Ice Seguerra’s music career took off with the mega-hit “Pagdating ng Panahon” back in 2001. Having spent almost two decades in the scene, he’s one of those artists who were caught off guard when the Covid-19 pandemic took over the world, and effectively redefined what “normal” is. Now, he’s faced with the question if the industry, as he knew it, will ever be the same again.
“Nothing’s really permanent. The Covid pandemic taught us that. I’ve always thought that nothing can ever stop the live events industry, [but] we were the first to stop work,” he said during his stint on Wish Connect.
Just like any other musician, he’d have to make do with what’s available. And thankfully, online platforms are there to help him release a new offering for his fans: his heart-tugging rendition of the Joey Ayala classic, “Walang Hanggang Paalam.”
For his labelmate Elmo Magalona, this quarantine period is the perfect time to self-reflect.
“I’ll be honest, there’s a lot of self-reflection going on. I don’t think we’re ever going back to how we used to live our lives. We always need to prepare for something like this. And some of us aren’t really ready for it, and I’m one of them — I’m one of the people who have a lot to learn during this time, especially now that I’m living alone. I have to be more responsible,” the multi-hyphenate candidly shared.
Call it a stroke of fate, but Magalona was able to write and complete the recording of his latest single before quarantine restrictions were imposed. The unveiling of “Hold” has also never been more timely, with its message becoming all the more vital given what’s happening today: “If you fall and lose it all/ All you gotta do is hold.”
Seguerra and Magalona were only two of the scores of musical acts who have graced Wish 107.5’s digital radio since it premiered over a quarter ago. Since May, the platform has become an avenue for artists to connect with their fans — and for the listening public to discover new acts and songs to listen to.
Last month, several acts who were featured in Paradise Rising’s debut mixtape “semilucent” graced Wish Connect — including Fern., Leila Alcaid, Massiah, and Jason Dhakal — and talked about their entries for the effort.
Paradise Rising is a newly established label and a joint venture of telecommunications giant Globe and music collective 88Rising (home to Asian music gems JOJI, NIKI, Rich Brian, and more). The label was founded in hopes of bringing Filipino talents to the global stage.
For Alcasid, being part of the label’s roster is an honor. Expressing her faith in the said endeavor, she said: “There are many incredibly talented local artists that I still wanna see be uplifted through this platform.”
During the past weeks, Wish Connect has also put the limelight on promising acts hailing from different provinces across the Philippines.
AOTP, who describes themselves as a “contemporary band,” aspires to introduce the talents of people from Dumaguete, Negros to the national scene. Female duo High Hello, on the other hand, connected all the way from Palawan to showcase their song that spotlights the beauty of their island.
Meanwhile, Route 83 — a duo coming from Cebu — talked about why their still-growing body of work features different musical styles. According to them, it’s their intent to “keep things exciting.”
Manila-based and Iloilo pride Ethan Loukas also had his stint on the show, promoting his latest song, “Manghuhula.”
Further talking about the importance of continuing to create music amidst the pandemic, the singer-songwriter noted that it is the musicians’ responsibility to share their God-given gifts. In a similar vein, La Union native and Pinoy folk luminary Noel Cabangon called on his fellow artists and stressed that “we have to lend this talent to become the voice of the voiceless.”
Staying faithful to their craft, several Wish Connect featured artists also gave glimpses of the projects that they’ve been working on.
Known for their smash heartbreak anthems, This Band delivered good news and shared that they have an upcoming album. Giving their fans a taste of the relatable “hugot” innuendos they have to offer, the pop outfit performed “Sinungaling Ka.”
Brisom, known for their nostalgic synth-pop wave sound, meanwhile hinted that their fans will hear something different for their soon-to-be-released mixtape.
“In our featured tracks, our sound will be a bit different. If before, we’re ‘80s-heavy, now we’ll only use them as elements,” vocalist Brian Sombrero teased.
Despite being busy with his online schooling, fans can also expect something new from Paolo Sandejas. During his sophomore Wish Connect stint, he remarked that his new EP is set for November release and will feature “upbeat songs and some sappy ballads.”
Before the year ends, labelmate TALA is also unveiling her latest EP which will include her newest single, “Lucky.”
Perhaps one of the things that ties the intent of many music creators during these challenging times is the desire to keep the music industry thriving.
“I would say that the music industry is not dying. Even though there are no live events today, we still have a lot of platforms, especially online, to share our music. So I just want to encourage everyone to still create and share your music or your craft,” singer-songwriter Issa Rodriguez appeals to her fellow musicians.
Kremesoda’s Toot Orosa, echoes the same thought: “There’s a saying during this pandemic and it goes like, ‘There are many things that you can’t control but then you should put your focus on things that you actually can control.’ So for me, for us, that’s music. We just keep our head in the game by making a lot of music.”
Never miss the latest from Wish Connect. Catch the online radio, hosted by DJ Ray Holiday, DJ Faye, DJ Alice, DJ Adam, and DJ Jenie, LIVE on our official Facebook page — Mondays through Fridays at 7 p.m. PHT. Stay tuned via our social media pages for updates.
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