Manila: The Energetic Voice of Filipino Pop-Rock

Manila is a Filipino pop-rock singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and anthemic guitar-driven sound. Hailing from Quezon City, she achieved mainstream success with her 2018 debut album, which spawned several chart-topping singles and earned platinum certification in the Philippines.

Early career

Born in 1992, Manila began her musical journey performing at local university events and open mic nights around Metro Manila. Her early demos, circulated online, caught the attention of independent label Sonic Boom Records, which released her self-titled EP in 2015.

The EP's raw energy and relatable lyrics built a loyal local following, setting the stage for her major-label move.

Breakthrough

Manila's breakthrough arrived in 2017 after signing with Warner Music Philippines. Her debut single under the new label, "Ligaw," became an instant radio hit, dominating local FM charts for weeks and eventually achieving gold status.

The momentum propelled her 2018 debut album, Salubong, to number one on the Philippine albums chart, a position it held for two consecutive weeks and led to its platinum certification.

Key tracks

Ligaw — This breakthrough single defined her signature blend of pop melody and rock intensity, topping radio charts nationwide.

Salubong — The album's title track became a fan-favorite anthem for its soaring chorus and heartfelt lyrical narrative.

Alaala — A slower, more introspective ballad that showcased her vocal range and expanded her audience beyond the pop-rock scene.

Takbo — Known for its driving rhythm and energetic live performance, this track became a staple on alternative rock radio stations.

Following the success of Salubong, Manila collaborated with fellow Filipino artist IV of Spades on the 2019 single "Sugod," which also performed well on streaming and radio charts. Her sophomore album, 2021's Interlude, explored more mature themes while maintaining her core guitar-pop sound, debuting at number three.

Her music draws clear inspiration from the melodic rock of Franco, sharing a similar foundation in heavy guitar riffs and emotive delivery. The anthemic quality of her choruses is reminiscent of Urbandub, another pillar of the Filipino alternative scene. Listeners also note the pop sensibility in her songwriting aligns with Moira Dela Cruz, though Manila's arrangements lean decisively into rock territory.

Manila's catalog receives regular airplay across a network of partner stations, particularly on mainstream FM pop stations and dedicated online alternative rock radio streams. Her hits are fixtures on playlists that blend contemporary Filipino pop with international rock influences.

You can hear the powerful pop-rock anthems of Manila on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her music and other great artists from the Philippines and beyond through our curated radio stations.