Olivia Rodrigo hopes to return to PH 'next year' to explore islands and beaches

Olivia Rodrigo is planning a return to the Philippines next year, this time to see more of the country’s islands and beaches.

In an interview with Elle Magazine, the Grammy-winning Filipino-American singer reflected on her 2024 homecoming trip to the county, which she described as a meaningful experience both personally and creatively.

“Oh gosh, that trip was so special. Just from a creative career standpoint I suppose, it was really cool to get to play for this city,” Olivia said.

Beyond the creative and career opportunities, the visit had a significant charitable impact, as the young star donated all of her proceeds to an organization that provides healthcare for women and girls in the Philippines.

Olivia admitted that she was initially worried about whether Filipinos would see her as their kababayan.

“And just on a personal level, I had just never been to the Philippines and I wasn’t born there. I don’t speak Tagalog very well. I kind of had a chip on my shoulder like, oh gosh, I hope that they accept me and they see me as a Filipino and I’m a source of pride for them. I always wanted that to be the case. And then being able to go there and visit and just see how warmly they embraced me and welcomed me, it really meant so much to me,” she said.

The “Drivers License” hitmaker declared her love for the Philippines and stated she “can’t wait to go back.”

“I’m just so grateful to everyone for just welcoming me with open arms. It meant so much,” she said.

Olivia added that she hopes to return in 2026 to explore beyond the capital.

“I think next year, I really want to go. I went to Manila, but I really want to go to some of the islands next year and swim in the beautiful oceans and see all the beaches. That’s on the agenda,” she said.

Apart from her travel plans, Olivia confirmed that she’s currently working on new music.

“Yeah, I’m working on new music and I’m having a lot of fun. It’s nice to be home from touring, to really get to sink my teeth into new songs and new sounds and new stories. I’m having a really good time,” she said.

When asked how the creative process compares to her work on previous albums, Guts or Sour, Olivia noted that it “feels so different.”

“Just by virtue of, I guess I’m a little older now and I feel like I have more experience. I think the tour and all the festivals were really educational for me and taught me a lot about who I am and what kind of music I want to make and what music I want to play for people. I’m taking all those lessons into the studio with me,” she said.

Olivia’s 2024 visit to the Philippines for her “Guts” show at the Philippine Arena was also her first time in the country.

During the sold-out concert, Olivia proudly showed off her Filipino blood—thanking her kababayans, wearing a “Miss So Filipina” sash, writing “Pinoy Pride” on her statement tee, and more.

She told Jimmy Fallon that the Filipinos in the crowd were "such good singers."

Aside from the concert, Olivia also enjoyed a boodle fight and toured Intramuros with her boyfriend, British actor Louis Partridge. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News