Diego Gutierrez makes his own mark in music with latest track ‘Huling Sayaw’
Talent and artistic flair are deeply ingrained in Diego Gutierrez’s family, with a lineage that boasts generations of celebrated performers. With his grandmother, Pilita Corrales, widely respected as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” and a family steeped in showbiz, Diego’s decision to pursue music may seem destined, yet it carries its own set of pressures and expectations. Despite this, Diego is forging his own path, blending personal experiences and musical influences to create heartfelt songs that connect deeply with listeners.
There surely is pressure as Diego follows in the footsteps of his Mamita, acknowledging the weight of expectations that comes with his choice. “Medyo may pressure pero nakakagaan din ng loob kasi nga pinagdaanan nila ang pagdadaanan ko,” the 27-year-old singer-songwriter admits. Being the only one in his generation to actively pursue music, he carries the responsibility of upholding the family’s musical legacy, while also making his own mark.
Diego is set to release a new single titled “Huling Sayaw,” his second under Sony Music Philippines. “’Huling Sayaw’ was the first song I wrote after my breakup,” he reveals, adding that the relationship lasted for seven years. The song, set to drop on October 2, captures the bittersweet realization that a relationship is changing, expressing a longing for one final dance despite its inevitable end. Despite its theme, it has an upbeat tune and, as Diego describes, a hopeful tone for that one last dance.
The song reflects a deeply personal moment for Diego, which he chose to express through songwriting—an emotional outlet that allows him to articulate feelings he finds difficult to voice otherwise. He mentions that his songwriting is inspired not only by his own experiences but also by the stories of others and media he consumes. “Mostly, I write about my experiences, but I also like to write about other people’s experiences or anything in general,” he explains. When he shared “Huling Sayaw” with his family, it elicited an emotional reaction. “When I first played it for my family, they were really touched because the song is quite sad,” he recalls.
Diego, who studied integrated marketing in college at the University of Asia and the Pacific, did not formally study music but took voice lessons. He also plays the guitar and is currently taking piano lessons. His musical influences include John Mayer, Shawn Mendes, and The 1975, which have shaped his sound as he develops his artistry.
His grandmother’s advice has been a guiding light in his journey. “Kapal lang ng mukha,” she would tell him, encouraging him to be confident. Recalling a conversation with his Mamita, Diego shares that she admitted she still gets nervous before performing, despite decades of experience. But her words of encouragement resonated deeply with him: “She told me, ‘You’re there for a reason. They chose you to perform because they know that you can do that.’ That helps a lot,” Diego says.
Although Diego has expressed interest in acting, his current priority is music. “I want to act, but right now, the opportunities in music are better,” he states. He is excited about his upcoming performances and looks forward to sharing more of his music. “I’m also the type of person to not look for love,” he says, choosing to focus on his career at this point. For Diego, if it comes, it comes.
The single, dropping today, October 2, on major streaming platforms, will have a launch party on October 4 at Mansion Makati City. The release coincides with the birthday of his sister, actress Janine Gutierrez, who turns 35. For Diego, the song may be about a last dance, but it is just one of the first steps in what is sure to be a promising career in music.
