Debbie Lopez leads Visayan music revival with heartfelt debut

Debbie Lopez is no stranger to attention. Known as the “Billboard Princess” after her image graced nearly 90 billboards across Metro Manila, she’s made an impression with her striking presence and dynamic performances. But her latest move marks a shift in focus: using her platform to promote the rich musical traditions of the Visayas.

Her debut single, Ang Higugmaon Ka, is more than a love song — it’s a nod to her heritage. Written by Bryan Balucan, the track explores the quiet ache of unrequited love through the Visayan language, blending emotional nuance with cultural pride. With its heartfelt lyrics and melodic arrangement, the song highlights a regional voice often underrepresented in mainstream music.

“The title translates to Ang Mahalin Ka in Tagalog,” Debbie explains. “We wanted to make the message of the song universally felt, but I was adamant that it should stay in Visayan. This is my tribute to my roots.”

Born in the Visayas and now based in Baguio, Debbie was drawn to music at an early age. A formative trip to Jamaica sparked her interest in performance, leading her mother to enroll her in an international music school. She also credits her uncle, acclaimed musician Dr. Noni Espina, as a key influence in her growth as an artist.

“At first, it was my parents’ dream for me to become a singer,” she recalls. “But eventually, I fell in love with the art myself. That’s when it became my passion.”

Debbie began performing through livestreams and small gigs, gradually developing her craft. Choosing a Visayan-language debut set her apart in an industry dominated by Tagalog and English songs, and underscored her commitment to representation and identity.

In the past two years, her work has gained recognition, earning her several awards:

• Philippines Choice Award for Promising Recording Artist of the Year (2023)

• Vietnam International Achievers Award for Asia’s Most Remarkable Multi-Talented Artist and Empowered Singer (2023)

• Most Exceptional Recording Artist of the Year (2024)

Beyond accolades, her music is sparking conversations around language, heritage, and regional diversity in Original Pilipino Music (OPM). For Debbie, Ang Higugmaon Ka is both a creative milestone and a personal gesture—one that invites listeners to rediscover the sounds of the Visayas.

As regional music gains more attention in the broader OPM scene, Debbie Lopez is carving out a space rooted in tradition, but firmly forward-looking.