It was a bittersweet moment for Filipino rapper Smugglaz, who dedicated his latest upbeat song, "Piging" (Believe Music Philippines), to his younger brother, who was shot dead early this month.

During the media launch held at Holic Bar in Quezon City on July 20, Smugglaz revealed his younger brother was supposed to appear in his music video.

Smugglaz mentioned that part of the music video was filmed while his brother was having a funeral wake. 

"Hindi na pwedeng iurong kasi matagal ng nakaplano ito. So nag shoot kami ng music video habang may lamay ang family namin para sa kapatid ko." (It can't be pushed back because it's been planned for a long time. So we shot a music video while his family was having a funeral wake for his brother.)

During the shoot, Smugglaz said he left an empty chair for his brother.

"Nung ginagawa ko ito, nag-start na kami mag-shoot noong July 4. Namatay ‘yung brother ko. Nabaril siya nung nakaraan. Actually kasama dapat siya rito. Nagplano na lang kami na maglagay ng mga bakanteng upuan para sa kanya.

(When I was doing this, we started shooting on July 4. My brother died. He was shot a while ago. He should be here. We just planned to put empty seats for him.)

Smugglaz, whose real name is Bryan Lao, talked about his latest song, "Piging" (celebration).

“Celebration ito ng life, ng birthday. Celebration ng layo nang inabot ng journey namin. Kung titingnan mo ang success, hindi mo siya makikita sa narating, mas makikita mo siya kung saan kami nanggaling, kung saan kami nagmula.

"Ginawa ko rin ang kantang ito para maging soundtrack ng buhay ng ibang tao. At pasasalamat na rin na andyan pa rin sila. Still standing sa paglipas ng panahon," he said.

Some of the OPM artists who inspire Smugglaz include Gloc-9, Yeng Constantino, Francis M, Andrew E, Rivermaya, Eraserheads, Parokya Ni Edgar, and Siakol.

Aside from being a musician, Smugglaz is also an occasional actor. He appears in the popular series "Ang Batang Quiapo" on ABS-CBN, where he plays Kidlat opposite Coco Martin.

"Napaka-professional ni Coco. May oras para sa kasayahan at may oras para sa trabaho," he said. Previously, Smugglaz was also part of the blockbuster television series "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" on ABS-CBN.

"Sa totoo lang, three weeks lang dapat talaga sa 'Probinsyano.' Hindi ko akalain na aabot ako ng six years sa 'Probinsyano.' Sa six years na ‘yun, sobra akong nagpapasalamat kasi ang laki ng ambag noon sa pagkatao ko, sa mga nalalaman ko, sa experience ko kaya sobrang equipped ako lalo pagbalik ko sa music kasi mas marami akong nakasama na mga tao at kuwentong narinig,” he said.

“Hindi ko rin po aakalain na makakasama pa kami sa 'Batang Quiapo' after ng 'Probinsyano.' Sobrang grateful na andun pa rin ako kasi sabi ni Direk Coco na pasok ‘yung characters namin sa 'Batang Quiapo' na taga-Tondo na mga hip-hop sa streets," Smugglaz also said.

Smugglaz, who started his career in music in 2007, turns a year older on July 21. Asked about his birthday wish, the Filipino hip-hop artist said: "Long life and more music. Happy life and long career."

He added: "Sine-celebrate ko ngayon ang panibagong journey ko. Kasi yung batang Smugglaz natupad na niya ang pangarap niya. Naging rapper na siya at nakasama na rin niya si Coco Martin. Masaya lang akong nakikitang masaya rin ang mga taong nagmamahal sa akin."