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Isha Ponti. Handout

Leah C. Salterio

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765539046023IMG_2232.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Isha Ponti. Handout</div>Not every 19-year-old artist who sings and performs can also write her own songs. But singer-songwriter Isha Ponti does just that.When she was 13, she wrote a Father’s Day song, “Proud To Say,” which she gave as a surprise birthday gift to her dad, Alvin Pontanares.To date, she has composed nearly 20 songs which she plans to release in an album next year.In an era where music is often fleeting, Ponti is creating something lasting – songs that connect deeply, performances that light up stages and a story anchored on the love of her most devoted supporter, her mother, Emeelette Pontanares.“You Loved Me First” is the song Ponti dedicated to her mom. Arranged and produced by Adonis Tabanda, the single dropped last August 15, the birthday of Ponti&#x27;s mom.&quot;My mom has been my anchor – her belief in me makes every note possible,” she said.From encouraging early songwriting experiments to being present at every milestone, her mom has been Ponti’s mentor, cheerleader and emotional refuge. Her belief in her daughter&#x27;s potential is as unwavering as it is transformative — fueling Ponti’s artistry with love and purpose.<div> </div><div>Front act</div>Ponti has been winning hearts on and off stage. In September 2019, she joined Asia’s Best Singing Competition Season 2 and ended up as grand champion.That same year, she also participated in the Euro-Talent Festival in the Czech Republic where she won a cash prize.Tagged as Asia’s Pop Sweetheart, Ponti was the front act in Nonoy Zuñiga’s 50th anniversary concert, “Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime,” last September and again early this month at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Ponti gave the crowd her original songs – “Tangan,” “Kabang Kaba” and “Dyahe” – and danced with the League of Monsters Brothass all-male group who backed her up.She was also the front act for Marco Sison’s concert at Solaire and was one of the special guests of Chad Borja in his “All That Sound” concert at the Music Museum.Last year, she was recognized by the Aliw Awards as Best New Female Artist.<div> </div><div>’The Next Ones’</div>Ponti has composed and released songs that speak from the heart.“Life Isn&#x27;t Perfect” is a reflective anthem about resilience and self-acceptance. “Babalik Ka” is a heartfelt Tagalog ballad released last June. “Tara,” meanwhile, is a playful, upbeat track with irresistible energy. “Pakpak” is a catchy and empowering pop hit.Ponti wrote and recently released “Dyahe,” a smooth and emotionally single, arranged and produced by Tabanda. “Invincible” is a motivational anthem celebrating strength and perseverance.Her latest composition is the Christmas ballad, “Wala Ka Sa Pasko,” which she composed in just 40 minutes.“We were trying to finish the song, around November this year, it was really recent,” said Ponti.“The way I write the songs, it depends on the time or the forthcoming celebrations. It’s almost Christmas again. My songs are seasonal. When it’s Valentine’s Day, I’m inspired to write a love song. Sometimes, even if it’s raining, I get inspired to write a song, ‘Umulan, Bumagyo.’ I really draw inspiration from the season.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765539134602IMG_2226.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Isha Ponti with Andrea Gutierrez. Handout</div>On December 13, Ponti will perform with Andrea Gutierrez in a concert titled “The Next Ones,” at the Music Museum, bankrolled by Ponti Entertainment Productions and directed by Calvin Murphy Neria.Ponti and Gutierrez are undoubtedly ready to take centerstage.“Andrea and I are the next generation artists, with the next generation of music,” beamed Ponti. “It’s our time to represent OPM, like bossa nova, pop, P-pop, ballads Elvis Presley-style and even classics.”

With a growing catalogue of original songs, stage performances alongside top artists, and a debut album on the way, Isha Ponti is carving her own path — and proving her music belongs to the next generation of Filipino talent.

With a growing catalogue of original songs, stage performances alongside top artists, and a debut album on the way, Isha Ponti is carving her own path — and proving her music belongs to the next generation of Filipino talent.

At 19, Isha Ponti is writing her way into OPM’s future

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At 19, Isha Ponti is writing her way into OPM’s future

Leah C. Salterio

Published December 12, 2025 07:49 PM PHT

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Isha Ponti

The Next Ones

Andrea Gutierrez

Music Museum

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