Why Asia's Pop Sweetheart Isha Ponti chose hard work over her family's fortune

A new voice in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is steadily capturing hearts: Isha Ponti.

Emerging singer-songwriter Isha is set to release her highly anticipated new studio album, “LIKAS,” a deeply emotional and artistically rich collection of songs reflecting 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.

"Iba kasi itong album na ito. It's about my personal experiences concerning love, dreams, and heartaches. It's my story. It's not about the seasons of life. It's about my personal experiences that can resonate with you," Isha, 19, said during a media conference held at Noctus Bar in Timog, Quezon City, on May 30. "Iba't ibang scenario ang nangyari sa album na ito."

Although Isha has experienced heartache, she said she is not currently in a relationship. "Wala pa pong guy sa mundo ko. I am focused only on my dreams, career, and school. It's all about longing for the dreams. 

"Lagi kong sinasabi kay Lord na bigyan niya ako ng sign kung kailan darating sa akin ang mga pangarap ko — yung tao na magiging forever ko.

"But one time, dumating na yung guy sa buhay ko. At that time, I thought that was the Lord's answer to my longing. But eventually, it turned out not to be. It's just an illusion. Hindi pala siya true love. Nasaktan ako. Pinaka-emotional song ko here is 'Bakas.' 

"I already let go, but there are still remnants of him. But I am letting go now. Hindi maganda yung nangyari throughout the relationship.

"Despite the pain and destruction, I still chose to be kind. That's why kindness is important. In the end, I just found self-love. I just realized, in the end, ako lang pala yung pinagpe-pray ko all this time," Isha said.

When asked why she still works despite being a rich kid, Isha answered, "This is my own life. I want to work hard for the things I want in life. Ang daming hindi nagiging tunay na masaya o satisfied kasi ang dali nilang makuha ang ibang bagay. There's no challenge. Wala siyang maibibigay na fulfilment."

Isha Ponti (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Written entirely by Isha herself, LIKAS is a testament to her authenticity as a songwriter and storyteller. The melodies and arrangements were collaboratively crafted by Isha 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 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 10 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's rising presence in the OPM scene.

Music streaming has become a defining force in the global growth of Filipino music, with Spotify reporting a massive increase in worldwide streams of Pinoy music in recent years.  

In this vibrant musical era, Isha 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 an emotional sanctuary — a body of work born of 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 album's release, a special launch event titled “Isha Ponti: LIKAS” is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, at VIVA Cafe at 7 p.m., 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 Isha’s artistry as a performer and her evolution as a songwriter whose music speaks to the emotions many people quietly carry.

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 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.

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