Emerging Pinoy Pop (PPop) artist Los Akiyama makes his solo musical debut with the release of his single "Buti Na Lang" accompanied by an official music video on Aug. 2.

“Buti Na Lang,” composed by Jason Dedal and arranged by Brian Lotho, is produced by Insight 360 Music, the record label arm of award-winning public relations guru and filmmaker Chris Cahilig.

“I am incredibly excited to share 'Buti Na Lang' with the world because we worked very hard for the song and the music video to be the best it can be and make its mark in the PPop industry,” says Los Akiyama. “More than that, I hope it resonates with the Filipino audience.”

The track, which talks about deciding to open a door and seeing a brighter chance at love, can also relate to Los’ direction in life–how he almost contemplated a return to the corporate world but decided to take more chances in the entertainment industry.

Los collaborated with student director Dizelle C. Masilungan, who he worked with in the film Kung Nag-aatubili, for Buti Na Lang’s music video.

The team also includes Denver Kyle Pangilinan as assistant director and colorist; Anton Stefano Acosta, director of photography and editor; Veronica Caridad, production designer; Dang Calumba, line producer; and Tatjana Deocareza and Marian Jayce Tiongzon, production assistants.

Los, the actor

Los first showed potential to succeed in the colorful landscape of Philippine cinema with his recent stellar performance in the short film Kung Nag-aatubli, which rightfully earned him the Best Supporting Actor award for the short film category at the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2024.

On this achievement, he shares, “It was a moment of validation, and more than anything, I thought, maybe there is a place for me in this industry.”

Marking a pivotal moment in his career, this recognition solidified his desire to become an actor.

Born in Quezon City and raised in San Pablo City, Laguna, Los’ journey is deeply rooted in family. He fondly recalls, “[Our family] does not know what a reunion is because of how often we see each other.”

Despite his Japanese heritage, he has yet to visit the country, but he expresses a deep interest in exploring that part of his roots.

The youngest of five siblings, all scholars, Los attributes his early success to his supportive family, especially his mother, who nurtured his passions.

Los graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Management Engineering from the Ateneo de Manila University, in a rigorous and competitive course, often reputed as a career path with the best employment offers. 

While excelling in his academics, he also nurtured his love for performing arts with his high school Glee Club, and this carried on until university, where he continued to dabble in theater and acting even more.

With varying talents, his interests are likewise diverse, ranging from sports like volleyball and swimming to other hobbies such as cooking, woodworking, and metalworking. He adds, “I enjoy traveling and diving into specific topics I can gain knowledge on.”

On his personal growth. Los believes his greatest strength is his openness to new experiences. He notes, “You [need to] learn to be persistent with what you do.”

Los feels that from this point on, he can only do more.

After unveiling his debut single, Buti Na Lang, Los aims to take on more diverse roles and work in feature films while improving his craft in different aspects of artistry, like music.

In the long term, he hopes to establish himself as a leading actor, potentially directing his films and creating meaningful work that resonates with audiences and contributes to Philippine cinema.

To young people aspiring to enter the entertainment industry, Los advises, “Just put yourself out there. In the [modern] age we live in today, there are so many ways to create, so many ways to share your talent, and so many ways to connect with people searching for exactly what you’re giving.”

He emphasizes the importance of being genuine to oneself in education, acting, and music. “Knowing yourself and continually finding yourself in what you do, that insatiable desire for learning about yourself and the world around you leads to growth that no one can take from you.”

For direct inquiries, collaborations, or media requests, please contact Insight 360 Music or Chris Cahilig at [email protected].