Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Singer-songwriter Leila returned to Playlist Live, where she performed her original song "Pagdududa" and reflected on her growth as an artist—from uploading cover songs to releasing her own music.

Backed by her band—Boris Coma on keyboards, Bern de Ramos on guitar, Sean de Leon on bass, and Kim de Ramos on drums—Leila delivered a live performance on the music program, which streams every Friday at 1 p.m. on GMA Playlist's Facebook and YouTube channels.

During the interview, Leila shared the inspiration behind "Pagdududa," revealing that the song was based on a friend's complicated relationship.

“Sinulat ko siya tungkol sa past relationship ng friend ko, wala silang label pero 'yung guy sobra siyang magselos.”

She said she wanted to capture a situation that many young people today can relate to.

“I tried na magsulat ng kanta kasi napapanahon siya that time. 'Yung generation ng Gen Z, takot sila sa commitment. I tried na magsulat ng kanta na tungkol sa mga mag-M.U. pero wala silang label. Actually, 'yun 'yung favorite ko sa mga sinulat ko. I love how I wrote it.”

Leila also looked back on how her music career has evolved since her first appearance on the show.

She recalled starting out by posting cover songs before trying busking after the pandemic—an experience she described as both genuine and rewarding.

“Second time ko na here. Nag-start kasi ako doing covers. After ng pandemic, nag-try ako ng busking, usually sa malls. Nung natry ko siya, sabi ko parang sobrang genuine ng feeling. Napaka-wholesome ng feeling kapag nakikita mo yung mga tao na nakikisabay sa'yo.”

The positive response encouraged her to take the next step in her career.

“I started releasing songs na rin and nag-start na rin ako mag-gigs.”

Asked to describe her sound, Leila said she gravitates toward music that creates a light and uplifting atmosphere.

“Chill lang, parang 'yung music ko super feel-good music lang.”

She also revealed that while she enjoys the creative process of writing songs on her own, another moment makes the experience even more fulfilling.

“Nag-e-enjoy ako kapag I'm creating music na ako lang nakakarinig kasi naco-cringe ako kapag may iba nakakarinig. And kapag alam na ng mga tao 'yung kanta mo at nakikisabay sila.”

Looking ahead, Leila hopes to continue expanding her career by performing on bigger stages and reaching more listeners.

“Siguro more gigs, concerts, and mainstream songs.”

For more updates on Leila, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X at @leilamanalac.

Catch new episodes of Playlist Live every Friday at 1 p.m., featuring rising Filipino artists and bands making waves in the local music scene. For more artist interviews and the latest updates on Original Pinoy Music, follow GMA Playlist on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@GMAPlaylist).