"Anything worth doing is difficult. Anything worth your worry is going to be good. You just got to keep pushing."

I can clearly remember how I wrote my first song with my guitar on hand, pressured to work on it for the very first time for a school requirement. It wasn't a great experience because it took me so long to finish it, but that moment sparked a passion for storytelling through music that I never expected. My family wasn't into the world of music, making me a "start from scratch" type of musician. They supported my decision to take a music degree because I found it interesting, meaningful, and fulfilling. I loved singing because of my mom. I learned the basics of piano at the age of 7, guitar at 11, and drums at 15.

I was a timid kid back then. But despite that, I knew at the back of my mind that performing in front of people would be my lifelong dream. Conquering my stage fright was tough, but I dealt with it by having a constant experience of being exposed, playing in gigs, and singing in public. Entering the Conservatory of Music at the University of Santo Tomas taught me to write my songs, arrange, record, and produce them independently. I am most passionate about making catchy melodies and writing poetic lyrics in Filipino.

I am YKA, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist from Manila. I am passionate about telling stories of youth & nostalgia and sharing experiences with people through music, blending indie, pop, rock, and folk genres. As a lifelong learner, I am constantly willing to dive into new experiences that will further hone and shape my skills and give me new learnings. When I'm not out performing live, you can find me writing songs and producing music with or for fellow artists.