Insider Spotlight
The group—composed of singer-songwriter Karl Ramirez, Don Marasigan, Verna Abalayan-Velasco, Ella Abrera, Wachok Borja, and Ron Albis—anchors its music in narratives tied to Naga’s legacy of good governance and civic participation.
Why it matters
The release underscores how regional Filipino acts are leveraging global platforms without major label backing. For Kilyáb, independence is a strategic advantage—allowing the group to retain cultural authenticity while scaling audience reach.
The big picture
Distribution is powered by Symphonic Distribution, a global independent music platform and partner of Musika Publiko, the movement Kilyáb actively supports. The tie-up reflects a broader ecosystem play—linking grassroots music communities with international infrastructure.
Symphonic also has a track record of elevating regional artists into global names, notably serving as an early partner to Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—popularly known as multi-Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny—and helping build the digital foundation that propelled his rise from Puerto Rico to worldwide stardom, an arc that underscores the potential path for culturally rooted acts like Kilyáb.
Kilyáb, in a press statement, described the track as a “clarion call” that brings the cultural tapestry of Naga City and the wider Bicol region to national and global audiences.
Between the lines
Kilyáb currently holds a unique spotlight as the only performing group actively weaving Naga City’s legacy of good governance and shared values into their songwriting. With Ramirez at the helm of songwriting and production, the group intentionally fuses modern pop with traditional sounds. This commitment to identity extends to their visual presence.
Kilyáb often partners with modern enterprises that value traditional weaving cultures, such as Rinconada’s Modern Clara by Society Enterprises, to showcase heritage wear on contemporary stages. The group occupies a distinct lane within the Bicol Pop movement, embedding advocacy into its sound while reinforcing a consistent cultural narrative across both music and visuals.
On the record
The live track was recorded during a Feast Conference, capturing the immediacy of audience connection. The production, supported by Shepherd’s Voice Radio and Television Foundation, Inc., strips away studio polish to foreground the song’s urgency.
What’s next
As “Ngayon ang Panahon” rolls out globally, Kilyáb positions Bicol as an emerging force in the international music landscape—testing whether community-driven storytelling can translate into sustained global listenership. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
