Original Pilipino Music (OPM) continues to enjoy one of its strongest eras, with a new generation of artists capturing audiences through authenticity, storytelling, and undeniable talent. As listeners embrace fresh voices and diverse sounds, the future of OPM appears brighter than ever. Among the rising names we envision to make their mark are Bjorn Morta and Bogs Ardiente, two promising artists who have officially placed their trust in Artist Circle and its founder and CEO, Rams David, as they take the next step in their careers. Launched in May, both artists are now preparing for an exciting chapter as they gear up to be signed under ABS-CBN Music.
For Rams David, whose Artist Circle has become a home for emerging talents seeking guidance and opportunities in the entertainment industry, discovering artists with genuine passion remains at the heart of the company’s mission. In Bjorn and Bogs, he sees not only talent, but determination, individuality, and the potential to connect deeply with audiences.
Though they come from different backgrounds and musical influences, both artists share one thing in common — a commitment to their craft.
BOGS ARDIENTE
For Bogs Ardiente, music and performance have been lifelong dreams. “Since I was a kid, gusto ko na talaga mag-acting,” he shared. “Growing up parang ganun yung inspiration ko sa tatay ko tsaka ’yung lola ko, gusto niya talaga akong mag-acting. Sa Canada naman, I did acting.”
While many know him as a singer-songwriter and member of Canada’s D.A.D Band, Bogs has never limited himself to a single creative pursuit. He recently proved his oncam skills and starred in the independent thriller film Tingga.
“Right now I don’t think I need to choose. I do believe I can excel both ways in acting and music,” he answered when asked to choose between acting and music.
Unlike many aspiring performers who wait to be discovered, Bogs actively created opportunities for himself. After his film was released, he personally reached out to filmmakers and industry professionals in the Philippines in hopes of finding a path forward. He shared how he found Rams.
“Gustung-gusto ko talaga i-pursue ’yung passion ko. Naghanap ako after nung na-release yung movie ko na Tingga. I looked at Facebook kung sino yung mga directors na may mga mutual friends sa ABS or sa GMA. Sine-search ko isa-isa, then mine-message ko sila isa-isa, ini-email ko sila isa-isa just to pursue my passion,” he revealed.
Bogs’ philosophy reflects the persistence that has guided him throughout his journey.
“Why wait for opportunity? Puwede naman tayo ang gumawa ng opportunities. Tayo ang susi na magbubukas ng opportunities.”
That mindset was shaped by years of perseverance. Growing up in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, Bogs was already performing on stage while still in elementary school.
“Actually, when I was a kid yun na talaga yung gusto kong i-pursue, kasi na-influence din ako ng lola ko na sabi niya ‘Paglaki mo, dapat maging artista ka.’ Grade 3 pa lang ako nagpe-perform na ako sa stage ng banda sa Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur. Nagpe-perform ako kasama ko yung kapatid ko.”
His path, however, was far from easy. Being separated from his mother for nearly two decades led him through difficult periods that included leaving school and working various jobs in Canada as a construction worker, factory worker, and waiter before music eventually became his anchor.
Today, Bogs channels those life experiences into a unique sound that he describes as “cultural modern ethnic.”
“For me, it’s cultural modern ethnic. It means we can do R&B, we can do pop, we can do love song, we can do rock with the taste of cultural sound.”
His personal transformation has also become an important part of his story.
“My brother, napakalaking tulong. Right now, I walk with Christ. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink and I don’t gamble.”
As a songwriter, Bogs takes pride in creating his own material, including songs such as “HLMN,” “Green Light,” and “Mudapit,” a welcoming Bisaya song that reflects his roots and identity.
BJORN MORTA
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Bjorn Morta arrives at Artist Circle with momentum already on his side. The Quezon City native gained national attention after being crowned Grand Champion of Tanghalan ng Kampeon Season 3 on GMA-7’s TiktoClock. Before that, he first entered the public eye through The Voice Generations, where he became part of Team Chito Miranda.
“I started sa GMA, with The Voice Generations,” Bjorn recalled. He was under coach Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar. Chito is someone he felt like his Tito.
His journey toward Artist Circle eventually came through connections he made after the competition. Through the executive producer of TiktoClock, whom he calls Sir Vicboy, Bjorn met Rams.
Now preparing for a new chapter under ABS-CBN Music, Bjorn admits one of the most exciting aspects of joining the label is the possibility of sharing the same roster as one of his musical idols.“Shocked, I guess,” Bjorn shared his reaction upon finding out they will be part of the same record label. He continued, “Kasi my brother and I have been big fans of Maki po and alam namin yung songs niya and kinakanta namin palagi po yung songs ni Kuya Maki.”
Though he and Maki have only met a few times, Bjorn already feels a personal connection through their shared circles.
“When asked about the higher possibility of a collaboration, Bjorn smiled and said, ‘I hope so kasi idol ko talaga si Kuya Maki. I know every song lalo na sa bagong album niya.’”
A self-confessed fan of love songs, Bjorn draws inspiration from emotions and relationships.
“Love, relationships,” he said when asked what fuels his songwriting.
His biggest musical influence remains the legendary Michael Jackson. “International, the biggest one is Michael Jackson. I’ve been a Michael Jackson fan ever since.”
And while audiences know him primarily as a singer, Bjorn revealed another side of himself. “You know, I dance secretly but I don’t dance in public,” he said with a laugh, adding that he can even perform Jackson’s iconic moonwalk.
Locally, he finds inspiration in many of today’s leading OPM artists. Bjorn enumerated, “Maki, Cup of Joe, Ben&Ben, Earl Agustin, Adie, Rob Daniel, Amiel Sol, Arthur Nery, lahat po!”
For Bjorn, music is ultimately about creating songs that become part of people’s lives.
“I want to let the world know ano ’yung meaning nung songs ko and that maaapply nila sa buhay nila.”
His current focus includes three original songs: “Lilim,” “Hiling,” and “Hinahanap Kita,” tracks that showcase his affinity for romantic storytelling and heartfelt melodies.
When the topic turned lighter, Bjorn also revealed that his showbiz crush is actress Jillian Ward.
As Artist Circle officially welcomes Bjorn Morta and Bogs Ardiente into its growing roster, both artists stand at the beginning of what could be defining moments in their careers. One brings years of life experience, cultural influences, and a passion for both acting and music. The other arrives with the energy of a new-generation performer determined to make his voice heard.
Under the guidance of Rams David and with an upcoming partnership with ABS-CBN Music, Bjorn and Bogs are ready to contribute their own distinct sounds to the continuing growth of OPM. With these talents, things are getting more exciting in the music scene.
