Trading Grit for Sunlit Melodies
OPM icon Ely Buendia takes a refreshing sonic detour with “Ate,” a light and optimistic new single recorded in Baguio alongside a fresh wave of young musical talent.
Words Rebelyn Beyong
Photos courtesy of Ely Buendia and Offshore Music Philippines
April 19, 2026
Following the intense, critically acclaimed release of his 2025 solo album Method Adaptor, Ely Buendia is returning to our playlists with a surprisingly bright new single. Titled “Ate,” the track was released last March 26 under his own label, Offshore Music Philippines.
Coming off a continuously successful run of his intimate bar tour, Buendia refuses to take a step back, opting instead to expand his creative discography with a deliberate detour from the gritty, tumultuous sound of his recent master project.
Lighter sonic atmosphere
“I wanted to change the atmosphere a bit,” Buendia shares regarding his decision to follow up his more serious work with a track he describes as “light and optimistic.” While the singer's expansive canon is celebrated for genre-bending rock anthems and razor-sharp lyricism, “Ate” introduces a noticeably softer tone in both its instrumentation and wordplay.
The song intentionally channels the mindset of seeing the positive side of life's inevitable ebbs and flows. “The melody had such a nursery rhyme feel, which came directly from the harmonized lead guitar lines that go up the major scale,” the musician explains regarding the single's sonic inception.
Chasing cool horizons in Baguio
To completely break away from his current sonic norm, the “Bulaklak sa Buwan” singer sought a physical change of scenery. “I needed a change of pace,” Buendia admits. “I love the weather there [Baguio].” This quest for fresh air and new perspectives led him to Nine Degrees North, where he collaborated for the very first time with Baguio-based producer and label head Shadiel Chan.
The partnership proved to be an invigorating creative pivot for the veteran artist. “Shad[niel] had a fresh take on everything,” Buendia praises. “He works fast, which I really like, and has spot-on instincts.”
Injecting new blood into OPM
Buendia has consistently shown a deep commitment to guiding the next generation of Filipino artists, a mission he champions as the co-founder and CEO of Offshore Music Philippines. This dedication to shaping the future of Filipino music is vividly reflected in the studio lineup for “Ate.”
He notes that he is “always up for working with new blood,” recognizing that “there’s a lot you can learn from them.” The recording sessions featured a slightly new setup of rising talents, including Dani Mendoza on keys, Jian Nisnisan on guitars, Pat Sarabia on drums, and Chan on bass.
Whether he is fronting the massively popular Eraserheads, diving into soul/funk with Apartel, or embarking on solo explorations, Ely Buendia proves that his pop smarts and indefatigable sense of invention remain unparalleled.
From massive classics to mid-aughts hits and modern indie collaborations, his career is a ride to be relished. “Ate” is not just a breath of cool Baguio air; it is a masterclass in musical reinvention that offers a clear glimpse of his current creative currency as a songwriter.
A genuine anthem of positivity, this new release is sure to inspire new and old fans alike.
