FILIPINO R&B songstress Kiana Valenciano recently returned with her latest single, ‘Sana.’ The OPM (Original Pilipino Music) track samples the powerful ballad, ‘Sana Maulit Muli,’ recorded by Filipino music industry icon, dad Gary Valenciano and written by Kiana’s mother, Angeli Pangilinan.

Recorded and sung in both English and Tagalog, Sana speaks to the universal longing for second chances and the enduring power of love.

A rapturous, R&B-tinged ode to Kiana’s parents, the song was announced on her father’s birthday last August 6 and it came out on her mother’s birthday last August 26.

Dripping with bittersweet authenticity and questioning what it means to move through the conflicting feelings of longing, hopefulness and heartbreak as Kiana sings.

With her crooning soul stylings, honey-smooth vocals and the effortless weavings of Tagalog with English vocals, Kiana stays true to her roots and reaches new heights, transcending boundaries and making listeners melt with that push-and-pull of yearning for that true love that got away.

“Sana is a song for and about all the ones that got away,” offered Kiana. “It’s about acknowledging that you wouldn’t change the past, but you can’t bring this person with you into the future.”

Possessing the immediacy of American singer-songwriter-dancer Tinashe and the knack for undeniable melody of contemporary pop, R&B singer-actress Aaliyah, Kiana is a powerhouse with a quiet intensity that strikes bone deep.

Since her first recording release in 2016, Kiana’s catalog of music including hit songs ‘Does She Know,’ ‘Misfits,’ ‘Comers’ and ‘Safe Plac’e have amassed over 43 million Spotify streams to date.

She has also gained notable mentions from Spin, Hypebae, NME, Fader, American Songwriter, Mega and Vogue Philippines.

Kiana’s songs have been featured in TV shows such as CW’s Kung Fu. She has been recognized in the Philippines with an Awit Award as favorite female artist and PMPC (Philippine Movie Press Club) for Best R&B Artist of the Year.

In an ever-connected world where music transcends geographical boundaries and the dominance of K-pop has transcended new doors, Sana is yet another example of how Kiana is inviting listeners to experience music from other parts of Asian diaspora as she ushers in her personal, unique sound to the legacy of Filipino music before her.

Listen to Kiana’s latest single, ‘Sana,’ on all digital platforms. Her other songs – ‘Heartbeat On Me,’ Better’ and ‘Dazed’ – are likewise available for downloads on all digital platforms.

Kiana is working on a full-length album set to drop in early 2025.

Filipino musical to be staged in Canada

THE musical play, ‘Her Journey Home,’ will premiere in Halifax, Nova Scotia this November. The two-hour musical was first staged in Fredericton, New Brunswick last July.

‘Her Journey Home’ follows the life and struggles of a single mother from the Philippines who works as a caregiver in Canada, to give her children a better future.

Written and directed by Filipino-Canadian Chris de Guzman, the heartfelt, true-to-life inspired story resonates with the resilience and courage of many Filipino caregivers.

It features a powerful performance by Joy Campo in the lead. An immigrant herself, Joy finds a personal connection to the play’s narrative which has made it easier for her to immerse herself in the character, despite being new to stage acting.

“What many Filipinos back in the Philippines don’t realize is how difficult life can be for an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) or immigrant in Canada,” said Chris. “That was what we focused on in the play – what really happened.”

‘Her Journey Home’ will be seen in Halifax, the most populous municipality of the Canadian province. It will mark the first time a Philippine theater stage musical will be presented in the province.

FameCan Productions spearheaded by renowned Fil-Canadian singer Nadia Moore, will produce the show, with Nadia also taking on a starring role.

“I’m surprised I didn’t know that I could act onstage,” Nadia shared. “I play the best friend of the lead actress (Joy Campo) and we have a love interest.

“While I have a few dramatic scenes, most of the time, my scenes bring laughter to the audience since we share our love interest. It’s important to add moments of humor to break the monotony of the story.”

Nadia added the audiences can expect original songs and additional supporting cast members. Rehearsals start this September after the auditions wrapped up.

‘Her Journey Home’ will premiere at the Bella Rose Theater on November 2. Also featured are Jill Tucker and Alma Cabral.

“It’s a beautiful story and an incredible play that you don’t want to miss,” said the writer-director (Chris de Guzman).

The team behind ‘Her Journey Home’ hopes the musical play will shed light on the sacrifices and unspoken struggles faced by OFWs.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio