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The ‘hugot’ behind Angela Ken’s relatable songs

Article (news)

Liezel dela Cruz

“Masaya po ang bungad ng bagong taon,” smiled Angela Ken, who graced Kapamilya Chat to talk about the newest milestone in her career: her self-titled debut album.Plucked from personal hugots, every song in Angela’s album will sure bring relatable feels to her listeners. “Lahat po ng kanta do’n iba-iba ang message. May pang-family, friend, pangsarili. Lahat na ‘yun may istorya sa buhay ko na napakalaki ng impact sa journey ko.”It includes her breakthrough hit “Ako Naman Muna,” which won Best Inspirational Song at the Awit Awards 2022. For Angela, just the nomination and opportunity to perform during the awards night were more than enough of an achievement, but winning sets the validation much, much higher. While giving her speech on stage, flashbacks of writing “Ako Naman Muna” flooded her mind.She told Kapamilya Chat, “No’ng nagsasalita po ako, parang bumabalik ako sa time na umiiyak ako habang ginagawa ‘yung ‘Ako Naman Muna’ habang nakahiga. As in ‘yung pinipigilan kong marinig ako ng pamilya ko habang umiiyak ako kasi medyo nasa utak ko po nu’n, ‘Ang babaw. Bakit ako umiiyak?’”The birth of “Ako Naman Muna” is an inspiring story of its own. Angela uploaded it as an unfinished piece, a draft, on TikTok during the lockdown. After reading the stories of netizens who resonated with the song, she was suddenly motivated to finish what would become the life anthem of many. The number of views grew and soon translated into showbiz offers.“Ako Naman Muna” is an easy LSS, with an enchanting tempo that lulls the heart and words that motivate. The track, which opened her doors to the mainstream music scene, is about knowing one’s worth and finding strength within. “Through the darkest times, doon mo pa pala makikita ‘yung liwanag na kailangan mo, which is yourself, which is knowing and loving yourself.”Her other single “Dagdag Na Alaala” evokes nostalgic memories of childhood friendships, especially those that have stood the test of time. “Itong Dagdag Na Alaala is reminiscing yung mga moments n’yo sa eskwelahan. Sa lyrics, sobrang literal ko po talagang nilagay ‘yung mga detalye do’n.”A few tracks are personal requests of well-known showbiz personalities, like Kathryn Bernardo, who asked her to write “Akala Maling Akala&quot; as a theme song for <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/2good2betrue" target="_blank">2 Good 2 Be True</a>. It’s about falling for someone who came into your life unexpectedly, “Kung sino pa ‘yung hindi mo inaasahang dumating, siya pa pala ‘yung magbibigay-kulay ng mundo mo.”“It’s Okay Not To Be Okay” was requested by Boy Abunda inspired by his tricky question during the Binibining Pilipinas 2021. Painted into the lyrics are the colors of self-love and mental health awareness, both of which Angela advocates. Since it’s meant to be motivating, Angela, with the help of Star Music’s Jonathan Manalo, wanted to infuse a feel-good vibe into its melody.“Ang goal po namin do’n is similar to ‘Ako Naman Muna’ pero ang twist namin, gagawin naming light ‘yung melody, chill lang ‘yung tugtog at areglo pero malalim pala ‘yung gustong sabihin ng kanta from the lyrics,” explained Angela.She may be considered a newcomer but she is slowly turning into the go-to artist for teleserye theme songs. Her other single “Sila Pa Rin” was part of the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/marryme2021" target="_blank">Marry Me Marry You</a> soundtrack and it speaks of the unconditional love found within the family, whether they be our biological family or the people we choose.Meanwhile, “Kontrol “was part of the digital teleserye “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/new-lessons-in-click-like-share-season-3-strarring-vivoree-jane-elmo-jc-shanaia-and-belle-16450" target="_blank">Click, Like, Share</a>.” In keeping with the series’ theme, the song explores the pros and cons of social media, “Pinapaalala ng ‘Kontrol’ na huwag mong hayaan din naman na ‘yung internet, technology, o judgment ng mga tao ay lamunin ka at ‘yun na ‘yung magiging basis sa pang-araw-araw mo.”Play “Payapa Lang” on days when you struggle with protecting your peace. “Huwag mong hayaan din na nakawin ng mga tao ‘yung kapayapaan ng puso mo kasi ikaw lang din naman ‘yung magdedesisyon kung sino ‘yung mga hahayaan mong umalis sa buhay mo, hahayaan mong mag-stay sa buhay mo,” pressed Angela of the song’s meaning.If thoughts about your carefree childhood days make you smile, listen to “Buti Pa Noon” and you will feel like time-traveling to the past. Without sounding preachy, Angela reminds her listeners to make the most of time because, as they say, the future is uncertain. “Reminder din siya sa mga bata na habang nandiyan ka sa phase mo na walang kang pinoproblemang napakalaki… Hangga’t simple pa ang buhay para sayo, sulitin mo. Kasi as years passed hindi mo namamalayan na wala ka ng oras,” she mused.“Buti Pa Noon” is one of her unreleased songs on TikTok. “Marami pa ako dito,” she said, hinting at more of her inspiring and feel-good music to come. The Gen Z star, who starred in her first acting project &quot;<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/iwanttfcs-lyric-and-beat-earns-praise-for-jaw-dropping-musical-numbers-17993" target="_blank">Lyric and Beat</a>&quot; last year, is open to acting again and collaborating with other musicians.Asked her takeaways from her journey, Angela underscored that growing in the industry is all about surrounding herself with the right people like her mentors, and being open to discipline. In addition to that, she learned to speak up because, who knows, her courage might leave an impact on somebody’s life. “Hindi ko alam na magiging boses pala ako ng mga tao. Hindi ko alam na meron palang mga tao na ganu’n din ‘yung thoughts pero natatakot na magsalita,” Angela reflects.Stream her songs now, Kapamilya!

Find out the story behind the relatable, hugot-filled tracks in Angela Ken’s debut album. 