For an artist blessed with the rare combination of vocal talent and songwriting prowess, a history of local or televised music competitions seems almost expected. Yet, newcomer Isha Ponti has bypassed the contest stage entirely, choosing instead an unconventional and deeply personal route into the industry.

“I tried auditioning, but ‘yung schedule ko sa school and ‘yung mga gigs ko sa concerts, parang hindi ko na maisisingit ‘yung mga TV shows and competitions sa network, that’s why I didn’t push through. Nag-focus na lang talaga ako sa paggawa ng maraming kanta and ‘yun naman talaga, parang I did music, I pursued music not because I want to compete, but I want to share something that could inspire people, heal them, or use my songs to any occasion. Kaya nga kahit Father’s Day song, Mother’s Day song, Christmas song, Valentine’s Day, lahat ata ng seasons ay nadaanan ko. So, ayun, it’s all about sharing my music, not competing.”

But singing and songwriting have been her passion since she was a kid.

With her enthusiasm and passion for music, who does Isha want to collaborate with? Or maybe write a song for?

“Idol na idol ko talaga sina Sarah Geronimo, Yeng Constantino, ‘yung mga Gen Z artists, sina Janine Tenoso, Maki, ang dami. Pero siguro most notable artist is Janine Tenoso.”

‘Likas’ is Isha’s first album. It’s composed of ten (10) songs but she shares that she has written around 29 songs as of today.

What’s new or different with the songs in her ‘Likas’ album from the past songs she has written? And why aren’t those songs included in ‘Likas’?

“Kasi this album, iba kasi ‘to eh. It’s about my personal experience when it comes to love, my dreams, to my heartaches, to family, everything. So, parang it’s my story naman. It’s not about the seasons in life like Father’s Day. It’s about my personal experience na can resonate with other people. Kasi iba-ibang scenarios ‘yung nangyari sa album na ‘to.”

What is her favorite song among the ten titles in her ‘Likas’ album?

“Ito ‘yung mahirap kasi iba-iba sila ng atake. Ako, pampatulog ko lagi ‘yung Bakas. ‘Yun po kasi ‘yung pinakamasakit na kanta na ginawa ko sa buong buhay ko. Parang hinehele kasi ako ng Bakas kapag natutulog ako.”

What’s the inspiration behind ‘Bakas’?

“Ito kasi ‘yung phase ko on moving on. Parang I’ve moved on pero there are still remnants of him na hindi ko matatanggal pero tanggap ko na na okay may memories. Parang it’s easy to forgive but not to forget.”

As a singer and songwriter, what are Isha’s comments on the ongoing issue about using AI for creating music?

“Kami ni direk Adonis, whenever he shares about sa mga vlogs niya or content niya, may sinabi siya about AI being a tool, which is true. Some artists ginagamit na din ang AI tapos biglang nagva-viral, mas nagva-viral siya kaysa sa mga pinaghihirapan ng mga singer and songwriter. I’m okay with AI songs, kasi sino ang hindi nag-‘Hawak Mo Ang Beat’ dyan? Parang okay lang siya, but it should not be normalized that much kasi ang hirap mag-give ng value ‘yung real songs na binigyan ng time and effort and puso ng mga singer and songwriter like me. So it’s also important to remind yourself na AI siya.”

Emerging singer-songwriter Isha Ponti is set to introduce her highly anticipated new studio album, “LIKAS,” a deeply emotional and artistically rich collection of songs that reflects the realities of love, growth, healing, and self-discovery.

The title LIKAS stands for Longing. Illusion. Kindness. Acceptance. Self-love. — five powerful themes that shape the soul of the album and the emotional journey behind every track.

Written entirely by Isha Ponti herself, LIKAS is a testament to her authenticity as a songwriter and storyteller. The melodies and arrangements were collaboratively crafted by Isha Ponti and acclaimed musical director and producer Adonis Tabanda, creating a sound that blends modern OPM sensibilities with timeless emotional depth.

At only a young age, Isha Ponti has already begun carving her place in the evolving landscape of Filipino music. Media outlets have recognized her as one of the promising new artists in OPM, highlighting not only her vocal talent but also her remarkable ability to write songs that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level.

The album features ten emotionally charged tracks:

‘Darating’
‘Numero’ ‘
Hinga’
‘Kabanata’
‘Halika’
‘Warmth’
‘Gulong’
‘Bakas’
‘Riversky’
‘Mismo’

Among the standout songs in the album is “Kabanata,” a breakout single that has already gained impressive momentum across digital streaming platforms and Philippine radio. Available on Spotify and all major music platforms worldwide, “Kabanata” continues to reach a growing audience through its heartfelt lyricism and relatable storytelling. The song has also enjoyed strong support from top radio stations in the Philippines, further solidifying Isha Ponti’s rising presence in the OPM scene.

Music streaming has become a defining force in the growth of Filipino music globally, with Spotify reporting a massive increase in worldwide streams of Pinoy music in recent years. In this vibrant musical era, Isha Ponti emerges as part of a new generation of Filipino artists creating emotionally driven music that connects deeply with listeners both in the Philippines and abroad.

More than just an album, LIKAS is described as an emotional sanctuary — a body of work born from vulnerability, reflection, and courage. Every song carries fragments of personal experiences, quiet heartbreaks, hopeful beginnings, and the universal desire to be understood and accepted.

To celebrate the release of the album, a special album launch event entitled “Isha Ponti: LIKAS” is scheduled on June 20, 2026 (Saturday), at 7:00 PM at VIVA Cafe, with special guests expected to join the celebration. The event promises an intimate and memorable evening filled with live performances, storytelling, and the heartfelt music that defines the LIKAS experience.

Under the musical direction of Adonis Tabanda, the launch is expected to showcase not only Isha Ponti’s artistry as a performer, but also her evolution as a songwriter whose music speaks to the emotions many people quietly carry within themselves.

As anticipation continues to build, LIKAS stands poised to become one of the most heartfelt and compelling OPM releases of the year — an album that invites listeners to breathe, reflect, heal, and ultimately embrace themselves fully.

With LIKAS, Isha Ponti is not simply releasing music. She is opening her heart — and in doing so, she may very well become one of the defining new voices of contemporary Filipino music.

About achievements, Isha received two nominations at the 17^th PMPC Star Awards for Music for Christmas Song of the Year for ‘Christmas With You’, and New Female Recording Artist of the Year.

For updates and announcements, follow Isha Ponti and Ponti Entertainment Production on social media platforms.

Watch our coverage from the Likas media launch below: