TONEEJAY Celebrates Love and ‘Childlike Joy’ in New Song, ‘Parang Magic’

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It’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of our everyday lives. In the thick of it all, a certain kind of innocence slips away, causing us to lose sight of what matters most.

TONEEJAY’s “Parang Magic” offers that much-needed relief. And it’s a reminder for us to revel in the beauty of the mundane and enjoy being in the company of a loved one.

In a social media post, the “Kanta ni Sam” act shared the story behind his newest offering.

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“Nung sinulat ko ‘to, gusto ko talaga[ng] i-capture ‘yung parang childlike joy. ‘Yung masaya ka lang na nage-exist ka sa mundo at ina-appreciate mo lang ‘yung fact na andito ka instead of nowhere. Minsan kasi ngayon na ‘di na tayo mga bata, nakakalimutan natin na mismong page-exist lang kasama ng mga mahal mo sa buhay ay isa ng himala.”

(When I wrote this, I really wanted to capture that childlike joy. The feeling that you’re happy that you exist in this world and you’re just appreciating the fact that you’re here instead of nowhere. Now that we’re not children anymore, sometimes we forget that our mere existence with our loved ones is already a miracle).

“…[M]insan kailangan mo lang tingnan ‘yung magic ng mga simpleng bagay… at hindi mo kailangan intindihin ‘yung magic. Kailangan mo lang enjoyin (Sometimes, you just need to look at the magic of simple things… and you don’t need to understand that magic. You just have to enjoy it,” he further explained.

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A no ordinary love song

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In “Parang Magic,” the former-Munimuni-vocalist-turned-soloist tackles love as a magical thing that can’t be fully comprehended. While the song is intended for his object of affection, it effectively embodies love’s wonderfully inexplicable hold on people.

Kung tatanungin

Bakit pa rin kita minamahal

Iisa lang

Ang aking maisasagot sa’yo

‘Pag tayo’y magkasama

Lahat ng bagay ay may pag-asa

Love sparks hope, TONEEJAY emphasizes. And even if others start to grow weary and question their own view of love, its power doesn’t necessarily dwindle.

Kung tutuusin

Sawa na raw sila sa pag-ibig

Ano ngayon?

Kung ang nananatiling totoo

‘Pag tayo’y magkasama

Lahat ng bagay ay may pag-asa

The track’s verses and pre-chorus favor forthrightness over poetic tricks. This straight-to-the-heart approach works well in depicting an emotion as vast and complex as love.

Meanwhile, the title serves as the lyrical centerpiece, with the singer-songwriter simply weaving the phrase “parang magic” with his wordless vocals of ohs and ahs in the chorus. No frills. No fancy bits. Just an uncomplicated attempt to translate idyllic feelings into something more tangible to the senses.  

TONEEJAY’s candidly written lines are paired with a melody that’s imbued with the warm sensibilities of contemporary folk and indie rock. A notable sonic element is the upbeat drum patterns that drive the ditty forward, allowing its sunny and sublime message to truly resonate with anyone listening to it.

One Click Straight’s Tim Marquez (also known as timothy Run) sat as his co-producer for this project.

“Parang Magic” clocks in at just under three minutes and wastes no sonic space in spreading hopeful vibes. Its brevity as a musical piece remains faithful to the artist’s goal of celebrating the simple, often-overlooked pleasures of living — and the innocent joy that comes with enjoying such things.

While the whirlwind of everyday life remains, the magic of love and songs like this can save us from getting consumed by it.

Stream “Parang Magic” below:

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TONEEJAY is currently holding his Bawat Piyesa Tour. He’s set to perform at 1majin arts+music in Marikina City on May 26, 2023, Friday. Show attendees will get a chance to purchase tour posters (exclusively sold during the tour) and  pre-order physical CD copies of his sophomore album, “Kasama Kita.” The show also includes a meet and greet.

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Written by Emmy Borromeo

Editing by Pauline Bolaños