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Filipino-American singer-songwriter Celesst Mar

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Leah C. Salterio

Filipino-American singer-songwriter Celesst Mar is stepping into the spotlight with her debut album “Fawn,” a deeply personal body of work shaped by vulnerability, ocean-inspired imagery, and a late-blooming leap into music.Mar, whose real name is Ariana, decided on using a moniker since she wanted to combine the heaven and the sea.“I love the ocean,” Mar told ABS-CBN News. “I am always in the ocean. Celesst is short for &#x27;celestial.&#x27; That can be interpreted as ‘heavenly’ and &#x27;mar&#x27; is Spanish for ‘sea.’ I think my name can be interpreted as heavenly sea.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765935089656att.wII5PKb2EV0EwaSGphzFg3moaH4LTJvPoow3Zp7lpJc.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mar&#x27;s father is from the San Francisco Bay Area, while her mother hails from Tarlac. Ever since she could remember, she has been enamored with music, although she only began recording last year. Now, she is taking the plunge with the launch of her debut album.At 26, she calls herself a “late bloomer.”Mar could have pursued a professional singing career early on. However, it was only after completing her studies in Communication and Political Science at California State University that she decided to venture into the music business.“I never thought I would pursue music professionally,” Mar admitted. “A lot of people were previously doubting me. They were saying, ‘You’’ never gonna do it. You can’t sing and you can’t write songs.“Part of me made me want to work harder just for myself, so I can say I did it. I know this is so much work and I’m really, really proud of it.”Mar was recently signed up by Star Music, the recording arm of ABS-CBN, for her debut album &quot;Fawn,&quot; which will be launched on December 20 in all streaming platforms.&quot;Fawn,” she said, is a reflection of past relationships. “When you simply want to please the other person, you put their happiness before yours,&quot; she said. &quot;I think this album is very relatable. I’m hoping this (album) will resonate with a lot of people.”“Your Act” leads the tracks in the album. “It’s more poppy, more upbeat, compared to the other songs in the album which were a bit slower,” said Mar. “That’s why I want to release it as a single. But ‘Fawn’ is more of an R&amp;B album.”Mar describes her music as something that takes listeners back, delivering emotions and stories that feel both nostalgic and powerful. The album offers a raw and intimate experience as it explores themes of bliss, sadness, denial, anger and accountability. Her sound is marked by melodic, heartfelt, ballad-like structures.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765935174976att.qbXHoEVuFGgnUbvI1Uci5CH5vbABGyPuvMkPh2crCZ4.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>Another track “Siren’s Call,” is inspired by her love of the ocean. An avid freediver, Mar finds both peace and creative clarity in her encounters with dolphins, dugongs and even sharks.A true Piscean, Mar frequently shares these underwater moments on social media, where her connection to the sea has resonated with thousands of followers. &quot;That’s why I released a song that would emulate a siren’s energy, with high notes,&quot; she said.“Revenge” is one of the last songs in Mar’s album. “The song talks about resentment, anger. Some people might interpret it as killing a man, which I never did,&quot; she said with a laugh.“Games” centers on people who play games in relationships. “Playing with emotions, like a toy,” said Mar. “The best songs capture emotions that everybody feels.”“Nonetheless” is a mid-tempo track that explores the emotions of being caught in a seedy situation—developing feelings for someone who will never be a source of salvation or escape. The song is filled with “chill vibes and emotions,” making it especially relatable to Gen Z listeners.Mar also included the Christmas classic, “O Holy Night,” which she recorded with a children’s choir based in Manila. “We filmed the video in a church two nights ago,” she recalled. “They were amazing and phenomenal. Their ages range from nine to 18 up to 20. I can’t wait for the video to come out.”Mar named Mariah Carey as her biggest and early influence in music. “I admire everything about her,” Mar said about Carey. “Her five-octave vocal range and extensive songwriting ability. I think she’s just an authentic artist.“Not every artist writes their own music. I will write all my songs from now on. I don’t want people to write songs for me. I also love Ariana Grande, as well. I love Patti LaBelle. I love strong vocalists.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765935130014att.D7o9XIZe5FfFwJbReXpQitMXwd4Xnp4z3LS6x4OFF6E.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-dragging" width="960"/></div>Mar is seriously thinking of moving to Manila soon. “I love to familiarize myself with the culture and I need to learn to speak Tagalog,” she admitted. “I want to improve my craft every single day.Mar is keenly aware of how complicated the music industry can be. “Everybody is on their own journey,” she said. “There’s always room to improve vocally, always a learning process. I’m still figuring it out, and I’m very critical of myself.”For Mar, music is most powerful when it connects on an emotional level. Through “Fawn,” she hopes to reach listeners with a story that is vulnerable and deeply relatable—one rooted in real-life struggles, triumphs and growth.As she prepares to release her debut album, Mar steps forward with authenticity, passion and a voice shaped by both the ocean and her own lived experiences.

Filipino-American singer-songwriter Celesst Mar is stepping into the spotlight with her debut album “Fawn,” a deeply personal body of work shaped by vulnerability, ocean-inspired imagery, and a late-blooming leap into music.

Filipino-American singer-songwriter Celesst Mar is stepping into the spotlight with her debut album “Fawn,” a deeply personal body of work shaped by vulnerability, ocean-inspired imagery, and a late-blooming leap into music.

Fil-Am singer-songwriter Celesst Mar signs up with Star Music

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Fil-Am singer-songwriter Celesst Mar signs up with Star Music

Leah C. Salterio

Published December 17, 2025 12:00 PM PHT

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