Southeast Asian singers merge voices to uplift spirits in these uncertain times

CEBU, Philippines —  “I hope the song uplifts people’s spirits, comfort their troubled hearts, encourage everyone to go on with life even if it’s really hard, and realize that God is still the Supreme Being,” singer Jona said in a digital media conference of the Southeast Asian collaboration track “Heal” released recently by ABS-CBN Music.

Composed by Jonathan Manalo (the over-all producer), Xela and Moophs, the record talks about choosing love to overcome negativity across the world. It is available for streaming in various digital platforms.

The project was notable for the 14 artists involved because not only did they get to merge voices with fellow female talents from the region, they were also singing for a cause.

Jona, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Moira Dela Torre, Lesha, and Xela, along with Rinni Wulandari and Yura Yunita of Indonesia, girl group Dolla and Shalma Eliana of Malaysia, Haneri and Haven of Singapore, and Valentina Ploy of Thailand will donate their fees and royalties for the benefit of ABS-CBN Foundation’s Pantawid Ng Pag-ibig Program.

“I really enjoyed putting my own stamp on it, because this song is like a melting pot of singers who each have their own thing to offer,” said Jayda, daughter of OPM veterans Jessa Zaragoza and Dingdong Avanzado. “It was icing on top of the cake when I learned that this was for charity.”

The Zoom gathering was the first time the artists all got together, with Jayda comparing it to the first day back at school as they had to introduce themselves to one another. Some of the singers said they had heard of the others prior to this project, and had stalked everyone else online once the offer for “Heal” came. Mutual respect and admiration for each other’s musical talent was evident throughout the exchange.

“I’ve always been a big advocate for female Asian artists. I feel like what we’re representing, not only for the time that we’re in now, being here with all of you is so encouraging. You’re all so freaking talented so it’s been a real honor to work with every one of you,” said Haneri, an Australian-Singaporean singer-songwriter who has released two chart-topping singles since 2017. She has also worked with international artists Charlie Puth, Kehlani, Amber and Luna from South Korean girl group f(x) and Josh Groban.

The collaboration is a big deal for soul and urban singer-songwriter-rapper KZ because “now more than ever, we need songs like these to inspire people, we need to be there for each other in these trying times.”

“I feel the song is a virtual hug for everybody. When we’re going through something, we need hugs from people to comfort us – which we can’t do right now. Some people are not in quarantine with their loved ones. Others are with their families but most of them no longer have jobs. May the song give them hope that tomorrow is going to be better,” added KZ.