Known for hit songs "Tao lang," "Pilosopo," and "Balewala," Fliptop rapper Loonie, whose real name is Marlon Peroramas, made headlines after being involved in a drug buy-bust in 2019. 

During his intimate listening party for his third solo album, "Meron Na," Loonie shared some of his experiences in jail for four months. 

"Nung nangyari yun, iniisip ko lang na nagwoworkshop ako tungkol sa isang preso, kasi diba ganun kapag pelikula kaya ganun na lang yung inisip ko habang nasa loob ako," Loonie said. 

(When that happened, I thought that I was doing a workshop about a prisoner because isn't that how it is in movies? So that's all I thought about while I was inside) 

Loonie also added that he took time to re-evaluate and prioritize everything while in jail. 

"I took the time to re-evaluate everything and prioritize everything kasi before ako makulong, I had no time for everything. Wala akong oras kasi lagi akong nagmamadali, nung nakulong ako I had all the time in the world and I made the most out of it," he shared. 

(I took the time to re-evaluate everything and prioritize everything because before I was imprisoned, I had no time for everything. I don't have time because I'm always in a hurry. When I was detained, I had all the time in the world, and I made the most out of it) 

Although it was a dark time for Loonie, one thing kept him going: rekindling his love and passion for his craft. The rapper shared that he also took the time to teach inmates how to rap. 

"Kahit na medyo madilim yung nangyari sa akin, pero yung the fact na parang masaya sila kasi nandun ako parang pakiramdam nila hindi sila nakakulong dahil araw-araw akong nandun, and iyakin sila nung nakalaya ako," he said. 

(Even though what happened to me was a bit dark, the fact that they seemed happy because I was there seemed to make them feel like they weren't in prison because I was there every day, and they cried when I was released) 

In 2020, Loonie got out of Makati City jail after posting bail of P2 million. 

New album 

Returning to the music scene, Loonie released his new album, "Meron Na." His last solo album was in 2013, entitled "Ultrasound." During a short interview, Loonie shared his struggles while recording the album. 

"Pinaka struggle ko talaga is yung guilt, pag natutuwa ako masyado sa nagagawa kong kanta and masyadong akong maraming time sa studio, naguguilty ako, namimiss ko yung mga anak ko and that's the worst," Loonie said. 

(My biggest struggle is the guilt; when I'm too happy with the song I'm making and I spend too much time in the studio, I feel guilty, I miss my children, and that's the worst) 

He also mentioned dedicating the album to his two sons, Em and King Peroramas. 

"Meron Na" features 12 tracks from well-known rap artists, including Abra, Flow G, Ron Henly, Smuuglaz, and more. The carrier single of the album is "Pamanggulo" featuring Jrldm. 

Regarding the album's creative process, Loonie said that most of the songs were written on the spot while he was recording. 

"Unlike from the previous album, most of my songs in this recent album are written on the spot; some are freestyle like walang paper and pen, straight to the mic kami and just edit it after. So ayun yung pinagkaiba niya," he said. 

(Unlike the previous album, most of my songs in this recent album are written on the spot; some are freestyle, like no paper and pen; we go straight to the mic and edit it after. So that's what makes it different)