Akong Ako: 21 Questions With Singer-Songwriter And Busker dana paulene

Within view of the public eye, being true to who you are as an artist can be a difficult thing to do. And yet, this is something that dana paulene strives for in everything she does with her music, one song at a time.

Releasing her debut single “uod love story” in 2024, the Filipino singer-songwriter and busker has always championed authenticity at the forefront of her career. While she admits that being vulnerable with her craft can still be a daunting task, she has seen first-hand the positive impact of what doing so can achieve, as “uod love story” and her equally emotive and candid single “akong ako” continue to reach thousands of listeners across the Philippines.

Ultimately, beyond her strong musical training since childhood, along with firsthand lessons from her days of busking across Metro Manila, what truly guides the up-and-coming singer is this inherent dedication of hers to be nothing but true to herself. In turn, this has also aided her in bringing to life the songs that truly speak to her — music that is emotionally honest and uncompromizing of her creative vision.

In order to get to know dana paulene better, Billboard Philippines caught up with the singer-songwriter to ask her 21 questions about the creation and positive impact of “akong ako,” how busking has shaped her to become a better performer, what she has in store for 2026, and more.

Billboard Philippines: Who or what made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

dana paulene: Nag-start ako as a cover artist. The earliest memories of me singing were, siguro, five years old ako at nagka-karaoke. Bigla ko na lang daw pinick up ‘yung mic and nag-hum ako ng kung ano-ano. And then my mom said, “Ilagay natin siya sa voice lessons.” That’s where it started. Then, sumali ako sa mga theater productions at mga choir. 

Eventually, nagsimula ako mag-busking. The songs I was singing were purely songs I didn’t create.  But soon, I felt like nako-compromise ‘yung gusto kong gawin for myself. Iniisip ko na those songs didn’t speak to me anymore and that I needed to start writing my own songs. 

(I started as a cover artist. The earliest memories of me singing were, I think, I was five years old at that time and I was doing karaoke. I apparently just suddenly picked up the mic and I would hum whatever. And then my mom said, “Let’s put her in voice lessons.” That’s where it started. Then, I joined theater productions and choirs.

Eventually, I started busking. The songs I was singing were purely songs I didn’t create. But soon, I felt like what I wanted to do for myself was being compromised. I thought that those songs didn’t speak to me anymore and that I needed to start writing my own songs.)

How would you personally describe your music?

Iniisip ko actually if itatanong ba ‘to sa akin. Iniisip ko kasi na wala pa akong set na genre. Looking back at my first two releases, from folk naging alt-pop. Tapos ‘yung mga plano ko pang next releases, iba na naman din ‘yung sound.

So, I feel like the best way to describe my music would be, “whatever-the-hell-I-am-feeling” (chuckles) — kung ano ‘yung pinaka-authentic sa nararamdaman ko. 

(I was actually thinking about if this question would be asked. I was thinking that I don’t have a set genre yet. Looking back at my first two releases, it went from folk to alt-pop. Then, the next release I have planned, their sound is also different.

So, I feel like the best way to describe my music would be, “whatever-the-hell-I-am-feeling” — whatever is most authentic to what I’m feeling.)

Who are your greatest influences as an artist?

Medyo unconventional na sagot, pero kasi totoo siya for me. You would think that I would say, “Oh, this or that particular artist.” But to me, it’s really my friends in music that are inspiring me. Kasi sila ‘yung nakakasama ko mostly sa gigs, sa paggawa ng mga kanta. And it so happens that artistsdin sila, so heavilyna-i-inspire ako kung paano sila magsulat and mag-perform. Dahil din lagi ko sila napapanood, subconsciously, nakukuha ko rin ‘yung mannerisms and the way they write their songs. 

(It’s a bit of an unconventional answer but it’s because it’s true for me. You would think that I would say, “Oh, this or that particular artist.” But to me, it’s really my friends in music that are inspiring me. Because they’re the one I’m mostly with at gigs, when I’m making songs. And it so happens that they’re also artists, so I am heavily inspired by how they write and perform. Because I also always see them perform, I subconsciously also reflect their mannerisms and the way they write their songs.)

Outside of music, what else do you enjoy doing?

Recently ko lang siya na-discover pero I enjoy crafting a lot. Specifically, jewelry-making. Gumagawa ako ng arm cuffs, necklaces, and bracelets. Tapos naisip ko na ibenta sila kahit ‘di ako makakuha ng profit from it. Basta ine-enjoy ko lang ‘yung process of making. Wala rin kasi akong mabili na accessories na gusto ko suotin sa mga gigs, so naisip ko, “Why not make them myself?”

(I recently just discovered it but I enjoy crafting a lot. Specifically, jewelry-making. I make arm cuffs, necklaces, and bracelets. Then I thought of selling them even I don’t make a profit from it. I’m just enjoying the process of making. It’s also because I can’t buy accessories that I want to wear during gigs, so I thought, “Why not make them myself?”)

Your songs often have candid and personal lyrics on love, alongside a warm and dreamy sound to accompany them. In your journey today as an artist, what usually inspires you when creating music?

I feel like it’s the mundane stuff that helps me make the songs that I write. For example, sa “uod love story,” ‘yung nag-inspire lang talaga nun was a Reddit thread. I was just doomscrolling and saw someone ask, “What would you say if your girlfriend asked you, ‘Would you still love me if I was a worm?’” For “akong ako,” naisip ko lang randomly isang araw na “Ang pangit ko na walang makeup.” It’s really the smallest stuff that sparks an entire song for me. 

(I feel like it’s the mundane stuff that helps me make the songs that I write. For example, with “uod love story,” what just really inspired that was a Reddit thread. I was just doomscrolling and saw someone ask, “What would you say if your girlfriend asked you, ‘Would you still love me if I was a worm?’” For “akong ako,” I just randomly thought one day that, “I don’t look good without makeup.” It’s really the smallest stuff that sparks an entire song for me.)

You have a lot of listeners from all over the Philippines, thanks to the success of your second single “akong ako.” What is your favorite thing about the song?

May dalawa akong favorite things about that song.

Una, ‘yung melody nya kasi ‘di ako makatulog noon kasi naiisip ko lang siya nang paulit-ulit. On repeat lang talaga sa utak ko. Tapos ayun, naisip ko lang nga na ang pangit ko kapag walang makeup. Sinulatan ko agad ‘yung melody after that, tapos nakatulog na ako kasi nailabas ko na siya sa sistema ko.

Tapos pangalawang favorite ko doon is ‘yung outro na muntikan nang hindi mailagay sa song — ‘yung part na parang patong-patong na ‘yung mga vocals sa dulo. My friend just suggested that while I was recording the song, so parang last minute addition siya that definitely made the song what it is right now. Naging favorite ko na siya dahil doon.

(I have two favorite things about that song. 

First, its melody because I was unable to sleep because I just kept thinking about it on repeat. It was just really on repeat in my mind. After that, again, I just thought of me not looking good without makeup on. I immediately wrote something to the melody after that, then I was finally able to sleep because I got it out of my system.

Then my second favorite thing about it is the outro that almost didn’t make it into the song – the part where the vocals are kind of layered at the end. My friend just suggested that while I was recording the song, it’s like a last minute addition that definitely made the song what it is right now. It became my favorite because of that.)

What about “akong ako” do you believe made it resonate with so many listeners?

Feel ko it’s the bluntness ng lyrics kung bakit siya naging relatable for most people. People have come up to me and they’ve said,“First time ko makarinig ng song that talks about not liking yourself enough,” and that’s a hard thing to admit to anyone else.

That’s actually related to one of my worries when I was starting to write the song and then planning out its release. Like, “Masyadong vulnerable ata kung i-share ko ‘tong part ng sarili ko na ‘to to the entire world.” But I’m glad I did kasi people are finding comfort in it. Feel ko ‘yun ‘yung rason bakit siya nag-resonate.

(I feel like it’s the bluntness of the lyrics why it became relatable for most people. People have come up to me and they’ve said, “It’s my first time hearing a song that talks about not liking yourself enough,” and that’s a hard thing to admit to anyone else.

That’s actually related to one of my worries when I was starting to write the song and then planning out its release. Like, “It might be too vulnerable if I share this part of myself to the entire world.” But I’m glad I did because people are finding comfort in it. I feel like that’s the reason why it resonated.)

How does it make you feel that your music has reached far and wide across the country?

I’m in disbelief pa rin until now kasi iniisip ko how my songs started as simple lines that I wrote sa Notes app sa phone or sa journal ko. Tapos now, everybody has their own stories that came out of that song. Like, may sarili na siyang mga buhay, kumbaga. So, disbelief that people like listening to me and that they relate to my stories. Sobrang nakakatuwa. 

Feel ko hindi pa sobrang far and wide ‘yung reach ng music ko but I’m glad that people are talking to me about it sa gigs. Kahit isang tao lang na gumawa nun, it means the world to me when someone says that my song comforts them. 

(I’m still in disbelief until because I think of how my songs started as simple lines that I wrote on my Notes app on my phone or my journal. Then now, everybody has their own stories that came out of that song. Like, it has its own live now, so to speak. So, disbelief that people like listening to me and that they relate to my stories. It’s really delightful.

I feel like the reach of my music is not that far and wide yet but I’m glad that people are talking to me about it during gigs. Even if it’s just one person who does that, it means the world to me when someone says that my song comforts them.)

What has been your most memorable moment so far as a performer since more people discovered you through “akong ako”? 

Dati ko pa dream to say, “Thank you, Araneta (chuckles),” so, to be given the opportunity na makapag-perform sa napalaking venue like Araneta Coliseum, feel ko ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-recent na memorable moment ko as a performer. Kaya sobrang thankful ko sa Cup of Joe and kay Earl Agustin for always inviting me sa mga event nila. 

(It’s always been my dream to say, “Thank you Araneta,” (chuckles) so, to be given the opportunity to be able to perform at a really big venue like Araneta Coliseum, I feel like that’s the most recent memorable moment I have as a performer. That’s why I’m so thankful to Cup of Joe and to Earl Agustin for always inviting me to their events.)

Speaking of Earl Agustin, a lot of people have also discovered you and your music due to your song together, “Minamahal.” With that, which other artists do you want to collaborate with and why?

Pinagisipan ko na ‘yun actually pero wala akong maisip na exact artist for some reason. Pero ang naiisip ko kasi is if it’s someone na so similar to me, hindi siya masyadong maganda from a collaboration perspective. Gusto ko sana someone na so far from my genre or my style. Maangas ‘yung ganun, so naisip ko, parang masaya mag-collaborate with a rapper tapos ako ‘yung sa hook ng song. Someone like Gloc-9.

(I’ve actually been thinking about that actually but I can’t think of an exact artist for some reason. But what I’ve thought of is if it’s someone that’s so similar to me, it won’t be that good from a collaboration perspective. I’d want someone who is so far from my genre or my style. That would be cool so, I thought, it would be fun to collaborate with a rapper then I’d be the one doing the hook of the song. Someone like Gloc-9.)

As someone who had their start consistently busking across Metro Manila, what did you learn from that experience that you believe has helped you greatly as an artist and as a performer today?

Sa busking kasi, sobrang unpredictable ng circumstances. Like, nakapag-perform na ako sa mall na may tumutugtog na jingle the entire time I was there so, isipin mo, I was performing and sobrang sakit nya sa ulo (chuckles).

Feel ko the unpredictability of busking helped me to prepare for everything that might happen sa mga gigs. 

Aside from that, feel ko ‘yung community-building. Sobrang importante ‘nya as an artist to build not just a fanbase but an actual community talaga kasi, sa mga gigs, pinaka-memorable din sa akin ‘yung mga interactions na nangyayari before and after my set. Doon talaga natatandaan ng mga tao kung sino ka as an artist. So, sobrang importante sa akin, lalo na kapag busking, na kausapin talaga lahat ng lumalapit sa akin. Tatandaan ko names nila or bibigyan ko sila ng mga gifts katulad ng candy. Recently, namimigay din ako sa gigs ng mga rings, arm cuffs.

For me, sobrang importante talaga when you build a community for yourself. 

(With busking, the circumstances are really unpredictable. Like, I’ve performed at a mall where there was a jingle playing the entire time I was there so, think about it, I was performing and it was a pain in the head.

I feel like the unpredictability of busking helped me to prepare for everything that might happen at gigs.

Aside from that, I feel like the community-building. It’s so important as an artist to build not just a fanbase but an actual community because, during gigs, the most memorable thing for me are the interactions that happen before and after my set. That’s where the people really remember who you are as an artist. So, it’s really important for me, especially during busking, to really talk with everyone who approaches me. I’d remember their names or I’d give them gifts like candy. Recently, I’d also give out rings, arm cuffs at gigs. 

For me, it’s really important when you build a community for yourself.) 

Alongside yourself, there are a lot of young Filipino artists who are out there making a name for themselves in our local music scene. Which of these fellow young acts do you think more people should listen to and why?

Off the top of my head, si ila, si Jamiela, at The Nomads. Sobrang dami pa. Honestly, check‘nyo rin constantly‘yung mga reposts ko sa TikTok kasi I mean it when I say, “You should listen to this artist.”Hindi ako magre-recommend ng artist na personally hindi ko papakinggan myself. So, everytime I repost or share an artist, you should definitely listen to them.  

(Off the top of my head, ila, Jamiela, and The Nomads. There’s a lot more. Honestly, you can constantly check  my reposts on TikTok because I mean it when I say, “You should listen to this artist.” I would never recommend an artist that, personally, I wouldn’t listen to myself. So, everytime I repost or share an artist, you should definitely listen to them.)

As a young artist on the rise, what has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

A bit redundant but to front act for Cup of Joe was such a huge opportunity for me. I remembertinanong lang ako about it and sabi ko, “Bakit ako?” Knowing their status in the industry, ang daming p’wedeng mag-front for them and they could get anyone. Tapos sinabi ng road managerko na, “Kasi ni-requestka specificallynila.” Parang almostmahulog ako sa seatko just learning that information. Sobrang nakakagulat lang na they know me.

Just looking back when I was at Uptown Mall and no one was really watching me tapos fast forward to later and nasa Araneta [Coliseum] na ako and singing to who-knows-how-many people, feel ko ‘yun ‘yung proudest moment for mekahit gaano ka-cliché pakinggan. 

Recently, I made a video about it on TikTok and people were saying, “I knew you when you were busking at this place or that place. It’s so nice to see you flourishing right now.” More than that opportunity itself, feel ko ‘yun ‘yung proudest momentko dahil sa hardships I went through and what it took for me to overcome them.

(A bit redundant but to front act for Cup of Joe was such a huge opportunity for me. I remember I was just being asked about it and I said, “Why me?” Knowing their status in the industry, there are so many others who could front for them and they could get anyone. Then my road manager said, “Because they requested for you specifically.” I almost fell out of my seat just learning that information. It’s just so surprising that they know me.

Just looking back when I was at Uptown Mall and no one was really watching me, then fast forward to later and I’m at Araneta Coliseum and singing to who-knows-how-many people, I feel like that’s the proudest moment for me no matter how cliché it may sound.

Recently, I made a video about it on TikTok and people were saying, “I knew you when you were busking at this place or that place. It’s so nice to see you flourishing right now.” More than that opportunity itself, I feel like that’s my proudest moment because of the hardships I went through and what it took for me to overcome them.)

In the past year alone, you’ve performed across many places in the Philippines, including, as you mentioned, a major venue like the Araneta Coliseum.

In the future, where are the top 3 places you want to perform at?

Gusto ko makapag-gig sa Japan. Like at an underground jazz café. Dati ko pa actually iniisip ‘yun. 

Siguro, pangalawa, gusto ko mag-Cozy Cove. Mag-Baguio in general. Actually, sa Session Road, gusto kong mag-busking. 

Pangatlo, siyempre, sa Wish Bus.

(I want to have a gig in Japan. Like at an underground jazz café. I’ve been thinking about that since way back.

I guess, second, I want to perform at Cozy Cove. In Baguio in general. Actually, at Session Road, I want to go busking.

Third, of course, on the Wish Bus.)

What do you think is your greatest strength as an artist?

Feel ko I have two answers for this. 

Una, feel ko authenticity ko. Dati ko pa sinasabi na I’d never put out music that isn’t authentic to me. Gusto ko ‘yung mga sinusulat ko, I’ve personally experienced them myself or, at least, feels like me completely and I’m not subscribing to a trend or a need for it to be marketable. Strength ko ‘yung gusto ko lang laging magpakatotoo sa sarili ko. 

Pangalawa, feel ko boses ko. Kasi sobrang nerd ako pagdating sa vocals since bata ako dahil galing nga ako sa choir at mga vocal lessons. I still have a lot to learn pero iniisip ko na maganda foundation ko right now, vocally, with a lot of space for growth. 

(I feel like I have two answers for this.

First, I feel like my authenticity. I’ve always said that I’d never put out music that isn’t authentic to me. I want that what I’m writing, I’ve personally experienced them myself or, at least, feels like me completely and I’m not subscribing to a trend or a need for it to be marketable. My strength is me always wanting to be true to myself.

Second, I feel like it’s my voice. It’s because I’m such a nerd when it comes to vocals since I was a kid because I was part of a choir and my voice lessons as well. I still have a lot to learn but I think that my foundation right now is good, vocally, with a lot of space for growth.)

On the other hand, what else do you think you can still improve on as an artist?

Isa, feelko madalas ako magkaroon ng analysis paralysis sa songwriting. Pansin ko sa sarili ko, matagal ako magsulat at mag-release ng kanta kasi iniisip ko palagi na something can be improved. Feel ko I need to think less of what could be improved and just release more because, minsan, things are already perfect as they are. So, less overthinking, more doing.

Pangalawa, performance-wise, feel ko kailangan ko maging more comfortable with my body on-stage. Kasi, minsan, naninigas pa rin ako when I see people. Baka isipin nila na awkward ako. People would usually advise me to just move as if I’m just dancing to my playlist at home.  

(One, I feel like I would often have analysis paralysis with songwriting. I notice with myself, it takes me a while to write and release songs because I would always think that something can be improved. I feel like I need to think less of what could be improved and just release more because, sometimes, things are already perfect as they are. So, less overthinking, more doing.

(Second, performance-wise, I feel like I need to be more comfortable with my body on-stage. Because, sometimes, I still freeze up when I see people. They might think that I’m awkward. People would usually advise me to just move as if I’m just dancing to my playlist at home.)  

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about music so far?

With music, it’s important that you just show up. ‘Yun ‘yung pinaka-natutunan ko last year kasi maraming moments na pagkakaroon ng slumps in terms of writing. Tapos, na-realize ko na you have to show up like it’s a job kahit ayaw mo isipin na job siya. You just have to entertain. You have to be good para magsulat nang magsulat para sa mga days na wala kang masulat. 

Feel ko ‘yung pinaka-lesson doon is hindi all the time ay dynamic and as free-flowing ang music. Sometimes, you have to force it out of yourself.

(With music, it’s important that you just show up. That’s what I learned the most last year because there were a lot of moments when I had slumps in terms of writing. Then, I realized that you have to show up like it’s a job even if you don’t want to think of it as a job. You just have to entertain. You have to be good in order to keep writing for the days when you’re having trouble writing.

I feel like the lesson there is that music isn’t as dynamic and as free-flowing all the time.Sometimes, you have to force it out of yourself.)

What’s the biggest dream you have for your music?

Gusto ko mag-No. 1 sa charts! ‘Yun ‘yung una kong naisip. Gusto kong maraming makarinig ng music ko. Tapos, after that, gusto ko rin magkaroon ng solo show. 

(I want to reach No. 1 on the charts! That’s the first thing I thought of. I want a lot of people to hear my music. Then, after that, I want to have a solo show.)

At this stage in your career, what excites you the most about releasing your songs for the rest of the world to hear?

The exciting part is the preparation more than the fruits of it. Na-e-excite ako palagi na mag-conceptualize ng anong theme, anong concept, anong i-su-shoot, or paano gawin ‘yung single launch. Sobrang fun nya gawin for me. And siguro, in the future, sa mga next releases ko, na-e-excite ako na maging bolder and more creative in the sense na hindi siya katulad ng past releases ko na very acoustic feel. Gusto ko kumawala sa sound and sa image na ‘yun. 

(The exciting part is the preparation more than the fruits of it. I always get excited when conceptualizing the theme, the concept, what to shoot, or how we’ll do a single launch. For me, that’s so fun to do. And I guess, in the future,  with my next releases, I’m excited to become bolder and more creative in the sense that they won’t be like my past releases that have that acoustic feel. I want to break free from that sound and image.)

With that, In terms of music, what can we expect from you in the near future?

More releases, more singles. Siguro, may OST din na paparating. ‘Yun lang mapa-promise ko for now.

(More releases, more singles. I guess, there’s also an OST coming.. That’s all that I can promise for now.)

Finally, what do you hope to accomplish by the end of 2026?

Nakakahiya kapag hindi ko na-achieve but I will be bold: I want to have a hit song by the end of 2026. Manifesting! (It would be embarrassing if I don’t achieve it but I will be bold: I want to have a hit song by the end of 2026. Manifesting!)

Listen to dana paulene’s “akong ako” below: