Dwta and Her Enchanting Musical Offerings: ‘Padaba Taka’ and ‘Santigwar’

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If you are someone who loves to listen to indie folk songs, you’ll definitely be hooked by the enchanting musical offerings of rising Bicolana singer-songwriter dwta.

Jhasmine Villanueva, popularly known as “dwta,” is a rising singer-songwriter hailing from Tiwi, Albay in Bicol. Aside from her bewitching vocal and songwriting prowess, she also uses folk instruments and infuses synth elements to craft catchy musical pieces.

Hearing her beautifully crafted songs is like being put in a state of trance. Dwta will slowly take you through the stories she created in her Bicolano tracks, as you can experience when you listen to “Padaba Taka” (I love you) and “Santigwar” (which refers to an indigenous practice of healing). The songstress drew inspiration from love and healing in producing these two signature hits of hers.

The Albay native further delved deeper into her music during her much-awaited Wish Bus gig on September 28, 2023. She and DJ Faye sat down for a Roadshow interview aboard the iconic musical vehicle.

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Can you describe to us your identity as an artist?

Ayun nga po. Enchantress, parang, ‘di ba ‘yung mga diwata kina-captivate nila ‘yung mga tao through, like, ‘yung voice and everything. ‘Yung diwata rin kasi po, parang Pilipinong-Pilipino. Yeah. So, parang that’s the brand din.

You are a Bicolana ‘di ba. How important is it to you to represent that through your craft?

Parang lahat sa bansa natin, kunwari sa Visayas, marami nang mga songwriters, mga artists na kilalang-kilala. And gusto ko rin [na] ‘yung Bicol parang maging ganun rin ‘yung impact niya sa buong mundo. Parang ‘yung pop, ganun. So, parang gusto ko [na] ganun ‘yung maging impact niya sa buong mundo — na kahit ‘di maintindihan ‘yung lenggwahe, pero sa sariling atin ‘yung ginagamit natin.

So, let’s talk more about your roots. How do you infuse your heritage into your music?

Kung ano po ‘yung nakikita ko or ‘yung mga cultural elements na nasa Bicol, parang nire-relate ko siya. Kunwari ‘yung “Santigwar,” nire-relate ko sya sa pagkakaroon ng crush. ‘Pag may nafi-feel kang something sa tao na ‘di mo maintindihan or kapag nagkakagusto ka ba sa taong ‘yon, gusto [mong] malaman kung may gusto ba ‘to or wala.

“Padaba Taka” already garnered over six million streams. Ano ‘yung pakiramdam when you found out about it?

Sobrang hindi pa nagsi-sink in kasi ‘yung mga nangyayari. Parang biglaan din kasi. Syempre ‘di ba pag nag-viral ang isang song, like, ‘di mo talaga ine-expect ‘yung mga mangyayari.

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Can you tell us more about this song. Ano ‘yung inspirasyon mo sa pagsulat, sa paggawa nung kanta na ‘to?

Iniisip ko lang nun na parang ‘yung song na ‘to, parang ganito ang mga Bicolano magmahal. Parang lilibutin kita sa ka-Bikulan. Papakainin kita ng Bicol express. Parang love language niya is ‘yung act of service.

Any last message to all your fans and supporters?

Maraming-maraming salamat po sa patuloy niyong pagsuporta sa aking musika. And padaba ko kamo gabos (mahal ko kayong lahat).
Ito [rin] ‘yung lagi kong sinasabi is, “padagos sana,” patuloy lang ‘yun sa Bicol. Padagos sana.

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Stream dwta’s music here:

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Written by Kenneth Valladolid
Edited by Emmy Borromeo