She has the voice. She has the looks. A fresh face in the OPM scene has slowly been taking the spotlight. Singer-songwriter Isha Ponti, Elisha Pontanares in real life, introduces herself through LIKAS, a deeply personal debut studio album that explores love, heartbreak, growth, healing, and self-discovery.
While many aspiring artists build their careers through television competitions, the Asia’s Pop Sweetheart took a different route.
Asked by ABS-CBN’s MJ Felipe whether she had ever joined a contest or television talent show, Isha revealed that although she auditioned in the past, other commitments ultimately led her elsewhere. She explained that balancing school and performing engagements made it difficult to pursue opportunities in television competitions.
“Actually, I tried auditioning, but the schedule in school and the gigs in concerts, I couldn’t squeeze in the TV shows and competitions on the network,” the rising artist said. “That’s why I didn’t push through, she added. Rather than stretching herself too thin, she made a conscious decision about where to invest her energy.
Instead, Isha devoted herself to writing songs and developing her craft as a musician. “I focused on making a lot of songs. And that’s what I really did. I did music.”
That decision turned out to be fruitful. To date, she has written approximately 29 songs. Some of which the members of the press heard during the mediacon.
For Isha, music has never been about winning competitions. “I pursued music. Not because I want to compete, but I want to share something that will inspire people, heal them, or use my songs to any occasions,” she explained.
Isha’s songwriting often draws inspiration from life’s milestones and celebrations, resulting in music that accompanies listeners through different chapters of their lives. “That’s why even Father’s Day songs, Mother’s Day songs, Christmas songs, Valentine’s Day, all the seasons of life,” she smilingly said.
Isha’s purpose remains simple. She reiterated, “It’s all about me sharing my music, not competing.”
As her career continues to grow, Isha hopes to collaborate with several artists she admires, including Sarah Geronimo, Yeng Constantino, Janine Teñoso, and Maki.
Her latest project, LIKAS, serves as a reflection of that artistic intention. The album, going beyond just being a collection of songs, functions as an emotional refuge for listeners, born out of introspection, vulnerability, and courage. Every track carries moments of heartbreak, uncertainty, healing, and self-acceptance.
The album is titled “LIKAS,” which Isha transforms into an acronym representing the themes that shape the project — Longing, Illusion, Kindness, Acceptance, and Self-love. Written entirely by Isha and produced alongside talented musical director Adonis Tabanda, the album combines modern OPM sensibilities with classic songwriting.
The album features ten tracks: Darating, Numero, Hinga, Kabanata, Halika, Warmth, Gulong, Bakas, Riversky, and Mismo.
Among these, Kabanata has quickly emerged as an early favorite, gaining traction on streaming platforms and radio stations nationwide.
While creating the album, Isha found herself confronting difficult truths and learning valuable lessons about love and relationships. Answering GMA Network’s Gabby Libarios’ question, she admitted one of her biggest realizations while putting together the album. “Na-realize ko po na marupok pala ako,” Isha confessed.
Reflecting on her experiences, she acknowledged how emotions can sometimes outweigh logic. “Marupok ako but ano kasi, ‘pag mahal mo ‘yung tao, mahal mo, eh,” Isha said. She added that love often defies rational thinking, “So alam mo yun, logic is not there sometimes.”
However, the experiences documented throughout LIKAS became opportunities for growth. “Pero ngayon I try to be smarter,” Isha pointed out.
After a brief pause, she corrected herself, “Ay hindi naman try. I am wiser now.”
The singer said that even painful experiences have contributed to who she has become today. “Kasi nga despite of everything that happened parang ang dami niyang aral nabigay sa buhay ko ngayon eh,” Isha explained.
Looking back, she now views those chapters of her life with gratitude, “So, okay siya kahit nangyari po yun.”
The album also marked an important professional milestone. Through the process of creating LIKAS, Ponti discovered a confidence she did not know she possessed. “And na-realize ko rin po na kaya ko palang gumawa ng album, ’no,” Isha told the press. She recalled the uncertainty she felt when she first entered the recording studio.
“Kasi dati po nung ginawa ko po yung first single ko, hindi ko po alam kung kaya ko, eh,” she recalled. At the time, producing an entire album seemed far beyond her reach. “So, nung ginawa ko po yung first single ko, it felt like parang hindi ko kayang gumawa ng isang album kasi syempre hindi ko pa nata-try,” she continued.
But once she took the leap, her perspective changed completely. “Once I tried it, kaya ko pala,” Isha said. That realization became a defining moment in her artistic journey and Isha said, “’Dun ko na-realize na ‘Ah, okay songwriter na talaga ako.’”
Perhaps most meaningful of all was recognizing her ability to transform personal experiences into art. “And nakakatuwa na ma-realize na I can turn my stories into songs, into music,” Isha ended.
That sense of honesty and emotional transparency runs through every track on LIKAS. To celebrate the release of the album, a special launch event titled Isha Ponti: LIKAS will be held on June 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM at VIVA Café. The evening will feature live performances, guest appearances, and intimate stories that brought the album to life.
WATCH: Isha performs her carrier single Kabanata live at the mediacon
@randomrepublika Singer-songwriter #IshaPonti ♬ original sound – randomrepublika
The album invites listeners to reflect, heal, and embrace self-love.
Through LIKAS, Isha Ponti offers pieces of her own story, hoping that somewhere within them, listeners will find reflections of their own.
