A Love Letter to the Philippines: The Story Behind Magsayaw Na Tayo

Some projects come into your life that feel bigger than a song, and Magsayaw Na Tayo is exactly that for me.

This upcoming single is my love letter to my Filipino heritage, my family, and the culture that has shaped who I am. Written entirely in Tagalog alongside my parents, Tomas and Josephine Orlina, this song is one of the most personal projects I've ever worked on, and creating it together has become one of my greatest accomplishments.

Growing up in the United States, staying connected to my Filipino roots has always been important to me. Through this song, I wanted to celebrate the joy, warmth, and sense of community that have always been at the heart of Filipino culture. I hope that Magsayaw Na Tayo not only brings people together through music but also encourages listeners to embrace their own heritage and the stories that make them who they are. During the creation of the project, I was inspired by Alex Eala. As a long-time player and fan of tennis, it has been so heartwarming seeing the perseverance she has had which led me to take a leap and enter the P-POP music space.

I'm so grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life, including Grammy-winning engineer Robert Eibach, producer Christopher Espinoza (Yungchriisbeats), and MELT Music. I can't wait to finally share Magsayaw Na Tayo with all of you. I hope that when you hear it, you'll feel the love, pride, and happiness that inspired every lyric—and maybe even feel like dancing along.

About Thomas Orlina

Thomas Orlina is a Filipino-American singer, songwriter, and advocate whose work celebrates culture, identity, and authentic storytelling. Through his music, Thomas blends contemporary pop with his Filipino heritage while championing LGBTQIA+ visibility, mental health awareness, and AAPI representation. His upcoming single, Magsayaw Na Tayo, reflects his commitment to creating music that honors his roots, brings people together, and inspires others to embrace who they are.