Newbie singer hopes to write songs for Julie Anne San Jose, Morissette

Heartbroken and depressed in the middle of the pandemic, Gel Aquino found an emotional outlet in songwriting.

“I was very depressed sometime in 2020. I was nursing a broken heart. And then I found out that my grandmother had died. I live alone and was told by my relatives two months after it happened. Writing songs became a form of release. That was how I got to pour out what I was feeling inside,” she said in a virtual conference.

One morning, the newbie recording artist woke up with a melody in mind. “I just found myself humming and eventually, I found the words,” she said. “Having an inspiration helps because it makes the songwriting more heartfelt. It becomes easier … And you’re not just writing because you need to.”

The unexpected spark of inspiration led to her third and latest single, the modern pop ballad “Kinakaya” (GMA Music), which she dedicates to her late grandmother and to those who have experienced loss.

“It’s about moving on. We have to bear the pain and struggles of losing a romantic partner, a loved one. We have all experienced what it’s like being left. I hope people feel inspired to face their heartbreak after listening to the song … I hope it makes them remember the people they have lost,” she said.

New dimension

While relatively new to recording, the singer-songwriter has had considerable experience as a lounge singer, performing as often as six times a week in hotel lounges. Working with GMA Music added a new dimension to her career. Now, she has a platform to release her original compositions.

“I have always dreamed of having a song of my own. I want to be known not only for my singing skills, but also for writing songs. I hope to write more songs that people can relate to—stories of love, gratitude, struggles,” said Gel, who idolizes Taylor Swift and Yeng Constantino. “And now, I also get to do guest appearances on television.”

Given the opportunity, Gel said she would love to write a song for Julie Anne San Jose or Morissette. “It would be a big honor … if they ever take a liking to my work. The song being performed by an established singer can help bring it to a wider audience,” she said.