In 2025, “Torpe” found its way into countless playlists, and likely more than a few Spotify Wrapped summaries. JAO’s highly relatable track stirred waves of nostalgia, bringing listeners back to the era of shipping loveteams like Pinoy Big Brother Collab’s WillCa, while also mirroring real-life stories that felt deeply personal and universally familiar.
For many, confessing emotions has never been easy; it takes courage to speak feelings out loud, especially for those who consider themselves “torpe.” That quiet fear sat at the heart of “Torpe,” and now, JAO revisits emotional hesitation from a new angle.
His latest single, “WAG KA MUNANG UMUWI,” gently explores a different kind of fear and the realization that time with someone special may be painfully limited.
While “Torpe” focused on the struggle of admitting affection, “WAG KA MUNANG UMUWI” captures a more immediate emotional tension. The song zeroes in on the moment just before goodbye. It is a softer, more intimate kind of longing that does not come from shyness but from the awareness that moments shared are fleeting.
JAO describes the track as a reflection of raw, unfiltered emotions which allows vulnerability to exist without walls. The song leans into affection freely given and highlights the desire to hold on to a moment before it slips away. According to the singer-songwriter, the emotional truth of the track comes from a very real and recent experience.
“From start to end, walang nagbago dahil itong song na ‘to ay literal na may specific experience na pinanggagalingan at super recent lang nito,” JAO explains.
This personal foundation gives “WAG KA MUNANG UMUWI” its sincerity. Rather than dramatizing love, the song thrives in its subtlety. It speaks to anyone who has ever wanted to pause the night, extend a conversation, or delay a goodbye just a little longer.
In an Instagram post, JAO wrote, "Para sa’ting may mga sepanx at para sa isang old flame na minsan naging muse ng buhay ko."
With this release, JAO dedicates the song to listeners who miss easily and love deeply. He encourages them to embrace openness and to express affection without hesitation, especially in moments of departure or loss.
“Sana malaman nilang ayos lang na binibigkas natin yung mga tunay nating nararamdaman tuwing lumalayo, umaalis o nawawala yung mga importanteng bagay o tao sa buhay natin.” he shares.
As JAO continues to grow as an artist, his music remains grounded in emotional honesty. From the timid confessions of “Torpe” to the tender plea of “WAG KA MUNANG UMUWI,” he consistently transforms everyday emotions into songs that feel both intimate and shared.
