Not everyone has the talent to both write and sing their own songs. But there are some who are not just able to do both but are good at both also. Singer and songwriter Penelope embarked on her musical journey at the age of 10, but when did she start writing her own music?

“Sixteen (16) po ako nag-start na magsulat ng songs pero pumasok ako sa Flip Music 2019,” Penelope shares.

As of writing, Penelope has six (5) songs and three ready to be released including her PPop music ‘Ako’y Sa’yo.’

With her talent in singing and songwriting, was her course in college related to music? You might be surprised by her answer:

“Naku, hindi po. Sobrang layo po talaga. Galing po kasi akong SLU (St. Louis University in Baguio), and ang course ko po is Business Administration Major in Marketing.”

But is anyone in the family, her parents, also sing or write music?

“Sa karaoke po, meron. Pero ako lang po talaga ‘yung nag-pursue ng music sa amin.”

So without an education and family background in music, it’s amazing how she can not just sing but also write her own music. But how does she do it? What is her process in writing her songs?

“Minsan iba-iba pero kapag kunwari nasa bahay lang ako, sinasabay ko ‘yung pagsulat ng words and music. Usually ‘yung iba magsusulat muna saka lalapatan ng melody pero ako usually sabay. And then, mas madalas ako nakakasulat kapag tungkol sa story ng ibang tao. Nahihirapan ako kapag own experience. So and inspiration ko is from other people, friends ko.”

So all of her five songs are about her friends? Not one about her own experience?

“Wala po.”

Upon hearing some of her songs, I can say that ‘Tag-Ulan’ is my favorite.

The feels and lyrics are like perfectly made for each other.

“I wrote ‘Tag-ulan’ way back when I was in college, sa Baguio ako. Typically maulan before Ber months. Sinulat ko ‘yun tag-ulan season, parang ‘yun ‘yung nafi-feel ko nung sinulat ko ‘yun. Naririnig ko pa ‘yung ulan sa background. Alam mo ‘yung feeling na minsan nakakalungkot kapag umuulan, ang lamig-lamig. Favorite ko ‘yung lines ng chorus na, yakapin mo ako sa tag-ulan, ‘wag mo akong bibitawan, so it’s a breaking up song. Parting ways of two person, ina-accept mo siya pero at the same time parang gusto mo pang ipaglaban pa. Whatever happens, mag-move on man or hindi, hindi malilimutan,” Penelope shares.

Penelope was recently nominated for Best Dance / Electronic Recording at the 36^th Awit Awards for her song ‘Extra Miles (I Miss You)’ with Mars Miranda.

“Nakakagulat kasi ‘yun ang first EDM na ginawa namin and it’s a collaboration Mars Miranda. Nagulat po ako, minessage ako na nominated ako sa Awit Awards, EDM tapos dance music. Hindi kasi ‘yun ang usual genre ko that time. Sinubukan ko lang po talaga. Pwede pala, kasi sinubukan ko lang ‘yung dance music. Dun na po nag-spark ‘yung interest ko in exploring other genres.”

But who is/are the artist Penelope dreams to collaborate with?

“On the top of my mind, Ben&Ben. I really like their music and songwriting skills. Tsaka si Armi Mallare. Sobrang idol ko po sila.”

You can follow Penelope on her social media accounts for more updates on her. You can also follow and subscribe to Flip Music for Penelope’s music.

Watch our coverage of Penelope’s media launch below: