THANDII and Jun Regalado’s “Run Run” explores immigrant pressure and ambition through gritty funk-rock, soulful vocals, and Filipino diaspora identity.
Thandii and Jun Regalado release “Run Run” feat. Ian Santillano on August 25, 2026, marking the third single from their upcoming album Coco Okayo, due September 11 via Sama Sama Records. The track takes their collaboration in a new direction. It trades the softer textures of their earlier releases for swaggering funk-rock, fuzzy guitars, jazzy piano, and a raw sense of urgency.
At its core, “Run Run” explores the pressure behind immigrant excellence. Thandii examines the expectations placed on diaspora communities to succeed, honour their ancestors, and constantly prove themselves. The song captures the exhaustion that comes with always having to move faster just to keep up. Thandii explains:
The millstone of immigrant excellence. Best behaviour. Singing with the ancestors behind you. Believing in yourself against all odds. Trusting the process. Running. Running too fast.
Ian Santillano adds another dimension to the track. The Filipino-American vocalist delivers a gritty yet soulful performance that anchors the song’s infectious melody. His voice also strengthens its exploration of identity, ambition, and generational legacy.
A Sound Built Across Cultures
“Run Run” expands Thandii’s creative dialogue with artists connected by Filipino heritage and diaspora experiences. It continues the cross-cultural exchange at the heart of Coco Okayo, linking Margate, Manila, and communities around the world.
The album brings together Thandii—Jess Berry and Graham Godfrey—and Jun Regalado, one of the Philippines’ most recorded drummers. Regalado’s career spans nearly six decades and close to 500 album appearances.
They recorded in Manila with period-correct preamps, compressors, and instruments inspired by the sound of 1970s Manila Sound. Furthermore, Coco Okayo moves freely between OPM, soul, disco-funk, and trip-hop.
The album’s three singles reveal that range. “Coco Okayo” explores coral reef memory, while “My Angel” reflects on intimacy and connection. “Run Run” shifts the focus inward, confronting the relentless pressure of diaspora life.
Thandii calls this evolving sound MAR-NILA—a meeting point between the Manila Sound of the 1970s and the post-punk, disco, beat-driven art-pop of their seaside home in Margate.
Stream “Run Run” featuring Ian Santillano now and experience the latest chapter of THANDII and Jun Regalado’s Coco Okayo.
Press Release
