OPM icons Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza couldn't help but get emotional when they watched the concept video of their daughter, rising star Jayda, dubbed the Pambansang sad girl.

Just recently, Jayda released her much-anticipated album, Sad Girl Hours, with a stunning concept video during a listening party in Quezon City.

As one of the country’s most promising young artists, Jayda continues to carve out her unique space in the music scene with her introspective lyrics, captivating melodies, and a voice that resonates deeply with her audience.

During the Q&A portion of the event, Jessa and Dingdong shared their thoughts after watching their daughter's concept video.

"Nagulat kami. Kasi 21 years old na sya di ba? May sarili ng lakad yan at mas marami na siyang schedule sa amin. Mas madalas naiiwan na lang kami sa bahay. Pero nagulat kami sa nakita namin ngayong araw," said Jessa.

She added: "Alam ko yung general, yung mga nangyayari. But yung details, hindi namin alam. So sabi ko, ganun pala yun. So pag pinapakinggan mo yung lyrics ng kanta, asxxxx pala yun! Akala ko okay. Mga ganun. Pero ganun talaga.

"Kami bilang magulang, lalo na ako, hinahayaan ko siya. Ganun talaga ang buhay eh. Pine-prepare kami sa buhay para maging strong ka. Maganda na daanan niya ang mga ganun and importante kapag bumagsak siya, kaya niya tumayo mag-isa.

"Ganun naman dapat sa magulang. Pine-prepare mo ang anak mo na maging matapang mag-isa kapag wala ka na. Time will come you will not own your children," Jessa said.

Dingdong said he was so proud of his daughter's new achievement.

"May mga alam ako pero hindi ko alam lahat. So may mga na-reveal sa akin ngayon. Natutuwa ako kung paano tinahi at nabuo ang (concept video) from a fellow artist. I just can't help but marvel at how the whole creation came about. Naging short film ang isang album. 

"I know how dedicated Jayda is to her craft. At an early age, nakita namin ni Jessa she's destined for a career in music. But to see this how it came about, at naniwala yung mga tao na kasama niya sa project na ito, I feel proud sayo anak. 

"Sana kapag nakita na ito ng madlang people, hindi lang sila maantig kund maintindihan din nila yung pinagdaanan ni Jada at sana maka-relate din sila. Lahat naman tayo may kanya-kanyang storya. 

"Alam ko lahat ng tao lalo na sa social media may kanya-kayang kuro-kuro or opinion pero sana maging respectful tayo sa damdamin ng bawa't isa. 

"Minsan hindi naman natin alam kung ano ang pinagdadaanan ng lahat. But to see this completion, I just feel proud of you anak and congratulations," Dingdong added.

In addition to releasing a new album, Jayda shared what brings her joy.

"The environment that I'm in right now. The people that I have in my life are making me happy. I get to do what I love for a living. I get to live out my passion. That's what makes me happy.

"I realized during the making of this album that the type of people I did attract into my life are people who have been happy for me and love me.

"But I think at the end of the day, what makes me happy is seeing people impacted by my music. Ako ang goal ko sa music is to succeed. Sino ba naman ang ayaw mag-succeed? Gusto siyempre natin mag-succeed. 

"Nakaka-drain din yung pressure ng success pero pag nararanasan ko yung ganung instances, I always know why I do this, but I always come back to the real reason, which is what I love to do.

"I would like you guys to come out of this room thinking of your own experiences when it comes to loss of friendship and love," said Jayda.

'Sad Girl Hours'

With Sad Girl Hours, she offers fans a profoundly personal concept album that chronicles the emotional journey of growing pains, healing, and the lessons that come with heartbreak.

One of the tracks in the album, “Lumimot Sa ‘Yo,” is an anthemic pop ballad about moving on that stands out for its messages of self-love and acceptance in the final stage of healing from heartbreak, along with the song’s creative journey, in which Jayda details in a recent interview. 

Jayda told the press about the challenge of writing the track. “English is my first language, so it took me a while to finish this one,” Jayda admitted, detailing the struggle of dealing with writing outside her comfort zone and writer’s block. Even so, when she did overcome these hurdles, she ended up with one of the most powerful tracks on the album.

Jayda’s evolution as an artist is evident in her fresh direction with “Lumimot Sa ‘Yo.” The track’s piano-driven sound, combined with Jayda’s heartfelt, journal-like lyrics, showcases her deep connection to and willingness to bare her soul in music. 

“I’ve always been drawn to introspective songwriting,” she says. “But this particular song is less about telling a specific story and more about expressing an internal dialogue — a message to the universe about wanting to be loved right.”

Jayda’s journey in the music industry has been nothing short of inspiring. In addition to her latest album, she has already made significant contributions to the music scene. Her journey began with her debut single “Text” in 2018, followed by the EP “In My Room,” which included the fan-favorite track “Happy For You.” She has also tried her hand at directing, notably the music videos of her songs “Paano Kung Naging Tayo?” and “M.U. (Malabong Usapan).”

These efforts made her a versatile artist, setting the stage for Jayda’s continued evolution in Sad Girl Hours. As Jayda continues to make a name for herself, her upcoming releases promise to dive even deeper into her artistry.

Her fans can also look forward to a unique visual component accompanying “Loved For Once,” as Jayda hints at exciting projects that further showcase her creative vision.

As she shares Sad Girl Hours with the world, Jayda leaves a message for those who, like her, are still waiting for someone to choose them: “During the whole process of waiting, it’s important to choose yourself. That way, no matter what happens, you’ll find some level of contentment, and you’ll be okay.”

Sad Girl Hours is officially released with “Lumimot Sa ‘Yo” leading the charge as the focus track. The album is a must-listen for anyone who has ever had to mend a broken heart.