Jungee Marcelo had nothing but good words for Cha-cha Cañete during the virtual launch of “Agwat,” a single that the hit composer described as a love song with a twist.
Marcelo revealed that when he wrote the song, he already had Cañete in mind.
“In the past two years, I’ve been working with kids her age. I started teaching music production and songwriting and I love working with fresh talents,” Marcelo told Manila Standard Entertainment.
“When I started working with Cha-cha, she reminded me of the top students in my class. She’s an intelligent singer, she asks questions, she listens and shows interest all the time. It takes an intelligent singer to work on what she has. Cha-cha has a very strong machinery, high-end. She has restraint and not every young singer has that. She has power but well under control. It seems like she’s been doing this for the longest time,” the composer added.
Talking about the song, Marcelo said that the song “Agwat,” when you get to listen to it, is not actually just about romantic relationships. It can also be about relationships with friends and co-workers and everyone’s hot topic nowadays, politics.
“The irony of the word is that, yes we need to keep a distance because of the situation we’re in, pero sana huwag tayong hihiwalay sa isa’t isa. We create spaces between us so this song can be used in many situations,” Marcelo explained.
Meanwhile, Dexter Dakanay, the director of “Agwat” music video, sees Cañete as a blossoming artist with this new project.
“I guess her ‘makulit’ days are indeed behind her because Cha-Cha is always laser-focused on the set, and there’s an air of seriousness. too. She always has that depth while performing,” raved Dakanay directed for Star Music.
The former “Bulilit” child actress punching jokes has gracefully transitioned into this pretty and smart teener, currently in Senior High in UST (ABM Strand) and doing music performing on the side.
“When I was a child performer, I was truly happy to bring smiles to people who saw or watched me. There was love and support. As I am now in my teens, people still remember that child and I am still receiving the positive vibes despite having been away for some years. I am part of their good memories, I guess,” Cañete, who is now 16, happily shared.
“Agwat” somehow gives the former child star a space to show the kind of artist she can be given the proper platform. And she’s just grateful that through the song, she’s able to reintroduce herself to the public, this time as someone who is a bit mature and willing to learn and explore.
“I wanted to be known as a singer who sings because it is her passion. I wanted to be known as someone who makes good music, good songs with good message. I want people to know me as a person who enjoys what she’s doing,” Cañete concluded.
The music video of this mid-tempo ballad single, shot at “Artist On A Mission” Kristine Lim’s home and farm, can now be viewed on ABS-CBN Star Music’s Youtube account. Watch here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60gggdF7igw. It song is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer.
