The Beat Manila’s Up and Coming is a bi-weekly series where we feature rising talented artists from the Philippines, giving them a platform to share what they’re passionate about and promote the music they (and us too!) would love for the world to hear. Do you want or know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at mnl.editorial@thebeat.asia or slide through our DMs on Facebook or Instagram!

Some talents are not simply nurtured; rather, they are passed down through generations like treasured heirlooms, growing increasingly brilliant with the arrival of each new family member. This budding artist has both: a magical voice that came from a heritage steeped in melody and rhythm, and a lyrical prowess that has blossomed through a tireless journey of self-improvement.

In our latest Up-and-Coming feature, we had the opportunity to chat with Kai Buizon, an emerging artist who not only carries an impressive musical heritage but also possesses a remarkable talent for crafting deeply relatable songs that strike a chord with lovelorn romantics.

In this article, the passionate singer-songwriter tells us about her beginnings, the people who inspire her as she embarks on her musical journey, and new music we can look forward to from her in the future.

Hello, Kai! Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself?

Hello! My name is Kai Buizon, and I’m very new to the Philippine music scene. I started writing my own songs with my mom’s guitar when I was around 14, but it was only after I graduated high school that record labels took an interest in me.

Today, as I balance music with my undergraduate studies, I currently have two songs available on streaming platforms, both of which were released this year. They’re quite different from each other because I’m still trying to figure out my “sound,” but I’ve been told that the common trait that unites both tracks is my voice. I’ve been told that I sound like a 21st-century Disney princess. Haha!

What made you pursue music? Did you have any particular influences or experiences that inspired you?

I have to say my mom is my biggest influence when it comes to creating or writing music. Her name is Felichi Pangilinan Buizon, and she won an Awit Award (the GRAMMYs of the Philippines) in 1991 for Best Inspirational/Religious Recording. She's the one who gave me basic vocal training and taught me how to play the piano and guitar, and she's the one I go to when I need someone to consult for lyrics—especially when I write in Filipino.

Who are your biggest idols in the music industry?

Other than my mom, some local artists that I must say have influenced my songwriting are my Tito, Gary Valenciano, since we grew up watching his concerts, and the Eraserheads. They're considered The Beatles of the Philippines and I love The Beatles.

We heard you penned your latest release, "Kaibigan Lang," while attending online classes. What an amazing feat! Could you tell us more about the song and how it came to be?

When I first started writing “Kaibigan Lang,” I liked it so much that I finished it all in one night. I didn’t sleep at all! I think that’s when you know you’re passionate about something—when you get lost in it and lose track of time.

During recording, though, my sound engineer Brian Lotho recommended I change some lyrics so that the phrasing would flow better with the music. I was really nervous, [about] recording my first Filipino track, so I called my mom to ask for help. One of the changes we made was instead of “kapag nginitian mo ako” (when you smile at me), we wrote, “kapag tinitigan mo ako” (when you look at me).

You made your debut this year with the heartfelt track "The Meadow." Any message for your listeners who have been supporting you since day one?

I’d like to thank my friends and my family for all the support they have given me since day one. It was one of my friends who saw the potential in “The Meadow,” and made the demo I presented to Sony Music. And it was another friend of mine who encouraged me to invest in a mic so that I could record more demos. I’ve had so many encouraging pep talks and words of advice from the talented members of my university [organization], the Ateneo Musicians’ Pool. There are just too many people to thank!

As for family, I have my Tita Angeli Valenciano. I’m so grateful to her for being my mentor and my guide through the music industry. And of course, my parents who have believed in me since the real “day one” of my life.

To these people, all I can say is that I love them and I still feel like I don’t deserve the love they’ve given me. And I hope to make them even more proud.

If there's one thing about your music that you would like to be known for, what do you think would it be and why?

I haven’t released them yet, but I have songs that have more substance than what I currently have out there. I wrote “The Meadow” and “Kaibigan Lang” while I was still in high school, and I’d like to think I’ve grown up a little since then. I have so many unreleased tracks that talk about dreams, vulnerability, and all my questions. I wish I could release those, but we’re still feeling everything out and releasing the more lighthearted things first. I’m trusting the process and the people handling my music. But someday, I’d like to be known as a skilled songwriter, as I’d love to collaborate with other artists and write music for them.

What are your biggest hopes and dreams for your music career?

Currently, I have over 40 songs just waiting to be recorded and released. My biggest hope is that I will be able to share all of them and even more with all of you. And I hope that those songs will be able to help others understand their feelings more. I’d like to be able to release songs with lyrics that express the sentiments of those who don’t have the words themselves.

Any new music, gigs, or activities we should be looking forward to from you soon?

I think I’ll be releasing a third track sometime this year too. Just one more before the year ends. So please watch out for it! Thank you!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To know more about Kai Buizon, follow her on Instagram and Facebook. You can also stream her music on YouTube and Spotify.