The Queen City of the South has a musical identity that stretches far beyond any single genre. From the long-running Cebu Pop Music Festival to the Visayan Pop songwriting movement, the region has nurtured generations of musicians who put their own spin on Filipino music.
And now, a new wave of artists is bringing fresh sounds to the scene, from dreamy bedroom pop and soulful R&B to experimental pop that defies easy categorization.
If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack for a jeepney ride, a cozy backdrop for a late-night commute, or melodies to get lost in while staring out a bus window, these 11 rising artists connected to Cebu and the wider Visayas deserve a spot on your radar. Your next favorite song might be closer to home than you think!
Reanne Borela
With the wistful charm of bedroom pop, storybook imagery, and the bittersweet ache of growing up, Reanne Borela makes music for soft-hearted romantics and daydreamers who find themselves looking back a little too often. Her songs pair hazy melodies with childhood nostalgia and lyrics that feel like pages torn from a diary.
Reanne Julia Borela is a singer-songwriter and visual artist from Leyte who has pursued Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Cebu. Before going solo, she was part of Reon, an indie-pop duo with Noah Alejandre. The pair won first place at the 2020 PhilPop songwriting competition with their bilingual song “Suyo”, bringing Visayan songwriting to the national spotlight.
Her solo catalog includes tracks like “Even For A Moment”, “Just for Today”, and “drawing board”, which explore fleeting romances, growing pains, and the kind of nostalgia that feels comforting and heartbreaking all at once.
Her 2025 release, “to the girl i used to know”, reflects on the versions of ourselves we leave behind, while her 2026 single “Luna” offers another glimpse into her evolving sound. Beyond music, Reanne also explores visual art and merchandise inspired by her work, including postcards, posters, sticker packs, and cyanotypes. Her cyanotype practice feels especially fitting for an artist whose music dwells on memory: through light and shadow, fleeting impressions become lasting images.
For listeners looking for their next indie-pop favorite, keep Reanne on your radar. Follow @reanneborela, stream “Luna”, and step into her world one memory at a time.
Will Mikhael
Got a crush you can’t stop thinking about? Looking for a song to dedicate, a lyric to drop as a subtle ‘parinig’, or an excuse to romanticize a situationship? Will Mikhael might just have the soundtrack for it. The Cebu-based singer-songwriter and producer turns matters of the heart into catchy melodies, blending pop, R&B, and ballad influences with expressive vocals and romantic storytelling.
Growing up in a family of singers, Will developed an interest in music at an early age. That musical upbringing shines through in his sound, where contemporary production meets the emotional pull of a classic love song. Whether he’s singing about falling for someone or holding on to a feeling, his tracks leave room for listeners to find pieces of their own love stories in the lyrics.
His catalog includes “Inday”, “Maoy sa Karaoke”, “Stay Like This Forever”, and “Akong Addiction”, as well as “Clingy”, a collaboration with Kate Lucero. Beyond performing, Will also works behind the scenes as a producer, collaborating with fellow artists and contributing to Cebu’s evolving music scene.
In 2026, he released “MaGirl,” followed by “Genuine Feelings” featuring XYVRL. Both tracks add to his collection of contemporary, relationship-centered pop, giving listeners more songs to turn to when their feelings are difficult to put into words.
For anyone whose playlist doubles as a diary or whose TikTok reposts are doing the flirting for them, Will’s music is worth checking out. Follow @theofficialwillmikhael on Instagram and @willmikhaelx on TikTok for more music, yearning, and tracks to put your feelings on shuffle.
Datu
Ever walked down Mango Avenue and found yourself thinking about all the memories tied to a place? For Datu, a singer-songwriter with Zamboangueño and Cebuano roots, familiar streets become starting points for stories about growing up, moving on, and discovering pieces of yourself along the way.
Having lived in different parts of the Philippines, including Zamboanga, Cebu, Iloilo, and Isabela, Datu draws inspiration from the places he has called home. That experience of moving between cities finds its way into his music, particularly in “Crowded Places” and “Mango Avenue”, which explore the connections between people, memories, and the places they leave behind.
“Mango Avenue” takes inspiration from one of Cebu City’s most recognizable streets. Blending city pop, funk, and soul, the song captures the energy of an ever-changing city while looking back at the memories woven into its streets. It is less about the avenue itself and more about what a place comes to mean when you have lived, loved, and grown there.
Datu’s sound is just as distinctive as his storytelling. He describes his production approach as a “vocal orchestra”, layering his own voice to create rich harmonies and bass lines. The result is a textured, almost ensemble-like sound that gives his music depth while keeping his songwriting at the forefront.
The next time you find yourself passing through Cebu City, give “Mango Avenue” a listen and see what memories it brings back. Follow @datuartist on Instagram and TikTok for more of his music.
Julia Q
This one’s for all the girls still finding their voices, figuring themselves out, and learning to take up space in the world. Julia Q is in the house!
Blending pop and R&B with themes of self-discovery and femininity, the singer-songwriter Julia Q (Julia Quijano) makes music for anyone learning to embrace who they are and build confidence on their own terms.
Her sound pairs shimmering pop production with airy vocals, layered harmonies, and introspective songwriting. Rooted in spirituality and personal growth, her music explores what it means to reconnect with yourself while keeping things playful, feminine, and unapologetically her own.
After spending much of her musical journey rooted in R&B, Julia Q entered a new artistic chapter in 2026 with her pop releases “Lipgloss” and “Over and Over.” Both tracks feature on Lotus, her latest five-track EP released on August 14, 2026.
“Like an Aries”, “Throat Chakra”, and “Angel Numbers”, the EP brings together songs written during different periods of her life. Connected by themes of mindfulness, spirituality, and self-reflection, the project offers a glimpse into Julia’s evolving sound and her relationship with herself.
Rather than treating self-love as something you achieve once and for all, Julia’s music embraces it as an ongoing process of learning, unlearning, and choosing yourself, even when you’re still figuring things out.
For listeners who love expressive pop with a little soul and a lot of introspection, Julia Q deserves a spot on your playlist. After all, growing into yourself can be just as exciting as falling in love with someone else.
Girls’ girls, take notes! Follow @juliaquijano on her social media platforms for more music and updates from Julia Q.
Cliff
For the hopeless romantics who chase sunsets, plan dreamy dates, and look for the perfect song to soundtrack a little kilig, Cliff might just be your next favorite artist.
The singer-songwriter and producer from Leyte blends R&B, soul, jazz, and contemporary OPM into music that captures the butterflies of falling in love and the longing to make a fleeting moment last.
Cliff began playing guitar at live gigs in 2020 before releasing his own music the following year. Since then, he has steadily grown his following in Ormoc City and across the Visayas, bringing his signature soulful sound to more listeners.
His best-known track, “Sunsets With You,” has earned 55 millions of streams, becoming a go-to soundtrack for romantic moments. Meanwhile, “Kursunada” reached a wider audience through its inclusion in Spotify’s Tatak Pinoy initiative. He also teamed up with fellow Leyte-born artist Reanne Borela for “Jealous,” bringing their complementary styles together in a heartfelt collaboration.
In 2025, Cliff released “Chemistry,” which has since surpassed two million Spotify streams. He continued expanding his musical circle in 2026 with “Sure Ba?,” released on July 3 alongside Calix Cent, Ludwig Saldaña, Trescoda, Amiel Edward, and Noah Alejandre.
With dreamy production, smooth melodies, and lyrics that hit close to the heart, Cliff’s music fits effortlessly into long drives, golden-hour walks, and the journey home after a memorable date. Whether you’re caught up in a new crush or looking back on a love that lingers, his songs have a way of meeting you right where you are.
For your next playlist refresh, turn to Cliff for soulful OPM and slow-burning love songs. Follow @everythingcliff and let his music soundtrack your next sunset, or give you one more reason to think about your crush.
Martin Taneo
Got someone you like but don’t know how to tell them? Martin Taneo might have the soundtrack for your harana era. The Cebuano singer-songwriter brings a charming, heartfelt touch to his music, turning the excitement of having a crush and the nerves of pursuing someone into songs that feel close to home.
Music runs in Martin’s family. Both his great-grandfather and grandfather were composers, so he grew up surrounded by melodies and a musical legacy that continues to shape his own artistry. Today, he carries that tradition forward with songs that give modern courtship a distinctly Cebuano touch.
Tracks like “Lingi Diri”, “Dili Nako”, “Hatod”, and “Adie” showcase different sides of his growing catalog, while “Numero” offers another take on contemporary romance. He followed it with “Ari Lang Ka,” a song about liking someone who feels out of your league. With its lighthearted melody and relatable premise, the track captures the hopeful, slightly nerve-racking feeling of putting your heart on the line.
Martin’s songwriting finds its charm in simplicity. Instead of overcomplicating romance, he draws from familiar feelings and everyday experiences, making his songs easy to connect with, especially for listeners who would rather send a song than confess their feelings outright.
If you’re in your crush era, believe in old-school courtship, or simply love a good Cebuano love song, Martin Taneo deserves a spot on your playlist. Follow @martin_taneo and let his music do the harana for you.
Victoria Leslie
From singing competitions to nursing and beauty pageants, Victoria Leslie has never been one to limit herself to a single path. The Cebu-based singer-songwriter has spent years pursuing different passions, but music remains at the heart of it all.
Victoria Leslie Ingram began joining singing competitions at just four years old, performing everywhere from local contests to national stages like Tawag ng Tanghalan on It’s Showtime. Her musical journey has unfolded alongside equally impressive academic and professional pursuits.
Her music reflects that same versatility, balancing soulful vocals with a growing catalog of original songs. Early releases like “Soothe” (2022), “Lilies” (2024), “My Little Star” (2024), and “Atras Abante” (2025) showcase her development as a recording artist, while “Lose My Mind” (2026) puts her expressive vocals front and center.
In 2026, Victoria released “Where We Stand” as the main theme song for A Quiet Bloom, a Cebuana girls’ love (GL) film in which she portrays Iris alongside Leigh Sunga as Hyacinth. The release marks another intersection of her musical and artistic pursuits, bringing her voice to a story rooted in Cebuana representation.
Outside the arts, Victoria earned a nursing degree from Cebu Technological University and passed the nursing licensure examination. She later worked as a community nurse under the Department of Health before pursuing pageantry. Her achievements include becoming a finalist in Binibining Cebu, winning Miss Mandaue 2023, and representing Mandaue City at Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
Whether she’s performing onstage or exploring new creative opportunities, Victoria continues to make room for music alongside her many other pursuits. Follow @victorialeslie_ingram to keep up with her releases and upcoming performances.
KHOBEE
KHOBEE describes himself as an aspiring Cebuano artist who simply wants to share his music and OPM with the world. There’s something refreshing about his approach: he’s a little awkward, still figuring things out as he goes, but undeniably passionate about making original music.
His recent release “Ano Ba Tayo” captures the youthful, coming-of-age feel of indie pop, pairing an easygoing sound with the familiar uncertainty of navigating relationships. That same vulnerability carries through tracks like “Narahuyo”, “D.W.B.A.T.”, and “Goodnight”, making his music relatable to listeners who appreciate honest songwriting and stories that feel close to home.
Rather than leaning on a carefully manufactured image, KHOBEE lets the music speak for itself. His journey is still unfolding, and that’s part of the appeal: watching an emerging artist experiment, find his footing, and grow into his sound.
If you love discovering indie artists before they find a wider audience, KHOBEE is one to keep on your playlist. Follow @kh0bee and see where his music takes him next.
Jensen
Some voices feel like floating above the clouds, where every note seems to hang in the air just a little longer. That’s the kind of listening experience Jensen brings to her music. The Cebuana singer-songwriter blends contemporary R&B and pop with expressive melodies, lush harmonies, and an intimate vocal delivery.
Raised in Cebu, Jensen discovered music as a vital form of self-expression. A multi-instrumentalist who plays piano, guitar, and ukulele, she actively shapes her tracks from initial chord structures to final arrangements.
Tracks like “Tara, Padayon” and “Making” highlight the celestial, airy quality of her voice, inviting listeners to slow down and sit with their feelings. Her recent release “Tara, Padayon” also embraces a whimsical fantasy aesthetic, complete with pastel neon hues, iridescent butterfly wings, and magical meadows. Balancing vulnerability with quiet strength, Jensen turns personal reflections into songs that listeners can make their own.
For a little musical breathing room, check out “Tara, Padayon” and follow @its.jensennn for more of her work.
AKN
For artists who refuse to be boxed into a single genre, every release is an opportunity to explore something new. AKN (Ken Angelo Ardiente), an independent artist from Cebu City, embraces that freedom, experimenting with different sounds and musical influences rather than sticking to one style.
His approach reflects the versatility of Cebu’s evolving indie scene, where artists can move between pop, hip-hop, R&B, and acoustic sounds while collaborating with musicians from different circles. Tracks like “Black Loafers” and “Pasaway” offer listeners a glimpse into his growing body of work.
Beyond streaming platforms, AKN has also brought his music to live audiences, sharing stages with national acts like Maki and ALAMAT. He has also performed at Sonata: Bisaya Music Festival, a showcase of homegrown talent spanning indie, soul, pop, and rock. The festival has brought together emerging artists and established acts, including Cueshé, highlighting the range of sounds contributing to Cebu’s music scene.
At the heart of AKN’s artistry is the freedom to experiment, learn through trial and error, and follow wherever his musical instincts lead. For listeners who enjoy discovering artists unafraid to evolve and redefine their sound, he’s one to keep on the radar.
Want to hear what he comes up with next? Follow @aknmusika for new releases, live performances, and updates on his musical journey.
LEEYAN
Cebu queer artist LEEYAN brings a fresh perspective to contemporary pop with his multilingual songwriting and emotionally driven sound. Blending vulnerability with courage and confidence, his music explores different sides of self-expression, with each release telling a story of its own.
With a background in performance and stage artistry, LEEYAN approaches music as a way to explore different identities and creative possibilities. Guided by a “multiverse” concept, he lets each release capture a different mood or side of himself, giving him room to experiment rather than settle into a single sound.
His pre-debut single, “CHASE THE SKY,” introduced this creative direction, followed by tracks like “SAY MY NAME” and “Cause U.” The latter reveals a softer, more intimate side of his artistry, offering a cozy space for listeners who need a little pahinga, whether they’re looking for comfort, connection, or reassurance in love.
LEEYAN has also brought his artistry to the stage last October 16, where he represented Cebu’s P-pop scene alongside fellow artists at the 11th PPOP Awards at the Araneta Coliseum.
With his multilingual approach and willingness to experiment, LEEYAN is an artist worth getting to know. Follow @leeyaneu and discover where his sound takes him next.
Keep Cebu on Your Playlist
So the next time you’re scrolling for your next favorite song, take a chance on someone from Cebu. Stream their releases, share them with your friends, show up at their gigs, and let their music find a place in your everyday life. You never know; your next LSS, favorite love song, or pang-move on anthem might just come from an artist a few streets away.
And while these 11 artists are a good place to start, Cebu’s music scene has plenty more stories to tell. Know an artist who deserves a spot on our playlist? Drop their name in the comments, and help keep the region’s music alive by listening, sharing, and discovering the voices that make it sing!
