Jose Miguel Finds Strength in Vulnerability with ‘Dalawa’
Jose Miguel releases a new single, one written in his native tongue and sung straight from the heart.
Words Piolo Cudal
Photo courtesy of Jose Miguel
November 18, 2025
When Jose Miguel first sneaked his way into listeners’ playlists with 5 Star Overthinker, he built a reputation for smooth, jazz tunes that carried both poise and authenticity.
Currently, with his first-ever Filipino song ‘Dalawa,’ he takes a deliberate step into something more intimate and unapologetically honest. Released under independent label Underdog Music Philippines, ‘Dalawa’ marked a new chapter for the singer-songwriter.
The track captures the turbulence of love at its breaking point. It’s a song that lingers in the quiet spaces between longing and acceptance.
Jose Miguel’s Dalawa Cover Art
“I actually wrote this during the whole 5 Star album,” he revealed. “I’ve been itching to release it for quite some time. I just never thought it would fit in the previous catalog. So now that I was able to step back, it felt like it was time the song got to see the light of day.
Towards honesty
While ‘Dalawa’ is a little different from the classic jazz textures, it does not abandon Miguel’s artististic soul. The single introduces listeners to a side of him that is stripped of embellishments.
With this, he’s leaning into storytelling that is both personal and experimental, while keeping his sound simple. “There’s so much honesty in these songs, and I allow my music to change and grow as I do,” he shared.
For Miguel, this era is the declaration of his creative freedom. Working with collaborators who help him explore new sonic landscapes has given him both confidence and clarity about the kind of artist he wants to be.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without these people,” he admitted. “You get to take a peek into my vulnerable side, which I’ve always had a difficult time expressing. Songs of heartbreak, songs of love, ‘dart sa heart’ stuff. I just want to try out new things while being authentic. If you hear me release something, that’s definitely me.”
Old soul with future sound
Jose Miguel’s Dalawa
Growing up in the south side of Metro Manila, Miguel was raised on jazz and timeless records, shaping his self-described identity as an “old soul with future sound.”
Over the years, he has carved out a niche for balancing classic genres with the innovation of modern styles. The blend has taken him to Wanderland Festival in the Philippines, Busan Rock in South Korean, and Java Jazz Festival in Indonesia.
Yet despite the growing spotlight, he never chases trends, building worlds that feel familiar yet new. With ‘Dalawa,’ Miguel promised what’s to come: more honesty, more experimentation, and more soul. The single is now available on all major streaming platforms.
