Rowell Andrei Miguel Regalado

Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides celebrate Filipina empowerment through their composition, “Sobra-Sobra,” their entry for “Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Philippine Selection Night,” a musical showcase happening this Sunday (Aug. 30).

Article (news)

"Sobra-Sobra": Championing Filipina empowerment through a song

ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

<p style="text-align:justify">Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides celebrate Filipina empowerment through their composition, “Sobra-Sobra,” their entry for “Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Philippine Selection Night,” a musical showcase happening this Sunday (Aug. 30).</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZU7BK2svfB4?si=KapofOSlRMguVrhh" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p style="text-align:justify">Nica wanted to emphasize that women are never too much or not enough in the song’s message.</p><p style="text-align:justify">“Tribute siya talaga sa mga Filipina dahil sa struggles of being a woman in society, tapos nilagyan po namin talaga ng flavor kasi sa society, lalo na sa Pilipinas, ang ideal na babae is dapat submissive, dapat obedient lang lagi, dapat tahimik lang. I mean, wala namang problema sa ganun. This song is getting the women’s power back and saying women can be whatever they want to be and hindi mo sila dapat huhusgahan,” Nica shared.  </p><p style="text-align:justify">Mat meanwhile revealed the Filipino elements they incorporated into the final production of the song. </p><p style="text-align:justify">“There are two elements: kulintang and kubing, para andun pa rin ang representation ng Pilipinas sa mismong music kaya nilagyan namin ng ethnic sounds,” said Mat.</p><p style="text-align:justify">“Tawag ng Tanghalan” season 8 grand champion Carmelle was initially hesitant to interpret the empowering song.</p><p style="text-align:justify">“Nung una natatakot po ako. Nagda-doubt pa rin. Para sa akin ba ito, bagay ba sa akin ito?,” said Carmelle, whose hesitation was gone with the guidance of the composers.  </p><p style="text-align:justify">“Sobra-Sobra” is one of the 10 tracks included in the “Pili, Pinas!: Philippine Selection Night” compilation, now available on various music streaming platforms. Listen to all entries and pick your bet to represent the Philippines at the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia, happening in Bangkok, Thailand on November 14.</p><p style="text-align:justify">Watch &quot;Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Philippine Selection Night” on Sunday (August 30), 9:45PM on iWant, ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live. Also available all over the world via TFC with a delayed telecast on MYX.</p><div style="text-align:justify"><br/></div>

<p>Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides celebrate Filipina empowerment through their composition, “Sobra-Sobra,” their entry for “Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Philippine Selection Night,” a musical showcase happening this Sunday (Aug. 30).</p>