Actor for film, television and theater Drei Arias embarks on a new artistic pursuit. This time, he creates his own kind of music — composing, interpreting it with just the right number of feels and even serving as executive producer. His first musical composition is titled “Dahan-Dahan,” currently streaming on YouTube and other digital platforms. On its first day on the digital market, it garnered an impressive 60K+ streams.

"‘Dahan-Dahan’ is not your typical love song," said Arias. “It is not about chasing love; it is about learning to sit still and trust the process — that what is meant for you will happen. There is no need to hurry love or rush into a romance. Having a partner should not be an act of desperation. Love happens at the right time, for the right reasons and with the right person. And when that happens, we can be held fully and deeply by someone who sees us for who we truly are.”

Love collaboration

One of the most interesting aspects of the “Dahan-Dahan” music video is that it celebrates boys’ love (BL). Arias shared, “It was a conscious decision to do a BL music video for my debut single because it serves as a gift to my fans who have supported and loved me since I started doing roles in BL projects.”

His noteworthy BL television projects include Amore and Saan Sana Tayo sa Himig ng Musika, while his BL films include Don Filipo, Bingwit and Baka Sakali.

“My director for this music video is the one and only Niccolo Cosme,” Arias said when asked about his artistic collaborators. “We had so much fun doing the music video. We were very open to ideas on how to execute our goal effectively. That’s the good thing about working with people who know what they want to put out there — you develop a natural compatibility when it comes to your vision.”

Another collaborator is Noel dela Cruz, who starred opposite him in the video. “Noel is a good friend, and having him in the music video didn’t feel like work at all,” Arias said. “I sent a whole lot of options on who I wanted to be paired with, but the team felt we might have a natural chemistry on screen. They obviously did their homework — and they were right. Because we’re friends, it was easy to work with him. He is such an angel.”

Advocacy

Apart from its (LSS) "Last Song Syndrome" inducing lyrics, pop-rock groove, Arias’ handsomeness and the palpable chemistry he shared with Dela Cruz — beautifully captured by Cosme’s camera work — “Dahan-Dahan,” according to Arias, also carries a deeper message.

“It is also about responsibility and shared care. Through this project, we are proud to advocate for PrEP awareness and open conversations about sexual health. Protection is not a burden carried by one of the partners alone. It is a shared decision. A shared commitment. A shared act of love. Because loving someone also means protecting each other.”

He continued: “Reports say that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in our country are rapidly surging. Forty-seven percent of those afflicted with HIV are between the ages of 25 and 35. Cases among those aged 15 to 24 have increased by 500 percent. These figures are based on the latest Department of Health (DoH) Surveillance Report.”

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), according to research, works by creating a chemical barrier in the bloodstream and tissues that blocks the HIV virus from replicating and taking hold in the body. It is primarily used by people who are HIV-negative to prevent infection before potential exposure through sex or injection drug use.

Arias added: “PrEP is one of the many effective ways we can prevent HIV infection. It is very important that we protect our health and the people around us. Being responsible and accountable for our actions can spare us from worrying about our health. This song is my modest contribution — not just to spread awareness, but to highlight the importance of PrEP within the LGBTQIA+ community.”

In conclusion, Arias said: “'Dahan-Dahan’ marks the beginning of my musical journey. I am excited and inspired. My goal now is to release my own kind of music and share my special songs every quarter — and to ensure that each song carries a meaningful advocacy. I pray that the public gives their love and support to my new song.”