Bringing her listeners a new song about wishing to meet ‘the one’ and enduring even the pain that comes with love, Zephanie Dimaranan gamely answered questions related to relationships and her ideal guy in this episode of Kapamilya Chat.

The last time Zephanie graced the show was October 2021 and she talked about her experience in Abu Dhabi for the Now United boot camp. Three months later, Zephanie said she’s kept in touch with her closest campers Gabriella Ekaputri from Indonesia and Thomas Berberian from Brazil.

Recently, netizens got ‘kilig’ when Thomas commented on Zephanie’s cover of “Tahanan” on Instagram, telling her, “I didn’t understand anything you said but now I have a crush on you.” Asked for her reaction, Zephanie smiled and said they’re really comfortable exchanging compliments, which they take lightly.

“Whenever Thomas and I talk, lagi kaming nagpupurihan na ‘Ang galing-galing mo!’ Pero ‘di ako naniniwala, ‘di rin siya naniniwala. Talagang nakakatuwa siya kausap,” she revealed. That’s why she doesn’t take his comment seriously. She added that Thomas fell in love with OPM music and one of his favorites is Zack Tabudlo’s “Binibini.”

The young artist went on to talk about her self-titled debut album that includes all her songs since winning Idol Philippines and her latest single “Magpakita Ka Na.” The making of this album was a journey in itself, making it more meaningful.

“Dahil sa pandemic talaga, ang dami rin struggles na dumating sa paggawa o process ng album na ito. I’m really grateful na finally napapakinggan na nila. Siyempre sa lahat ng tao na nasa likod ng album na ito, ginawa nila ‘yung best nila to make it happen this year,” she looked back.

The album, just released this month, has already garnered 10 million streams on Spotify and bagged the top spot on Apple Music. Zephanie was almost speechless hearing this good news. All she could manage to say is a heartfelt thanks to the Man above and her listeners and supporters.

All 11 tracks in the album hold a special memory. But if she has to pick one favorite, Zephanie would go for that one song that changed it all, “Pangarap Kong Pangarap Mo” which she sang in Idol Philippines.

Her latest release and the key track, “Magpakita Ka Na,” is composed by Miguel Mendoza, who is also the genius behind Sarah Geronimo’s “Isa Pang Araw,” which Zephanie revived and included in the album.Zephanie and Miguel breezed through the recording even if they haven’t really met in person. They just collaborated virtually since face-to-face interactions were limited by the pandemic, and she guested on his Kumu livestream one time. She feels blessed to work with songwriters who fully trust her.

“Magpakita Ka Na” is about the longing to fall in love and the readiness to experience the pain that comes with it. And part of its charm is the hopeful vibe it brings. Asked how she resonates with the theme, Zephanie said she also wonders when she’d fall in love, although she’s not in a hurry.

With her zero experience in romantic relationships, Zephanie thinks crushes are enough to take ‘hugots’ from. “Kahit papaano nagamit ko naman ‘yung mga ganung experiences. During those times na nagkakagusto ka sa isang tao, you really feel like it’s something real, na pwede ko siyang makuhanan ng emosyon.” She also takes inspiration from romantic movies and books.

There’s a song from the album, “Pangako Ko” that tackles a deeper facet of love related to marriage. While recording, she just imagined a different kind of love, perhaps her passion for singing and dreaming big. It was a piece of advice from Star Music’s Jonathan Manalo.

Still related to the song’s message, Zephanie was asked her thoughts about meeting the one. Are we supposed to chase or just wait? She said there are two kinds of people – one that makes a way to be in a relationship and the other simply waits for destiny to work things out. For now, she’s on “Team Maghihintay.” “Parang hindi ko hinahanap ngayon kasi alam kong dadating siya ‘pag handa na ako o kung kailan ibibigay ni Lord,” she mused.

Asked for her ideal guy, Zephanie said she prefers someone taller than her and with Filipino features. Plus points if he knows how to play the guitar and has a good taste in music.

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