KAIA On Embracing Their Potential And Working With Zack Tabudlo

As they enter their third year together since debut, KAIA find themselves evolving once again as artists.

The rising P-pop girl group’s latest single, “TANGA,” sees them pushed out of their comfort zone and embrace their potential, not just as performers, but as songwriters as well. Composed and produced by the “Binibini” hitmaker himself, Zack Tabudlo, the new song from the quintet sees KAIA embrace a newfound sense of confidence in their artistry, thanks to the guidance and assurance of Tabudlo and his enduring belief in the group’s inherent abilities.

What results is a brand new track that marks the start of an exciting new era for KAIA — one that will see them explore just how much they’ve flourished as artists in the past three years or so.

With this, Billboard Philippines caught up with KAIA to discuss the group’s experience working on this “dream collaboration” with Zack Tabudlo, what the members have learned after working with him, which other artists they want to collaborate with, more new music on the way, and more.

Billboard Philippines: It’s been a few days since you released your latest single, “TANGA.” How does it feel to have the rest of the world listening to it?

Angela: We’re very happy po na ‘yung pinaghirapan namin with Zack [Tabudlo] ay finally na-put out na sa public. We were really, really excited to release that song, especially since this is a dream collaboration with an amazing artist that we look up to. 

(We’re very happy that what we worked hard on with Zack Tabudlo has finally been put out in public. We were really, really excited to release that song, especially since this is a dream collaboration with an amazing artist that we look up to.)

We want the song to become an anthem para sa mga taong nagpakatanga sa pag-ibig and remind them that it’s not the end. You can still begin again and love yourself, learn to be mindful and responsible for your choices and emotions.

(We want the song to become an anthem for the people who became fools for love and remind them that it’s not the end. You can still begin again and love yourself, learn to be mindful and responsible for your choices and emotions.)

Speaking of  Zack Tabudlo, we know that you’re big fans of him, so what was it like working with him on this song? Did the members feel any sort of pressure to do well since it was him who produced the single? 

Charice: It’s a dream come true talaga kasi ang tagal na talaga naming fans ni Zack. As in, trainee days pa lang, kinakanta na namin ‘yung “Pano.” Lahat ng songs talaga ‘nya tumatak sa puso namin, kaya nung nag-reach out siya sa amin dahil meron siyang kanta na sinulat na para sa amin talaga, grabe ‘yung feeling na maka-work ‘yung idol namin at mabigyan ka ‘nya ng learnings din. Hindi lang siya basta work lang; may nabuo kaming friendship.

(It’s really a dream come true because we’ve been fans of Zack for a long time. As in, back even during our trainee days we were singing “Pano.” All of his songs have really made a mark on our hearts, so when he reached out to us because he had written a song specifically for us, the feeling of being able to work with our idol and be given learnings from him was something else. It wasn’t just work; we formed a friendship.)

Grabe din si Zack as a mentor. Ang dami naming natutunan and we’re very grateful na binigay sa amin ni Zack ‘yung “TANGA.”

(Zack is also something else as a mentor. We learned a lot of things and we’re very grateful that he gave us “TANGA.”)

Alexa: Sa akin, lots of emotions. Excited kami, of course, kasi we look up to him and nagkaroon kami ng chance to work with him. Pero at the same time, kinakabahan kami. Like, hindi namin alam ano ‘yung expectations na meron siya sa amin. 

(For me, lots of emotions. We were excited, of course, because we look up to him and we had this chance to work with him. But at the same time, we were nervous. Like, we didn’t know what were his expectations of us.)

Sobrang natutuwa ako na sobrang dami naming natutunan. Tapos, habang nagwo-work kami, it didn’t feel like work. Nag-e-enjoy din kami and pinayagan ‘nya [Zack] kami na magbigay ng input sa mga ginagawa namin. Very collaborative and sobrang dami naming natutunan with this one.

(I am really glad that we learned a lot. Also, while we were working, it didn’t feel like work. We were enjoying ourselves and Zack allowed us to give our input with what we were creating. It was very collaborative and we learned so much with this one.)

Charlotte: For me, it was fascinating na we got to see a glimpse of how Zack works in creating music and kung gaano siya ka-passionate sa craft ‘nya and about sa music industry. Ang dami ‘nyang na-share na knowledge about producing and writing songs. For us, kasi, sa mga past experiences namin, hindi pa namin na-experience ‘yung mga naranasan namin with Zack, like, creating harmonies and adlibs na p’wede pala na kami ‘yung gumawa.

(For me, it was fascinating that we got to see a glimpse of how Zack works in creating music and how passionate he is about his craft and about the music industry. He shared a lot of knowledge about producing and writing songs. It’s because, for us, with our past experiences, we didn’t experience what we discovered with Zack, like, creating harmonies and adlibs that we were actually capable of doing.)

For example, sa chorus [of “TANGA”], sobrang daming vocal [layers] ng mga members. Lahat kami nag-collaborate when it came to creating ‘yung base ng song. For us, bago siyang experience and so, we’re very grateful kay Zack kasi ang dami naming natutunan na p’wede naming i-apply sa next releases namin.

(For example, in the chorus of “TANGA”, the members had a lot of vocal layers. All of us collaborated when it came to creating the base of the song. For us, it was a new experience and so, we’re very grateful to Zack because we learned a lot that we can apply to our next releases.

Sophia: Working with Zack, isa ito sa mga hindi namin in-expect. Katulad ng sinabi nila, ever since pre-debut, sobrang fan na kami. So, ever since, somehow, parang kasama na namin si Zack sa journey namin. Even sa mga TikToks namin before, ginagamit na namin ‘yung mga kanta ‘nya. To be able to work with him, at this point ng career namin, full circle moment talaga siya. 

(Working with Zack, it’s one of those things that we never expected. Like what they said, ever since pre-debut, we’ve been big fans. So, ever since, somehow, it’s like Zack has been with us in our  journey. Even with our TikToks before, we would use his songs. To be able to work with him, at this point in our career, was really a full circle moment.)

We’re very thankful kasi iba kapag ‘yung artist na nilu-look up to mo ay ‘yung lumapit sa ’yo to work with you. We’re very honored and very thankful to Zack na pinagkatiwalaan ‘nya kami and ‘yung abilities namin. Working with him, thankful talaga kami to be given that opportunity.

(We’re very thankful because it’s something else when the artist that you look up to is the one that approaches  and asks to work with you. We’re very honored and very thankful to Zack that he trusted us and our abilities. Working with him, we’re really thankful to be given that opportunity.)

Given that the members have been longtime fans of Zack, did you feel any sort of pressure to do well since it was him who wrote and produced the single? 

Sophia: Honestly, hindi naman siya pressure. Kasi nagkakasama naman na kami before sa mga event. Ito lang ‘yung first time na naka-work talaga namin siya and parang friends lang talaga. 

(Honestly, it wasn’t exactly pressure. Because we would already meet before at events. This was just the first time we actually worked with him and it just felt like we’re friends.)

I remember the first time na nagkasama-sama kami during a “listening party” for the demo ng [“TANGA”] and wala namang tension or awkwardness. Parang magkaibigan lang since bata kami.

(I remember the first time that we got together during a “listening party” for the demo of “TANGA” and there wasn’t really any tension or awkwardness. We were just like childhood friends.)

Angela: Siguro, nung narinig namin ‘yung demo, may halong kaba lang konti kasi ang ganda na ‘nya. ‘Yung parang p’wede mo nang i-release. Pero ayun, nung nasa recording na, we were free to make mistakes. Lagi ‘nya [Zack] kaming binibigyan ng assurance na he went through that din, na bago ka maka-create ng masterpiece, kailangan mong magkamali muna para matuto.

(Perhaps, when we heard the demo, there was nervousness mixed in because it was already so good. The type where you can already release it as is. But there, when we were recording already, we were free to make mistakes. Zack would always give us the assurance that he went through that as well, that before you’re able to create a masterpiece, you need to make mistakes first in order to learn.)

Siguro, dahil isa si Zack sa top artists sa Philippines, naisip din namin na, “Bakit kami?” Pero lagi ‘nya kami binibigyan ng assurance na it’s not about the numbers, na nakita ‘nya ‘yung potential ng group. Hindi lang siya working relationship. Andoon din ‘yung genuine intention ‘nya to help us explore another sound na alam ‘nyang perfect para sa KAIA. 

(I guess, since Zack is one of the top artists in the Philippines, we also thought, “Why us?” But Zack would always give us assurance that it’s not about the numbers, that he saw our potential as a group. It was not just a working relationship. His genuine intention to help us explore another sound that he knew would be perfect for KAIA was also there.)

As you’ve mentioned, you learned a lot of new things, especially skills in relation to songwriting, after working on “TANGA.”

As a group, what do you believe is the most important thing you learned from this experience that has greatly helped you improve as artists?

Alexa: Personally, it’s to trust your potential more. Kasi lagi kaming nahihiya, kine-question ‘yung kaya naming gawin. Tapos si Zack, lagi ‘nya kaming ine-encourage. After nun, na-realize namin na kaya naman pala naming gawin. 

(Personally, it’s to trust your potential more. Because we would always get shy, questioning what we’re capable of doing. Then Zack would always encourage us. After that, we realized that we are capable of doing them.)

Charice: Madalas nga we doubt ourselves kapag recording, mas focused kami paano ma-perfect ‘yung everything so, minsan, hindi na masyadong maramdaman ‘yung feelings ng lines. Pero this time, naramdaman ko ‘yung point-of-view ng bawat member kasi hinayaan kami ni Zack na i-express ‘yung lines namin kung paano talaga namin sila nararamdaman. We’re grateful kay Zack kasi hinayaan ‘nya kami maging kami.

(We do often doubt ourselves during recording, we’re more focused on how to perfect everything, so, sometimes, we can’t properly understand the feelings from each line. But this time, I was able to feel the point-of-view of each of our members because Zack allowed us to express our lines how we actually felt about them. We’re grateful to Zack because he allowed us to be us.)

Given how working with Zack Tabudlo was, as you mentioned earlier, a “dream collaboration” for the group personally, which other artists do you want to collaborate with in the future, whether local or international, and why?

Angela: Ako, si Ariana Grande. Itong recent release ‘nya [eternal sunshine] nag-resonate siya sa akin. 

(For me, Ariana Grande. Her recent release (eternal sunshine) — resonated with me.)

Si Doechii din! Recently, pinapakinggan ko ‘yung album ‘nya [Alligator Bites Never Heal], tapos napapakinggan ko na pala ‘yung iba ‘nyang songs dati. Napaisip ako na ‘yung ganung sounds din ‘yung gusto kong i-try namin.

(Doechii as well! Recently, I’ve been listening to her album [Alligator Bites Never Heal] and I realized that I’ve listened to her other songs before. It got me thinking that I want us to try those kinds of sounds as well.)

Alexa: Sa akin, si miss Beyoncé. We’re very big fans of her. And, kung mabigyan din ng chance, XG! 

(For me, it’s Beyoncé. We’re very big fans of her. And, if given the chance, XG!)

Isa pa ay si Bruno Mars! Like, for heartfelt songs, like ballads.

(Another one would be Bruno Mars! Like, for heartfelt songs, like ballads.)

Charice: Ako naman, si miss Olivia Dean. Lately, sobrang nagugustuhan ko songs ‘nya and parang ganun ‘yung type of music ko, ‘yung lyricism ‘nya sobrang ganda.

(For me, it’s Olivia Dean. Lately, I’ve been liking her songs a lot and that’s kind of my type of music ko, the lyricism is so good.)

Since we’re dreaming big here, i-add ko na rin si Dionela and Ben&Ben — ‘yung mga artists sa Philippines na we look up to. 

(Since we’re dreaming big here, I’ll also add Dionela and Ben&Ben — the artists in the Philippines that we look up to.)

Sophia: For me, dahil gusto ko mag-experiment ng sound, someone like yung kai — the singer ng “blue” — or keshi. ‘Yung ganung pagka-chill na vibe, I feel like hindi pa namin ever na-e-execute pero if mangyari, I feel like babagay talaga siya sa boses namin. Gusto ko ma-experience ‘yun.

For me, because I want to experiment with our sound, something like yung kai — the singer of “blue” — or keshi. That kind of chill vibe, I feel like we have never executed but if it happens, I feel like it would go great with our voices. I want to experience that.)

Charlotte: For me, LE SSERAFIM. Kasi five sila and five kami, so, partners! Ang ganda rin ng recent releases nila. Gusto rin namin ma-try ‘yung ganung styles ng music.

(For me, LE SSERAFIM. Because they’re five and we’re five, so we all get partners! There recent releases are also so good. We also want to try those styles of music.)

Tapos, si miss Jennie Kim! Ang ganda rin ng recent releases ‘nya. Ang laki ng range ng releases ‘nya so gusto rin namin maging ganun. 

(Also, Jennie Kim! Her recent releases are also great. Her releases have such a big range so I also want us to be like that.)

Gusto rin namin actually i-try makipag-collab with a band, like The Itchyworms. Sobrang vibe namin ‘yung music nila!

(We also want to try collaborating with a band, like The Itchyworms. Their music is our vibe!)

With how exciting your first release of the year is, what else can we expect from you for the rest of 2025 in terms of music?

Angela: We’re very excited for our upcoming EP! Pinag-usapan talaga namin siya na dapat diverse ‘yung sound na maririnig. Hindi lang sa sound pero sa stories that we want to tell din sa music namin. Meron din kaming freedom to choose the right songs that would fit sa EP na ‘to. 

(We’re very excited for our upcoming EP! Pinagusapan talaga namin siya na dapat diverse ‘yung sound na maririnig. Hindi lang sa sound pero sa stories that we want to tell din sa music namin. Meron din kaming freedom to choose the right songs that would fit sa EP na ‘to.)

“TANGA” is such a blessing, and, ang hirap hindi sabihin, pero may other songs na rin kami na ilalagay sa EP na sobrang ganda. Baka ako lang ‘to, pero makaka-vibe ‘nyo siya kahit on first listen. Nung first time ko marinig ‘yung isang song doon, kahit isang beses ko pa lang siya napakinggan, nakakanta ko na siya nang pa-ulit-ulit.

(“TANGA” is such a blessing and, it’s so difficult not to talk about, but there are other songs that we will be putting in the EP that are so good. Maybe it’s just me, but you’ll be abel to vibe with them even on first listen. During the first time I heard one of the song there, even if I only listened to it once, I was already able to sing it on repeat.)

Charice: ‘Yung song na ‘yun, kahit pagkagising ko, kinakanta ko na siya! So, meron na siyang impact on me personally, so, excited na kami marinig siya ng mga listeners din namin.

(That song, even after I just woke up, I would already be singing it. So, it already has an impact on me personally, so, we’re excited for our listeners to hear it as well.)

Lastly, your third anniversary since your debut is coming up soon. As you enter your third year, what is a goal the group would love to achieve together in the near future?

Angela: For us to stick together. As in, wherever life takes us, gusto namin na no regrets. The most important thing is that we stick together. Even though may mga struggles, it’s normal. The important thing is that we stick together and our music becomes a legacy that inspires ‘yung listeners. We want people, especially our ZAIA – [KAIA’s fans] – to feel that they are not alone. 

(For us to stick together. As in, wherever life takes us, we want to have no regrets. The most important thing is that we stick together. Even though there are struggles, it’s normal. The important thing is that we stick together and our music becomes a legacy that inspires the listeners. We want people, especially our ZAIA — KAIA’s fans — to feel that they are not alone.)

Iba-iba ang meaning natin ng success but for us, ‘yun ay maging happy sa ginagawa namin at manatili ‘yung passion for music and respect for each other, even after all these years, even after KAIA. 

(Our meaning of success is different but for us, that is to be happy with what we are doing and for our passion for music and our respect for each other to always be there, even after all these years, even after KAIA.)

Listen to KAIA’s “TANGA” below: