Some feelings are easier to put on a playlist than admit out loud. Whether you’re nursing a crush, questioning a relationship, or finally over someone’s empty promises, these Filipina artists have a track for your current romantic subplot.

Mariah Deborah’s “Bahagya” Is for Unspoken Feelings

Mariah Deborah’s “Bahagya” captures the nerves of confessing your feelings while wondering if the other person feels the same. The song follows a budding sapphic romance complicated by religious guilt, with its narrator slowly finding the courage to express her affection. 

DENY’s “Alam Ko Na” Is for Mutual Attraction

Featuring Just Hush and Third Flo, DENY’s 2023 R&B track “Alam Ko Na” is about the kind of chemistry that needs little explanation. Its smooth groove accompanies the excitement of meeting someone new and sensing that the attraction might be mutual. 

Jolianne’s “Irises” and “Routine” Trace Love’s Highs and Lows

Jolianne’s 2019 single “Irises” brings a dreamy R&B sound to your quieter listening hours. Her 2022 track “Routine,” meanwhile, explores the difficulty of letting go when a relationship has lost its spark and familiarity keeps two people together. Queue them up for opposite ends of the romantic spectrum. 

Brei’s “Katabi” can be your next IG note parinig

“Katabi” track is a cute, youthful song about intimacy, longing, and getting an instant crush on someone. It showcases a softer, more vulnerable side of Brei.

Cesca’s “Lovesick (Pagmahalasakit)” Is for Hopeless Romantics

Cesca’s 2022 debut single explores the anxiety of entering a potential relationship before knowing how things might turn out. Blending Filipino and English lyrics over indie pop, “Lovesick (Pagmahalasakit)” speaks to the excitement and uncertainty of catching feelings when you’re not sure you’re ready for them.

Janine Berdin’s “tayo lang (may alam)” Keeps Things Between Two

Featuring Illest Morena and Fana, Janine Berdin’s “tayo lang (may alam)” brings a flirtier, more confident energy to the playlist. Released in 2025, the track leans into private attraction and the thrill of keeping a connection between two people. 

a!ka’s “All Bark, No Bite” Calls Out Empty Promises

For anyone tired of grand declarations that never turn into action, a!ka’s “All Bark, No Bite” delivers a pointed reality check. The 2026 pop track takes aim at a lover who promises a future, then fails to follow through. Written and produced by a!ka, with co-production by allthatkaz, it’s a fitting soundtrack for finally choosing actions over sweet talk.

These retrogrades can leave you giddy, confused, hopeful, or completely over it. These six tracks offer a soundtrack for the messy middle, whether you’re working up the courage to confess, enjoying the thrill of mutual attraction, or learning to stop entertaining empty promises.