Love in the Time of Inflation: Esremborak Performs ‘Mahal Magmahal’ on the Wish Bus

Love is surely one of the most wonderful feelings out there, but it does come with a cost.

Esremborak, a five-piece ukulele rock band named after Barangay East Rembo in Makati City, knows it. The proof: their viral hit “Mahal Magmahal,” which captures the reality of loving in the time of inflation. 

The song currently sits at No. 6 on Billboard Philippines’ PH Hot 100 as of writing.

On October 15, the band returned to the Wish Bus to perform a live rendition of the hit song. The Wishclusive video is now out on the Wish YouTube channel:

In an interview, vocalist Mc Mislan shared that they consider “Mahal Magmahal” a “protest song.”

“Tungkol siya sa pag-ibig ng isang normal na manggagawa, ng isang normal na guro, ng isang normal na umiibig na naaapektuhan ‘yung kanyang pagmamahal ng mga bagay-bagay na nangyayari sa ating lipunan… Nakapaloob lang siya sa isang love song para mas kagatin siya ng tao,” he noted.

The song was actually first released back in January 2025. With its uber-relatable hook (Mahal na ang bigas/ Pati lata ng sardinas/ Kung mamahalin kita ngayon/ Sabay tayong magugutom), the song gained attention on TikTok and other social media platforms.

During their recent Wish Bus stint, the band also performed their new song “Tenchu” and another original, “Longlive Pangets!”

Esremborak is Mc Mislan (vocals), Michael Tamay (bass), Nathaniel Panganiban (ukulele), Jun Rivera (ukulele), and Steven “Peds” Pedro (drums).