A modern take on love letters

Filipino recording star Mona [stylized in all caps] has officially released her highly anticipated debut EP, Love, Mona.

Available now via Sony Music Entertainment, the five-track release serves as a collection of love letters in the form of songs. Inspired by the tradition of exchanging handwritten letters in the ‘90s, Mona channels this intimate and personal expression of emotion into her distinct brand of storytelling.

“I was born in the ’90s and I experienced those handwritten letters, and I kind of miss it,” shares Mona Gonzales, the artist behind the moniker. “Now, people rarely do that as we live in a digital world and everything is online.”

At its core, Love, Mona tackles love in varied forms, be it platonic, romantic, or self-love. It also doubles as a coming-of-age record, reminding listeners and fans of love’s transformative power, and how it shapes our identities and influences the stories we tell.

“I want the listeners to listen to each song from the album and find the ones that resonate with them,” Mona explains. “Each song represents a different emotional experience — whether it’s the excitement of new love, nostalgia, curiosity, caution, or the challenges of understanding oneself and others. I hope to take listeners on a journey through heartfelt moments, vulnerability, and self-discovery, all wrapped in catchy melodies and relatable lyrics.”

Musically, Love, Mona showcases the artist’s versatility, positioning her as a chameleonic figure capable of seamlessly navigating multiple genres and influences.

“Tayo Na Ba,” showcases Mona’s playful and dynamic vocal delivery, blending retro-futuristic production with early 2000s R&B, all while maintaining a distinctly modern OPM (Original Pilipino Music) sensibility.

“Lapit Sa Akin” and “Boy From The ’90s,” both produced by Peter Lamiel, reveal Mona’s impressive range. The former recalls the sounds of Japanese pop legend Utada Hikaru and early Robyn, while "Lapit Sa Akin" draws inspiration from a colorful era, offering infectious melodies paired with a summery, feel-good chorus.

One of the album’s standout moments, “Luntiang Mundo,” takes a reflective look at embracing our unique life journeys and finding joy in the simplest moments. The track revisits Mona’s guitar-driven pop sound but adds a dreamy, eclectic flair, thanks to production by South Korean producer J2. The result is a smooth, sensual vibe with a nostalgic touch.

Meanwhile, “Sandstorm,” a city-pop-inflected track produced by Jaxzmusic, blends groovy beats, funky instrumentation, and smooth rhythms, exuding confidence and a fresh, magnetic energy.

The artist looks ahead to her musical future with an eagerness to continue exploring new genres and styles. “I don’t know what the future holds for me, especially in this industry,” she reflects. “But I just do the things that I love most and enjoy it. My goal for now is to be recognized as a singer and songwriter. I’ll make myself ready for whatever this path may bring.”

As a debut album, Love, Mona marks an exciting new chapter for the rising P-Pop star, whose unique voice and genre-blending sound have already begun to carve out a place in the music scene. With her dedication to creating music that speaks to the heart, Mona is undoubtedly one to watch in the years to come.