Kuya “hindi nila malalaman kung nasan ako, promise”😭 she really thinks they wouldn’t notice she’s gone.
I hope she sees how much the housemates truly love her for her not just for the food she cooks🥺 pic.twitter.com/jTVW1M1Q5a
That’s why she’s more than just a housemate. She’s more than just “the one who cooks.” She’s Klang, the Nation’s Mowm. A soft place to land. A warm meal when you need it most. And a reminder that even in unfamiliar places, kahit sa Bahay ni Kuya, kindness has a way of feeling like home. She may not have made it to the Big 4 alongside her “daughter” and final duo Shuvee, but the moments she created left a mark for the past three months that even casual viewers couldn’t deny it.
And that, in itself, is already a big win for this season's "mowm."
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Written by Ricabelle Bayanin, a Communication and Media Studies student at the University of the Philippines Visayas, and Leana Infante, a Communication Arts major in Speech Communication at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Cover art by Leana Infante
