Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Kikx Salazar

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Songwriter Kiko “Kikx” Salazar is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his hit composition “Akin Ka Na Lang,” the iconic ballad powerfully performed by Morissette Amon.Originally part of Himig Handog 2014, the song didn’t win any major award at the time. But it wasn’t long before it found its second wind, going viral in 2018 and cementing itself as one of the most loved Filipino ballads of the decade.“It’s a miracle song I guess kasi we were part of Himig Handog 2014 as finalist but we didn’t win,” Kiko said. “But probably the next year after that it was sobrang blessing sa amin ni Moi kasi biglang nag iba yung pagtanggap ng tao for Akin Ka Na Lang. After 2018, dun na siya nag start na crazy talaga na andaming nagcocover, andaming naka-appreciate.”With its emotional lyrics and vocal-challenging high notes, “Akin Ka Na Lang” has become a karaoke favorite and a go-to piece in singing competitions. Many consider it a Filipino standard, a song that measures vocal power and control.“For things like this siguro palaging unexpected pero I’m coming from a place na until now magle-level pa din ako ng disbelief,” Kikx shared.The song’s popularity reached new heights when American singer-songwriter Tori Kelly unexpectedly covered it online. For Kikx, it was a surreal moment.“Things like that it’s always parang something surprising and exciting sa akin,” he said. “Hindi ako makahinga, yung totoo, hindi ako makahinga nung una kong narinig na cinover niya (Tori Kelly). And may second part parang she was singing with Morissette pero it’s the same feels. Hindi ako makahinga, parang totoo ba ’to? Tapos medyo nanlalamig ka, parang this is THE Tori Kelly.”When asked about the song’s inspiration, Kiko recalled: “Probably past memories but hindi ko naman siya pinagdaanan during that time. Pero collective experiences. Also during that time, sobrang fan ako ng, sobrang into ballads talaga. Yung mga Regine Velasquez type of songs. So parang inspired by Regine, tapos nung time na natanggap na siya for Himig Handog, that’s when I decided na si Morissette.”He added, “Originally yung demo mataas talaga siya (the pitch of the song), so nagrerequire siya ng diva levels.”Kikx also remembered the exact moment the song started gaining attention. “Probably nung time na pinerform ni Morissette live on The Buzz yung song, that’s when nagkaroon ng bagong feels.”Now, 10 years after the song’s debut, Kiko is focused on nurturing fresh talent through his own label, Old School Records, under ABS-CBN’s Star Music. He’s currently working with the band called Day One.“For the past year kasi parang limited artists lang kami, 2, 3, or 4 artists. Pero this year, nag-decide na ako na I’m gonna pick all the artists that I can. So mas maraming opportunities for new artists,” he said. “Kasi dalawa ang pinag-iikutan ng Old School Records: my core music which is old school style may it be rock but at the same time, I like working with new talents. Ngayon mas marami na kami.”Salazar is also marking his 15th year in the music industry and looks forward to collaborating with more artists in the coming years.

Songwriter Kiko “Kikx” Salazar celebrates the 10th anniversary of his hit composition “Akin Ka Na Lang,” the iconic ballad powerfully performed by Morissette Amon.

Songwriter Kiko “Kikx” Salazar celebrates the 10th anniversary of his hit composition “Akin Ka Na Lang,” the iconic ballad powerfully performed by Morissette Amon.

‘Akin Ka Na Lang’ turns 10: Kikx Salazar marks decade of his ‘miracle song’

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‘Akin Ka Na Lang’ turns 10: Kikx Salazar marks decade of his ‘miracle song’

Ganiel Krishnan,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 26, 2025 10:49 PM PHT

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Kikx Salazar

Akin Ka Na Lang

Morissette Amon

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