Singer-songwriter draws inspiration from personal journey of heartbreak and healing

Singer-songwriter Gel Aquino is set to tug at the heartstrings of listeners with her upcoming single, “Kinakaya,” which promises to offer a raw and emotional portrayal of heartbreak and loss. The song, inspired by Aquino’s own journey through grief and healing, serves as a tribute to those who have experienced the pain of being left behind by their loved ones.

In a recent interview, Aquino shared that “Kinakaya” is meant to resonate with individuals who have had to navigate the complexities of moving on after being abandoned in a relationship. The artist expressed her hope that the track would provide solace and comfort to those grappling with similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-love in the face of adversity.

The song was born during a particularly challenging time in Aquino’s life. “Sinulat ko ito noong time na active ako magsulat at mag-compose ng kanta. Noong time din na ‘to broken hearted ako and very depressed, pandemic noon tapos nawala na ‘yung lola ko. Hindi ko nalaman agad na nawala na pala siya, two months later ko na nalaman. So para din ito sa lola ko at sa mga taong nakaranas na iwan ng mahal nila,” she recalled.

The loss of her grandmother served as a significant catalyst for the song’s creation. “Independent ako and hindi ako masyadong nakikipag-communicate sa mga kamag-anak ko. Then nakita ko na lang nag-message sila na wala na ang lola ko. Kaya pala ‘nung mga buwan na ‘yun lagi kong napapanaginipan ang lola ko. Kaya nasulat ko ang kantang ito para sa lola ko na kinakaya ko ang sakit na wala na siya. Hindi man lang kami nagkita bago siya mamatay.”

Aquino hopes that “Kinakaya” will offer solace and strength to listeners facing their own struggles. “The message of the song is that we need to endure the pain that we feel from a person who left us. Kailangan natin ng time para makapag-heal and ‘wag tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa at isipin na itong pain na ito ay wala nang katapusan. Darating ang panahon na sasaya ka ulit at magiging mas malakas ka. You can transform yourself to be a better person then.”

Stay tuned for the release of “Kinakaya” beginning May 26 as Aquino invites listeners to join her on a cathartic musical journey through love and loss.