Are you lost, Magiliw? No worries, ALAMAT will take you to your DESTINO, delivering another no-skip album after a year without a release.
On November 21, ALAMAT finally dropped their long-awaited album, DESTINO. The eight-track release jumps across styles and sounds. Yet no matter the vibe, everything circles back to one destino: their Magiliw.
Pop Journal got the chance to hear ALAMAT’s DESTINO ahead of its release during an intimate listening party on November 14 at Roof Manila. Personally, it became an unexpected deep dive into ALAMAT’s evolving sound. Every track hit hard. The album instantly proved itself a full-on banger.
Their friends from the industry were also there. Together, everyone listened, reacted, and cheered ALAMAT on. In the end, the group delivered another powerful album—one that keeps you headbanging from the first beat to the last.
Soon after, on November 23, ALAMAT—Mo, Tomas, Taneo, Jao, Alas, and R-Ji—cranked the energy even higher during their Backyard Live x Viva Records DESTINO Album Showcase at Backyard Warehouse Studio. Magiliw showed up in full support. As the group performed every track—from “Sa ’Yo Pa Rin Uuwi” to “LuzViMinda”—the crowd danced, grooved, and celebrated this new era with them.
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ALAMAT’s DESTINO Tracklist
“LuzViMinda”
The album begins with its pre-release lead single. Released on November 7, “LuzViMinda” represents the three major island groups of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Right from the first beat, the track hits with a rich, ethnic vibe that captures ALAMAT’s identity. From there, the infectious rhythm and the way each member’s voice blends with the others create a sound that is distinctly theirs—diverse yet united.
In addition, the verses are particularly striking. They hit hard, flow effortlessly, and showcase the group’s power and pride.
Meanwhile, the music video pushes the cultural experience even further. It features computer shops, sari-sari stores, basketball courts, and jeepneys. At the same time, the members rock sandos and jerseys, giving the visuals a familiar, everyday Filipino vibe. On top of that, the choreography stands out. Every move locks into the groove, keeping the energy high and making it impossible not to move along.
Overall, “LuzViMinda” isn’t just a song—it’s a full-blown cultural statement wrapped in head-bopping beats.
“Sinigang”
“Sinigang,” short for “sinisigaw hanggang ngayon.” Just like the soup it’s named after, it offers warmth and comfort. In fact, it’s the perfect soundtrack for a lonely, chilly night—a pampainit pag malamig, indeed.
Right from the start, the intro draws you in with its smooth vibe. If yearning had a soundtrack, this would be it.
Pa’no ba ‘to? Ba’t hindi ka mawala
Sa ‘king isipan at puso na ikaw lang ang laman?
Oh, ‘wag mo, ‘wag mo akong hahayaang
Mahulog mag-isa, pa’no na yung tayong dalawa?
Furthermore, “Sinigang” captures the feeling of missing someone, craving their presence, and wondering about what could have been. Additionally, every word drips with longing, while the melody wraps around the lyrics in a way that pulls you deeper into the emotion.
“Hapag”
Following the warmth of “Sinigang,” ALAMAT turns up the energy with “Hapag.” The guitar intro sets a cultural tone, and the beat quickly explodes into rapid-fire raps and smooth melodies. It feels confident and playful—maangas pero di bastos.
Kahit na araw-araw kang nakakasama
Tingin ko pa rin sa ‘yo’y biyayang
Binaba ng langit na para sa ‘kin
At wala nang kahati pa sa ‘kin ka lang, ooh
Tomas’ vocals shine beautifully, while Mo adds depth with his adlibs. Meanwhile, R-Ji, Alas, and Taneo deliver pure fire in their verses. Additionally, Jao stands out with smooth, eye-catching choreography during the chorus.
Musically, the track glides effortlessly. The verses flow over the beat, eventually leading into a chorus with catchy hooks you’ll want to sing along to. Even the subtle elements, like a faint flute, add flavor to the song.
If “Sinigang” embodies yearning, then “Hapag” embodies commitment—a desire to keep someone at your table and in your life.
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“Pagbigyan (Bad Decisions)”
Then comes “Pagbigyan (Bad Decisions).” And honestly, it’s a bad decision not to like this track. The harmonies and vocals hit instantly. Right away, the song pulls you into the push-and-pull of temptation—bawal pero gustong gusto mo. It’s irresistible.
As the chorus kicks in, desire takes over, leaving you breathless and slightly out of control:
‘Wag but I want to
Damn I shouldn’t miss you yeah
Baaad making me do these bad decisions
From there, everything about the track bursts with tension, craving, and excitement. Furthermore, the fiery verses and melodic hooks keep you locked in. Every beat slams. Every vocal feels alive. Before long, you’re replaying the song and falling even deeper into its heat.
“Pangako (Sa Puso Mo)”
If you need a song to sing to your lover, “Pangako (Sa Puso Mo)” is the one. It’s tender, sincere, and filled with heartfelt promises. Right from the start, the mellow melody and emotional delivery pull you in. Additionally, each line feels honest, as if reaching out and asking to be part of someone’s life.
Furthermore, you can feel the sincerity and commitment in every line. This song doesn’t just tell a story of love—it makes you live it. With every beat, lyric, and vocal delivery, it draws you deeper into the emotional journey, giving you that intense feeling of being pursued.
Maaari bang pakituro
Kung saan man ang daanan patungo sa puso mo?
Papakita ko kung paano
Sa paraang kakayanin, ‘di babaliin pangako sa ‘yo
As the song continues, the melody turns each line into a living promise. Then, each chorus hits harder, and the tender moments flow seamlessly into soaring, emotional melodies. Ultimately, from start to finish, the track keeps you hooked and fully immersed.
“Don’t Wanna Dance”
I don’t wanna dance… unless it’s with you. That’s exactly the vibe ALAMAT delivers in this track. Honestly, this is my favorite—yearning yet groovy, with sick beats that hook you from the very first note.
’Di maubos maisip na hindi ka na akin.
Pwede ba na ibalik?
The lyrics hit hard, and from there, they make you feel the ache of missing someone, craving their warmth, and longing to hold them again. Meanwhile, the melody mirrors every emotion. It shifts from soft vulnerability to a pleading energy, giving the song an even deeper pull.
As the track continues, “Don’t Wanna Dance” grabs your heart and moves your body at the same time. Ultimately, if you’ve ever missed someone so much it hurts, this track will instantly become your anthem.
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“Hiraya”
“Hiraya,” released last year on November 20, brings a feel-good vibe you can enjoy anytime. In fact, Jao shared that its release sparked an incredible journey for the group—one that ultimately made DESTINO the perfect name for the album.
The chorus hits like a rainbow bursting across your day—bright, hopeful, and impossible not to sing along to:
Ikaw ang hiraya, ikaw ang bahaghari
Na tanging naglalapat ng kulay sa aking mundo
This track hits me right in the feels. It radiates pure joy and energy, capturing the fun and excitement of being in love. Each line bursts with life, reflecting the thrill of finding someone who lights up your world. Furthermore, I love how the verses flow seamlessly, blending heartfelt lyrics with melodies that stay with you long after the song ends.
“Sa ’Yo Pa Rin Uuwi”
“Sa ‘Yo Pa Rin Uuwi,” a gentle ballad released last year on December 13, serves as the perfect closer for the album. It feels like a serenade—intimate, heartfelt, soothing and deeply emotional.
For me, this track hits straight in the heart. No matter where life pulls you—new places, new paths—there’s always that one person who still feels like home. Someone who brings light to your darkness and fills you with hope. Also, the warm vocals and sincere lyrics bring that message to life, making every line resonate.
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Overall, DESTINO was absolutely worth the wait. The album doesn’t just sound good—it moves you. Every track carries intention and drives you through a journey of groove, emotion, temptation, romance, and yearning, all leading toward one destino: ALAMAT’s Magiliw. Each song hits with purpose, showcasing thoughtful writing, seamless arrangements, and the undeniable growth of ALAMAT as artists.
Magiliw! Out of all the tracks in DESTINO, which track hits you the hardest?
Photos: Charie Navarro, ALAMAT Official Accounts
